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Episode 314: Matchday Preview: Away to QPR!
143 Plays22 days ago
Southampton – Despite the steady flow of background news and speculation about what the future holds for Saints, the football doesn't stop and we have another game to focus on! How do we see it playing out?
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Transcript
00:00:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Southampton, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network. My name is Greg Elliott and as always today joined by my good friend and wonderful co-host Zach Ingo Finch.
00:00:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
How you doing mate, you alright?
00:00:28
Zak
Yeah, not too bad, mate. It's been a bit of a whirlwind week for Saints fans, hasn't it? Like, you don't really know, you know, sort of, Will still is gone. We're now stage where we're looking for a new manager for the umpteenth time.
00:00:41
Zak
You've got rumours from, you know, Spores wanting to look in Germany, which I think has upset quite a lot of people, to Tony Mowbray, which is a related to a Pi-related journalist, which if you know, you know.
00:00:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
upset quite a lot of people.
00:00:54
Zak
If you don't, probably better that you don't. i don't want to get sued for libel. So, yeah, it's been a bit of a whirlwind, doesn't it? Obviously, Rameu's signing and Mike very much doubt he'd appear today.
00:01:09
Zak
But, like, you know, we're recording before that dotted line's been signed, right? So...
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah I mean, anything's possible. we were saying it's, it's crazy, right? It's like a transfer episode without the transfer window. It's all like every couple of hours, something's changing. Is it going to be this? Is it going to be that?
00:01:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Russell Martin's odds on favorite. Then it's coming out that he's not considered at all. Ralph Hasenhutl's on the list and he's not on the list. Uh, it's just, yeah. James Will Prowse is coming back on loan in January.
00:01:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're getting the band back together. It's just, uh, uh, a slightly wild time, right? It's, uh,
00:01:44
Zak
And you heard it here first, Theo Walcott, his chromatic reason.
00:01:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:01:50
Zak
yeah I don't want i don't wanna provide any more misinformation that's already out there. But yeah, no I think it's it's hard to see the wood through the trees, right? When you've got all of the what's going on at the moment.
00:02:01
Zak
And I think it's it's just trying to make sure that, you know, whatever you're reading, just have look at the source that's what i'm trying to do just just like look at what you're seeing look where the source is go on to the source and then have a look and see if that's reasonable if it's like a random website that might not have any relation to anything maybe it's not real but the other problem is that people can just say whatever can't they and yeah i don't know like the odds have slipped a little bit on on russell martin now right i think all of the nostalgia glasses have come off a little bit and yeah i think
00:02:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I certainly... I
00:02:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
noticed that would be the most insane thing on the planet. Oh!
00:02:35
Zak
Or they're they're leaving it two to three weeks to see if they can get another candidate before falling back onto Russell Martin, hoping at that point Norwich don't snap him up.
00:02:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh!
00:02:42
Zak
And if Norwich want to snap him up, I can only apologise. But, you know, we can do a swap, mate.
00:02:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:02:46
Zak
We'll have to leave Manning. They can have Russell Martin.
00:02:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But do you know what, mate? In the midst of all of that craziness, there's a football game still going to happen.
00:02:55
Zak
Nah, mate, we don't play football anymore.
00:02:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Can you believe it? Like, they come
00:02:59
Zak
We don't play football. We just feel miserable all the time. LAUGHTER
00:03:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
but they come thick and fast, and we have got to preview it somehow. An away fixture to QPR. I mean, up and down form for QPR, they got battered by Ipswich at the weekend, but
00:03:17
Zak
Yeah, they also had that 7-0 loss to Coventry where I think, if I remember rightly, they reacted with a win pretty quickly.
00:03:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Credit, right?
00:03:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
give it Give credit where it's due, mate. 7-1. Hmm.
00:03:26
Zak
Oh, sorry, 7-1. It's like when we beat West Brom 3-1 in the final, right? And like my wife points out that that goal took place. And I remember being there, Greg, and i still don't remember a goal going in, but there we are.
00:03:39
Zak
so So, you know, that's probably how it feels for consolation, right? so To be fair, how much would we have given for those 9-0 defeats to have a goal from us that road, right? would have made life a lot easier. but But, you know, credit where credit's due, and I guess that, you know, they are a higher than us at the table right now, you know?
00:03:56
Zak
which is upsetting, I guess. But then it's not really hard to do that at the moment is the problem.
00:03:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, I mean...
