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Daily Liverpool - Pre-Newcastle Crossover: The Premier League Curtain Raiser for the Carabao Cup Final!
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Louie Easton is joined by Michael Grahamslaw from the Daily Newcastle team, looking ahead to a cold Wednesday evening for Premier League football at Anfield and the Carabao Cup Final!
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Transcript
Liverpool's Momentum & Newcastle Challenge
00:00:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the daily Liverpool and daily and Newcastle crossover ahead of the midweek Premier League fixture and it's been a fantastic weekend hopefully we can keep this momentum going from a Liverpool perspective and a team that are looking to challenge for the top four ah for the end of the season Newcastle United Michael thank you very much for joining me today
00:01:10
Michael
No problem, man. Thank you very much for having me. How are you doing?
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, great. sir It will be a big match for Liverpool because it's the first one coming out of ah probably the biggest match from our perspective of the season um going for the title now.
00:01:25
Michael
Yeah.
00:01:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's the first time as a Liverpool fan that I felt that we are probably going to win the league for sure. that's That's how I feel.
00:01:34
Michael
Really?
00:01:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
that This is the first time I've felt that way after that match. But i'm we'll get into those sort of questions later.
Historical Significance of Liverpool vs. Newcastle
00:01:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll talk about this match, you know, Liverpool versus Newcastle. um This is weirdly one of the best fixtures in English football.
00:01:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, you think of the 1974 FA Cup final if you're of a certain age. ah That's the match that turned my dad into a Liverpool fan.
00:01:55
Michael
yeah
00:01:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
You think of the Collymore in 1996, and even in recent history, Fabio Carvalho, the 97th minute goal at Anfield, Darwin last season at St.
00:02:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
James' Park after Van Dijk getting sent off, and this season, even though the, what was it, 3-0 draw, 2-0 draw, whatever it was, at 3-0 at St.
00:02:16
Michael
Yeah, thrill.
00:02:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
James' Park, Salah was on fire. It felt like we were going to win that match, and then we all saw what happened at the end.
Fan Base Passion and City Morale
00:02:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So what, obviously the history makes the, the match so special, but also the fan bases, is Michael, it's, it's special for multiple reasons, this match.
00:02:39
Michael
Yeah, 100%. I think it's one of those matches where, because you've got two working-class fan bases, football's everything for Liverpool fans, football's everything for Newcastle fans. And although Liverpool have had a lot more success than Newcastle in recent years, it's two sides who, realistically, when the football team's on form, the city's pumping and every single person in the city is happy.
00:03:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, it really is one of of those ah ones. And especially since Newcastle also have the stadium right in the city centre. And I've been to Newcastle a couple of times. And what I've noticed around that city is I see a lot more football shirts, ah especially the retro ones as well, which really...
00:03:17
Michael
Yeah.
00:03:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I have that respect for other teams that wear the retro ones. you know, you think of those sort of early 2000s Newcastle brown ale shirts that you guys have. And also,
Strengthening Newcastle with Liverpool Players
00:03:29
Michael
yeah
00:03:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
um i mean, I've never been to a Newcastle match, um but what I've heard is the fans are absolutely insane.
00:03:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
I so still remember the Champions League one. against PSG I watched that on TV and it was just blown away ah by the atmosphere ah so plenty of culture in this match I like asking this question ah to people I have on the daily Liverpool crossover and you can ask the same question to me afterwards if you could have one player from Liverpool in the Newcastle team who would it be and why
00:04:04
Michael
ah How many people have said Mohamed Salah? I think that's that's a given.
00:04:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, it's it's usually one of two players, and Mohamed Salah is one of them.
00:04:12
Michael
Yeah, I would have to say with this Newcastle side at the moment, Mohamed Salah a given. Our right wing is quite weak. um Jacob Murphy's been in fantastic form, but he isn't really the standard of the rest of the team.
00:04:24
Michael
And if you put Mohamed Salah,
00:04:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
He made that mistake in the Forest match the other day, though.
00:04:28
Michael
Yeah, and to be honest, that's Jacob Murphy all over. He'll either have an absolutely blinder of a game or yeah know he makes a couple of mistakes and can't really get a his rhythm on the ball.
00:04:39
Michael
You put Mohamed Salah in that position and, well, I think even Newcastle would be above Arsenal at this point.
00:04:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, he has been he has been the best player in the world, I think, this season. I don't think that's a controversial
00:04:51
Michael
Yeah.
Premier League Top-Four Race
00:04:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
thing.
00:04:53
Michael
No.
00:04:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's fair enough to say that he is the front run runner for the Ballon d'Or because he's bailed us out of so many situations. um But, I mean, it's an exciting one as well, and it's coming at a crucial time ah for both Liverpool and Newcastle.