00:04:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's going to be... It's such... It's so hard to preview the game because but there's just so many unknowns heading into it. We don't know if, you know, if we're going to line up in a similar way or if it's going to be completely different.
00:04:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, I can see it being perfectly fine that he would come in and not want to rock the boat too much and play something, you know, similar lineup wise to what we've seen. We might see Jack Stevens come back in. There's been sort of speculation about, you know, about his involvement in in getting Will Steele out of the club or, or he might just bend the lot off and play the under 21s. And I don't think I'd be opposed to that either. Right. Like,
00:04:47
Zak
If you look at how it's happened previously with interim managers, caretaker managers, you're right. they kind of I guess at that point, they kind of have to rely on the training, like the senior members of the squad to help, right? So that's kind of what happened to us with Rusk a little bit because, you know, how long is he going to have had?
00:05:03
Zak
So they found out, what, Sunday? So he's got, he's had Monday, Tuesday.
00:05:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
which is normally an off day, right?
00:05:08
Zak
Yeah.
00:05:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Monday's normally an off day, Tuesday, today, presumably almost travel, right?
00:05:13
Zak
Exactly.
00:05:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
So maybe a half day session before that.
00:05:14
Zak
So realistically, So at that point, it's going to be like, OK, so what did we, how do we wewar line up? you know And if they're doing if they want to go positive, it would be four at the back, right? You know, just make the change. At to this point, if we lose, at least we've given it better try. And if supposedly we have the players to do that, because this is the other thing that I can't get my head around, is that there seems to be sort of a massive discourse as to whether our players are really good or they're really bad.
00:05:41
Zak
but Maybe it's Maybe it's both, depending on the day. You've had, obviously, we've talked about the statement from Woods. there There's also been a little interview with Adam Armstrong, who, again, like, I don't know how I feel the about the statements that are coming out. I'd not rather just see perform the reaction of it. But putting out it out, it just kind of feels like bluster.
00:05:59
Zak
Like, I get it. if youre If you're in that position, you're trying to, I guess, lay down your leadership preventative, right? to try and say, like, look, we are, we know we need to give, but it's like, oh, we you know, we know we need to do our best and also give 100%.
00:06:12
Zak
We've been trying, but we've not been given 100%, and it's like, I understand that, you know, i don't expect any of you to have taken an English degree, apart from maybe Aurelio Rameo, as we know, he's literature man.
00:06:23
Zak
But I think it's very difficult to kind of, or fans, to try and take any of that on board without actually seeing it displayed on the picture.
00:06:34
Zak
Like, I would have expected Armstrong to be louder. We were at St Mary's. were quite close, mate. like You're always quite close. You shout at You're probably half the reason Nathan would have got mad. But it's some know you expect to hear more, I guess, vocalisation. And it it was pretty stunning.
00:06:52
Zak
And I think that you know but and that's one of the reasons that obviously Rouxet has probably been caught in. I reckon this must have been on the works long before, which is why I'm also a little bit baffled for maybe to still like the week with him.
00:07:03
Zak
potentially coming into the side, or it was an emergency hit, hit, hit the emergency button when Shay Chaz went out injured, which I could also 100% see as.
00:07:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, it makes sense.
00:07:13
Zak
So, yeah.
00:07:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
It just seems unlikely he's going to be involved though, right? Like he's not played football since, what, May properly? i know that he's...
00:07:21
Zak
I mean, even if you just bring them out half time, you know, give them... given Well, it's not, we're away, are we? So it's not like I very much doubt that going have him, allow him to come out half-time, give him a clap.
00:07:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we're away. Yeah.
00:07:34
Zak
He might be with the squad, he might travel with them, he might even be on the sidelines or whatever, but I just feel like I don't know how much the rumours are that he's going to come in for, you know, how long he's going to come in for, right?
00:07:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:47
Zak
Because there's also the the conversation that's made with Postgre, I don't know if you've seen, that that they want to try and take their time not rush into anything. and I mean, you have this discussion where you're like, well, realistically, they should have a plan and they've been looking for the last month.
00:08:00
Zak
But it's damned if they do, damned if they don't, because if they immediately replace Google still with somebody, like today, it will be like, wow, this is just a panic. They've lined some up and immediately put them in. If they take too long, it's going to look like they're actually doing their searching now, not already having a short list.
00:08:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I disagree with that, mate, because I think they should have had a plan and there's a like option C here where you can make an appointment that isn't questionable enough that it's written down and written off as a panic.
00:08:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, you could just be prepared and sign someone sensible that that makes sense, has experience, and people, even if they don't necessarily agree with the call, can go, yeah that makes sense.
00:08:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like...
00:08:44
Zak
Yeah, but I think you're struggling to figure out who wants that, you know, that negotiations for that kind of take place. And would they have taken place already? Who's actually available? Carrick is the only one that I'm seeing anyone sort of remotely being all right with.
00:08:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:08:57
Zak
Other people are talking about Brendan Rodgers stuff. Like, he literally left at the weekend. like what are you expecting? Like, the turnaround of expectations around stuff like that is insane.
00:09:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
hmm hmm
00:09:06
Zak
But but there obviously the rumours being that he might be in charge, you know. People are saying, oh, he might get the job for the rest of the season. But he also might not get the job for the rest of the season, but might be in charge for a bit longer than we'd expect to. So potentially after the international break and have a couple of games before we get in off the permanent manager because they don't want rush.
00:09:25
Zak
But you're right. it's just It's just, again, like, this is kind of all on sports head, right? don't know how was going to put it. You know, I saw somebody make a very good point or night Twitter, whatever you want to call it nowadays, about like, you know, four sidelines of A attacking midfielder, and a striker.
00:09:45
Zak
And if you put Azaz, Kwasi, and Downs into those boxes, that's not really fantastic recruitment from Mr Sports, is it?
00:09:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:09:54
Zak
Whereas the other ones could have, you know, arguably been elsewhere. But yeah, I guess we've just got to... i Get behind the new under-21s interim manager.
00:10:06
Zak
Get behind the players for the 12th time.
00:10:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because he might get the job anyway. So...
00:10:09
Zak
Yeah, get behind the players for the 12th time and hope that they produce something and just the hope that, like, you know, I'll take a win. I'll take anything at this point.
00:10:19
Zak
I don't know if the draw or kite, no, quite. But, you know, can see, obviously, we're talking about line-ups a bit. I can see them doing some different things, mate, if I'm totally honest with
00:10:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, mate. Well, let's have a little break, hear a word from our partners at Bionic, and then come back and do maybe the hardest job week and see if we can pick a lineup.
00:11:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay, mate, and we are back. Before we jump into team lineups, I want to take a look at the the historical stats. I know your favorite part. You can always always judge things based purely off history, right? Especially in such a period of uncertainty.
00:11:31
Zak
especially well the last time two times we played up was when russell martin was in charge so you know
00:11:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. and We won both of them, right? 1-0 away and 2-1 at home.
00:11:40
Zak
he did
00:11:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
In fact, in the last eight times we've played them, we've won five of the games, which is which is nice. Pretty dominant for us. One draw and two losses.
00:11:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's a It bodes well, historically.
00:11:58
Zak
You said that, but it's it's it's interesting for me that you've got like conversations that are taking place.
00:11:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
i
00:12:03
Zak
right You have a look at those last two games. You've got Sam Odozie got his first goal against against QPR in that home win. And then you've got Adam Armstrong scoring, which again, like da Gavin Bozzu in goal.
00:12:19
Zak
yes And then that second game, it was a Taylor Harwood-Bellis goal. And Shea Charles got a red card, the 89th minute.
00:12:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:27
Zak
And how much of our team is different to them?
00:12:30
Zak
And bear in mind, we've got up the premiership and down. You know, I think some people were talking about how Leicester had problems for similar reasons, right? They've got basically the same team that went down and went back up ages ago.
00:12:41
Zak
And, you know, it says a lot, but you're right. If they know how to beat QPR, is I think are probably be a slightly different team now.
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah But based off of current season form, QPR's home form is average, and Saints are performing very poor. So...
00:12:58
Zak
very poor versus average perfect uh we're the upper dogs right which is all
00:12:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
a
00:13:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah The old AI spiel gives it to QPR with their home form and attack, where we struggle on the road.
00:13:04
Zak
so
00:13:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they don't think either team's going to keep a clean sheet, so... Southampton all draw double chance with an over two and a half goals is the bet consider. So they think that even though yeah for whatever trust you put in it, you know, Saints scoring a couple is on the cards.
00:13:32
Zak
You say a couple of goals, mate, and a draw, that could just be a one-all. Over
00:13:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
well i Well, no, over two and a half, it would have to be two all.