00:05:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's It's a crazy situation um for that sort of area of the table where all teams got like five teams, I think, at the moment, all fighting for the top four.
00:05:20
Michael
Yeah.
00:05:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
got Forrest in third and Newcastle just sort of on the outside of it, Man City in fourth and...
00:05:23
Michael
Yeah. and so
00:05:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, it's it's a crazy situation. What to Newcastle would be a successful season at this stage?
00:05:38
Michael
I think it all depends on, which again, Liverpool versus Newcastle, the cup final in the Carabao Cup. If Newcastle go on to win that, fans would probably be satisfied with finishing in the Europa Conference League, um which to be honest, still sounds big for a club that's been in Europe once in the last 11 years.
00:05:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:05:57
Michael
But when you look at the players we have, it's almost to be expected when you have Alexander Isaac, Bruno Gamares and Sandro Tonali. um But what I would say, if we... do you end up losing out in the Carabao Cup final.
00:06:10
Michael
Top five is ah must for Newcastle just because Champions League qualifications allows you to keep those players that I've just mentioned. And for many Newcastle fans, that's what would be a successful season.
00:06:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So um we'll talk more about ah Newcastle in just a moment. But before that, let's hear about our sponsors, Bionic.
Prioritizing Trophies: Carabao Cup vs. Champions League
00:07:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I'd like to talk a bit more about Newcastle now in this segment. um You touched on the Carabao Cup final. This almost feels like a curtain raiser for the final.
00:07:18
Michael
Yeah.
00:07:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah I'd like to know from a Newcastle's perspective, what is more important to you? Would it be winning the Carabao Cup? Or would it be the Champions League? Because also think about this.
00:07:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know Newcastle haven't won a major trophy in a number of years that I can't think of off the top of my head.
00:07:38
Michael
yeah
00:07:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But the Champions League, if you qualify for that, you're allowed to spend more of your money. And also in what's going to be a crucial ah summer transfer window for Newcastle.
00:07:46
Michael
yeah
00:07:53
Michael
Yeah, 100%. I think the answer, we were in a similar scenario two years ago when we played Man United in the cup final and a lot of fans said then they would take Champions League qualification over the cup final win.
00:08:05
Michael
I think that changes now. We've had a taste of it. We've had yeah we've played Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and we've played well against... Two over three teams, let's say.
00:08:16
Michael
But we lost the cup final. And if you ask anyone what they remember from that year we finished fourth, it's losing the cup final. And i don't think anyone...
00:08:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do think, though, just just a counter argument, though, in that Champions League group stage, you were incredibly unlucky with a couple of refereeing decisions that ultimately changed the outcome of that group stage.
00:08:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah next Next season, you're going to have eight matches rather than six, and it's going to be a bigger league Therefore, giving you more likelihood of going through to the knockout stages and also more likelihood of playing at least Europa League football if you don't qualify out of that sort of middle ah part of the table.
00:08:35
Michael
Yeah, absolutely.
00:08:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that is something to consider.
00:08:58
Michael
Yeah, I mean, it's one of those things where, if I'm honest, I kind of want us in the Europa League slash Europa Conference League because if you look at the teams in it, Newcastle have a bigger chance of success.
00:09:10
Michael
I'm not deluded enough to say we'd make it to the quarterfinals or the semifinals of the Champions League and potentially going to win it. But if you win the Carabao Cup, let's say, against Liverpool, and then you go on to the Europa League anyways, you're playing eight games against teams in the Europa League and you've got that better chance of success and bring it home, ah you know, a UEFA trophy to Newcastle, which 1969 fares Cup.
00:09:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:35
Michael
That's the last time we've had any sort of success. So, Being able to bring home a trophy of the Europa League standard, even the Europa Conference League standard, it's what people laugh at, but West Ham United to completely changed the mentality of their club winning that.
00:09:49
Michael
And sure, they haven't done great since, but what a memory that would be. And
Key Players & Strategies for Liverpool Showdown
00:09:54
Michael
having that for Newcastle, I couldn't dream of anything better.
00:09:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough. And also, as it stands, you are in a Europa League spot ah just behind Manchester City on goal difference.
00:10:03
Michael
Yeah.
00:10:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's what's preventing you from getting into the top four at the moment. Twelve matches to go. Still a long way to go
00:10:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But what to Newcastle would be a successful season at this stage?
00:10:11
Michael
hu
00:10:17
Michael
Yeah, I mean, I touched on it before that finishing top five, with the way the UEFA coefficients looking, um with Italy struggling so much in the Champions League, it's that England are going to get those five Champions League spots.
00:10:28
Michael
So Newcastle, we're expecting to finish behind Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City even. Finishing fourth or fifth, that's a successful season in the league. Yeah. Even sixth, which gets you into, I imagine, what would be the Europa League.