00:13:40
Zak
to an half. Okay.
00:13:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:41
Zak
Okay, no, you're right. Two-all, perfect.
00:13:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, that would have to be 2-1 or 2-2, right? So...
00:13:46
Zak
Okay. I mean, yeah, it's like how that computer predicted Preston would win and they won 2-0 and that was even more upsetting. It's just that it's very difficult for you to kind of deal with it.
00:13:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
it sir I don't put a lot of weight in it, but I do like looking at it. it does entertain me, if nothing else. Right, mate, predicted lineups. How different you think we're looking then?
00:14:10
Zak
He's had Baez in goal in the other 21s the other day against Real Madrid. So maybe he goes, we switch him out.
00:14:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:14:16
Zak
You know, I think you even said that Armstrong probably would have maybe done a bit more with that last goal. Sorry, Armstrong. McCarthy. That's how good I'm doing today, mate.
00:14:28
Zak
Like you said, that even you said that Baez would have probably done better than McCarthy. And, you know, previous goal, previous game, when a couple of his goals went in, sort of like McCarthy have done. you know, would Baz have fun better than McCarthy.
00:14:41
Zak
Some people say no, some people say yes.
00:14:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't know.
00:14:43
Zak
Change, twist, stick, fall in.
00:14:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're just... I mean, I think that they're both... I mean, they're both goalkeepers with their own attributes, right? but the
00:14:52
Zak
They are both goalkeepers employed by us.
00:14:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Look, I don't know yet. It might be the right time to make that change. It's definitely possible. I could potentially see it. don't know. You think we go with back four or stick with a back five away from home?
00:15:08
Zak
I think that we go for a back four. like what are they like We've already win we lost the last three games on the trot.
00:15:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:14
Zak
What's there to lose at this point
00:15:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
hit Who's your centre-back pairing, though? we going back to Jack Stephens, Harwood-Bellis? Because I think we've proven that doesn't work, haven't we?
00:15:21
Zak
this point?
00:15:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or does Nathan Wood get his redemption chance?
00:15:23
Zak
I think the problem is is i would have I would have maybe per would maybe put Nathan Wood in. But the problem is is that I don't know if he will be picked. I think he probably better the away fans than he will the home fans.
00:15:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:15:41
Zak
But, you know, he's put his apology out there, I guess, on merit. But I can imagine them going for stability in the sense of, okay, well, let's bring back the captain and then probably play the hard work.
00:15:54
Zak
dare or not That's just how I imagine
00:15:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do we have any left backs?
00:16:00
Zak
we have money. He'll still be there, probably.
00:16:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay, I mean, he looked hot he looked fully injured on Saturday for at least 70 minutes of the game. So, is he going to be fit enough to start, do we think?
00:16:08
Zak
yeah Well, let's look at our other left-back options. We've got Juan Larios, who's on loan. We have Wellington, is suspended. And we've got Ryan Fraser, probably.
00:16:19
Zak
So maybe Ryan Fraser, who hasn't really played on the left apart from when he got sent off against Leicester.
00:16:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Oops. Oops.
00:16:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sammy Odozie prefers the left, normally further up the pitch, but I've seen him play full-back before.
00:16:28
Zak
He was out injured still, though, right?
00:16:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is he still... Oh, he's still got a knock. Oof.
00:16:32
Zak
Yeah, to my knowledge. So that's what that's what the other problem I think was the only only kind of credit you could give to Wilstead a little bit is that we do have a growing injury crisis more than we let on.
00:16:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is Wellington back or is his suspension for more than one game? I don't really know.
00:16:49
Zak
I genuinely don't know. I would assume because of the fact that it was straight ride, it was longer.
00:16:54
Zak
It wasn't for like dissent or anything like that, right? So I think we're just used to the fact that it's usually Jack Stephens that gets suspended for two other games for swearing at a referee.
00:17:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but that's true.
00:17:03
Zak
Yeah,
00:17:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I don't know It's really tricky. And especially, Yeller could play both sides as well, but he's injured as well, right? Hmm.
00:17:14
Zak
yeah that's the other problem. with it unless he's Unless he's made a mela miraculous ball Hungary, and I haven't seen any sort of They're usually press conferences, right? The last announcement that the the actual club put out on any social media was just to say that we're still going to let go.
00:17:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:32
Zak
So we're kind of flying blind a little bit this episode, especially when it comes to the injuries. But I feel like if he's fit, if Gellert's fit, he would go in there. If not, I genuinely say it being like Ryan Pryder.
00:17:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I've seen him as confirmed. Wellington's confirmed suspended. Adozie, Yeller, Charles and Ross Stewart all confirmed as out long-term injured.
00:17:52
Zak
So then then you've either got Manning or you've got Fraser.
00:17:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So,
00:17:55
Zak
And if Manning is that knackered and I imagine you're right, it's probably, i imagine it probably be Fraser just because of versatility more than anything else.
00:17:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah.
00:18:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:05
Zak
What else do we have?
00:18:06
Zak
like it's It's ironic. we we You remember we were talking about, we had that.
00:18:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
the
00:18:09
Zak
but
00:18:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Stick Woody in at centre-back and play Jack Stevens left-back or something crazy. Like some sort of wonky system.
00:18:14
Zak
No, no, no, let's not do that. Let's not play because the player is horrifically out position. like We know that Fraser can cover those areas.
00:18:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:18:23
Zak
He did it on the right, right? So the problem is is that he did do it on the right in a through-back system, right? So then he could just be a bit more creative than if he'd go in four-backs.
00:18:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:18:31
Zak
So then maybe you're right because of the left-back situation, which we're in. Similar to the right-back situation we used to be in like couple of years ago, right? When all of our right-backs were out and James Ward-Prowseks were playing there.
00:18:43
Zak
You know, it's going to be quite difficult to figure out what's going to happen until we actually see if Manning's in it.
00:18:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe we bring a Rebo in. That's a position I've not seen him play before. We can tick it off of his bingo card of positions, right?
00:18:52
Zak
Well, apparently we should just have... Aribo should just be the first name on the team sheet regardless, apparently.
00:18:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
like
00:18:57
Zak
i Apparently that's the thing that gets a round of applause. So he can sing his song.
00:19:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did not look match fit coming on. Hmm.
00:19:03
Zak
He didn't look that fit.
00:19:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
coming on lu
00:19:04
Zak
I know he only had eight minutes to make an impact, and I can't say that other players shouldn't have been able to make an impact because they had eight minutes and he also only had eight minutes. Also, I don't really see how he was applauded for being off for so long.
00:19:19
Zak
Right. Who knows? Maybe there was a thing with Will still. Maybe it will change tomorrow because we have somebody else in.
00:19:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, we don't know the story. is you know As far as we're concerned, it's it's fresh start, right?
00:19:25
Zak
No, we don't. We don't. That's ultimately where we're at.
00:19:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Realistically, if he comes in and puts in 110%, you can't hold against him that he hasn't played for three months because it might not have been his fault. As much as it could well have been and probably was.
00:19:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
We don't know. We don't have the facts.
00:19:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
say
00:19:43
Zak
The metaphor I have in my head, mate, when you said it's a fresh start, is that it's like somebody just bringing out a rotting lettuce and putting it out.
00:19:50
Zak
Just in like in the supermarket, like, yeah, guys, another fresh new start.
00:19:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:19:56
Zak
And you're like, yeah, okay, do date a new day for new new produce that's definitely not rotting from the inside out. But yes, no, i think that I think you're right. Maybe he'll get his chance. Maybe we don't know what's happened.
00:20:06
Zak
Maybe it was to do with gro still. We won't know it until we see realistic people light up. But I wouldn't be opposed to him being back if he could do something.
00:20:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
park. What's got to look like? Yander? Flintowns?
00:20:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who's in that number 10 role? That's the question. I mean, Azaz has looked...
00:20:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
not great for me. the
00:20:28
Zak
Yeah, it's difficult, right?
00:20:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not seeing anything.
00:20:29
Zak
Like...
00:20:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm not seeing anything to prove the sign in yet.
00:20:31
Zak
Here you go. So if we go in... four at the back, do you go again, I've already said that probably think that's not going to be the case, but if you go at the back, you've got three, you go down to the reboot, potentially in the number 10.
00:20:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe. I mean, Ariba is not going to manage 90 minutes though, is he?
00:20:49
Zak
Because that would be,
00:20:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
He struggled to do 90 minutes when he was playing every week.
00:20:52
Zak
nah, see the problem. so So then maybe he starts, maybe Azaz starts and then you swap him out for a replay later on. Because the problem is, what are you going to do? The other option is Matsuki, but I don't think Matsuki's played the under-21s either.
00:21:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
I guess Sienza right drop him more central rather than playing him out wide and try and start Sienza in that number 10 role and have Robinson and fellows play wide with Armstrong through the middle
00:21:20
Zak
I mean, I'd like that. I really wish that if they do that, but they don't just try and lump balls to Armstrong the you know through the sky and actually play into the correct passages.
00:21:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:21:29
Zak
But there we are. so that That's my only fear. But yeah you're right, it's it's difficult because also these injuries have kind of, you know, made it really hard to kind of guess at the moment.
00:21:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe, maybe and but I mean, Armstrong what didn't exactly cover himself in glory on Saturday.
00:21:40
Zak
It's flipping a coin, isn't it?
00:21:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe we see Damien Downs get a proper full start and maybe we you know start to see him make the impact that he should be making. Maybe we start playing the ball to him in a way that actually suits his style because when he came on Saturday, at least he put himself about.
00:21:57
Zak
the Yeah, again, he didn't even't have a chance to make an impact.
00:22:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
He got the keeper under pressure.
00:22:03
Zak
People were annoyed that he didn't really get the ball. Again, it was eight minutes, if that, because there was a supposed injury in extra time as well.
00:22:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah it you know, he he came on and looked like he was trying, which is more than can be said for most of the rest of the team. Like, he he chased the goalkeeper down and very nearly got it. He pressed the centre-backs and nearly got it.
00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
There was one absolute hospital pass at one point that he very nearly got on the end of anyway, but obviously the keeper got there first. Like, he was putting himself about. the The effort was there,
00:22:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, if he'd have stuck a foot out a second, you know, reaction with a slightly better reaction time, he probably gets a goal as well. don't think we even talked about that.
00:22:44
Zak
I think it would be a risk, but i do also think that this would be the time to take the risk, right?
00:22:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know?
00:22:49
Zak
If you're the the interim manager, i I don't know whether he's seeing it as a job interview.
00:22:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:22:53
Zak
I very much doubt it if they're talking about the amount of candidates they're trying to bring in, right? i would Again, like I wouldn't be surprised if he gets it for a bit longer until they bring someone in.
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he feels like he feels like a spores man, so he feels like he's got a bit of rope to to go with.
00:23:02
Zak
But...
00:23:05
Zak
Yeah.
00:23:07
Zak
Yeah.
00:23:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:23:09
Zak
So then I know that that's not going to be popular. It's deep. To me, it's starting to reek of like... And that this probably probably is for us... I'd probably say the same for us with way that we kind of treated Ben Brereton Diaz. And that that's on our head as well, mate. I'm not going to lie.
00:23:26
Zak
But it does... When does doing that to a player ever a sort work? When does getting mad and pulling them rubbish and screaming at them and booing them ever work, right?
00:23:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:23:35
Zak
Like, all I'm thinking of is is the sort of redemption arc of Harry Maguire this year in Manchester United and how everyone's kind of been like, yeah, he got treated really, really unfairly.
00:23:46
Zak
But I know that most of the people I've spoken to about that, myself included, probably made jokes about it at the time. And I just don't think that, i you know... I don't think I want to be part of that.
00:23:59
Zak
Does that make sense? I don't want to be contributing to that environment of making a a young guy who is a paid professional football player feel even worse about the lack of confidence that he can really have.
00:24:12
Zak
And so, yeah, maybe maybe they do take that risk and take the risk of the booze and stuff and do something bold and maybe it plays or pays off. Or maybe it doesn't and it's a problem.
00:24:23
Zak
And, you know, they end up throwing on armour later. But it's... If there's ever going to be a game where you see a completely changed line up and I go, huh, rather than, ooh, I think this will be will be the one, right?
00:24:35
Zak
Because nothing's worked thus far.
00:24:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, well, we'll certainly see how it plays out. Right, mate, on to the more exciting part of the show next, our score predictions. Let's take another break and hear from our partners at Zencaster.
00:24:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platforms. And Zencaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:25:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description and learn more about Zencaster.
00:25:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, mate, as is the weekly tradition, I'm going to throw you under the boss first. So what you thinking? are you feeling?
00:25:20
Zak
Oh, don't know.
00:25:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
New manager bouts? Do they exist?
00:25:23
Zak
We've never had a new we've add a video manager draw, so maybe let's go with that. Let's go with The idea we're scoring is farcical this point, but, you know, Leo Schienzer deserves another. And I'd just love to see Downs put some...
00:25:36
Zak
I mean, let's say he comes on as a star from the scores. That would just be good. A revitalisation of somebody, right?
00:25:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:25:43
Zak
and then And then, you know, I understand that it's one cross-fitting straws. I'm going to be wrong, but Maybe it's time to grasp its draws.
00:25:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's fair, mate. 2-2. That's maybe a fair result.
00:25:58
Zak
I don't know, where to be clear, I don't know whether it shows progress or not.
00:25:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm thinking...
00:26:01
Zak
Because we we've had quite a lot draws recently until this weird losing streak.
00:26:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:05
Zak
But, you know.
00:26:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm thinking 3-1 win. Uh...
00:26:09
Zak
Okay.
00:26:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know why.
00:26:10
Zak
Okay.
00:26:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Look, I've got... I've got... just got feeling maybe this is the new manager bounce that makes it work for us, you know? Tom Fellow's on the score sheet because going to become a meme at this point, right?
00:26:21
Zak
it may this at this point At this point, I expect any goal to be scored by Tom Fellows, whether he's out injured or not.
00:26:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:28
Zak
That's what you would be.
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yander to get get past his fear of posts, right? Finally get one over the line.
00:26:37
Zak
Oh, bless him. Yeah, sure.
00:26:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Just, like, kick on. Just do it. Start winning games. 25 wins. Give Eckert the job full-time. Get us promoted.
00:26:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, whatever. Let's do it. Why not? I'm... No.
00:26:51
Zak
Look, that's the other thing, right, is that we have had a tradition of, like, I don't i don't think I trust Sporz on that lot at the moment, and rightly so.
00:27:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:27:00
Zak
But also, we have had a history of, before Ralph Hasner, who would join the club, no one really knew who was, at least in the UK.
00:27:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:09
Zak
Before Pochettino joined, again, I will point you back to the meme that I always take an account of, which is, who's the manager of who's the new player? And that was the picture of him at Mary's in the snow. people knew who Koeman was because of you know his his his playing attributes.
00:27:25
Zak
But you know he went on to then like manage Barcelona, admittedly during a bad time.
00:27:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:27:29
Zak
But still, we had somebody that managed Barcelona who once managed us. right So sometimes there can be a time and a place for a manager to break new ground.
00:27:40
Zak
we We hoped it would be Will Still. I still think he'll go on to do good things with a better squad. just not Just didn't work out. I have no way talk to him whatsoever. But yeah, maybe Todd is the guy to bring us forward.
00:27:53
Zak
I have to to myself, mate, so I can get through the week.
00:27:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:28:00
Zak
How about you? Obviously, 3-1, you're feeling very positive, mate. So it's not...
00:28:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah look, I mean, look, I yeah i just... I don't think I have it in me to stay feeling negative for for too long, despite how downtrodden I feel after every game.
00:28:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just spring back every time, mate.
00:28:21
Zak
amount of money that you've spent being a season ticket holder for the last three years, mate, I would probably feel the same way. i would I too would have to gaslight myself into believing, truly, that it's great fun at the moment being a solid and supporter.
00:28:35
Zak
But you're right, we care about the team.
00:28:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
But look, mate,
00:28:36
Zak
but
00:28:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I look forward to sitting and watching it on Sky Sports Plus and don't know doing something and having my wife laugh at how terrible we are would be nice.
00:28:47
Zak
It'll be good, mate.
00:28:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, fingers crossed. right, mate, look, that's that's all we've got time for anyway on that bombshell.
00:28:52
Zak
Yeah.
00:28:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we'll wrap it up. Thank you, as ever, for joining me. Thank you, everyone, for listening. Let us know in comments on the socials how do you think it's going to go? Are we going to get that new manager bounce?
00:29:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are on all of them. Look us up on X, Blue Sky, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, everywhere. If there's social media, we are probably on it. We love hearing from you.
00:29:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let us know what you think. And whatever happens, we will be back tomorrow to to talk it through. a fun late-night midweek recording is everyone's favourite.
00:29:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's where it gets crazy. All of the emotions come out in their rawest form. So look forward to that. LAUGHTER
00:29:39
Zak
I know you're talking about me.
00:29:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's going to be good. I can't wait. We will see you tomorrow to talk about it. But until then, have a great day, everyone. Come on, you saints.