00:10:42
Michael
Seventh, you have a conference because you'd imagine both Liverpool and Newcastle are going to be in that top seven.
00:10:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:48
Michael
So it's it's one of those where success is...
00:10:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah you also it also depends on who wins the FA Cup as well, but i it' still on to your point, sorry.
00:10:54
Michael
Yeah. Yeah.
00:10:56
Michael
Yeah, us and Manchester City, you know, it's it's one of those where in the FA Cup, they're the two favourites, but a lot of the big names have been eliminated. Aston Villa the other one in there. So you're looking at one of those three if it's going to go to... Oh, and Man United, which, yeah, probably not going to win.
00:11:12
Michael
But, you know, I think we'll both agree on that.
00:11:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're out of it. We're out of it.
00:11:15
Michael
Yeah.
00:11:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Arsenal are out of it. I think Forest might might even be the favourites at this point, which is almost crazy to say ah before the season.
00:11:22
Michael
Yeah.
00:11:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, I mean, it has been... i mean, there's still plenty of hope for Newcastle fans, and rightfully so.
00:11:29
Michael
Yeah.
00:11:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
um We touched a little bit on Isak earlier. ah i'd I'd like to know... Is he the biggest threat to Liverpool at this stage, ah especially considering the game that he had against us earlier um this season at St. James's?
00:11:47
Michael
Yeah, I think you've seen his quality. He's one of those players that if you get him on the ball, he'll do something magnificent. But the players you've got to stop are the ones that actually get him on the ball. And the two that get Newcastle ticking, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Gamares, they weren't on the pitch together for long against Nottingham Forest. And when they did, we were up against it.
00:12:06
Michael
So they couldn't really control the game. But in games where Sandro Tonali is able just to sit back in that number six year role, Bruno plays the eight. they can control and dominate games for Newcastle and they're the ones that get the ball Izak and all you have to do it sounds easy to stop Alexander Izak to stop the ball getting to him it's not as hard as it sounds with Newcastle if you put players like let's say Ryan Gravenberg on either Sandro Tonali or Bruno Gamares
00:12:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think you'll be able to hold on to him this summer then?
00:12:37
Michael
yes I've got no doubt at all that Alexander Izak will be a Newcastle player at the start next season
00:12:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really? i I'm amazed by your confidence.
00:12:43
Michael
yeah
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
what why What makes you so confident that you'll be able to hold on to him?
00:12:49
Michael
Because, is well, number one, the price tag. With the way PSR, etc., is going, Manchester City's legal battle is pretty much won. Newcastle are being very shrewd with what we do in regards to our finances. We haven't got a training kit sponsor, etc. There's a lot we're holding back on until we know that deal is sorted.
00:13:07
Michael
And with Alexander Azak, If he leaves, it will be to someone like a Real Madrid, maybe a Manchester City. The teams that are mainly interested at the minute, and this is no disrespect to Arsenal, probably aren't going to be willing to pay that £150 million that we're asking for for one player.
00:13:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no way.
00:13:25
Michael
So if Isaac leaves, it'll be in the last year of his contract or as a free transfer, which ultimately would be very it would be horrible for us from a financial perspective.
00:13:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:35
Michael
But seeing Alexander, Isaac in a Newcastle shirt for an extra season is priceless.
00:13:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I completely understand where you're coming from. but There's another player that I did want to mention um from Newcastle, and this is ah position that I think is of a lot of importance for the England squad as well. Lewis Hall um has been absolutely terrific, in my opinion, the best left back in the Premier League this season.
00:14:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
Salah's Record-Breaking Potential
00:14:01
Michael
I would agree.
00:14:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Would you agree? And do you think that he should be the nailed on number one left back for England?
00:14:07
Michael
100%. Hall is a a young talent at left back that we've never seen at Newcastle. I think one of the best left backs we've had is Jose Enrique, who went out to Liverpool and ah didn't do that well.
00:14:17
Michael
um But Lewis Hall...
00:14:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Injuries, injuries.
00:14:20
Michael
yeah We'll blame injuries. But Lewis Hall has all the potential to be England's best left back for the next 10 years. I know Arsenal fans talk about Lewis Skelly. Looks a fantastic player, but the way Lewis Hall is playing this year, you know you could say Anthony Robinson, maybe Milos Kerkhez have been up there as well.
00:14:37
Michael
But Lewis Hall has been the standout for me without a doubt. He looks fantastic.
00:14:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
how How important is he not only to the defense, but also to the attack? Like, just the entire way the squad is played, because he has so much energy.
00:14:51
Michael
Yeah, it's one of those where your full backs, and in Eddie Howe's side, it is so important to have full backs that can overlap. well Our backups to Lewis Hall and Tino Liveramento are Matt Target and Kieran Trippier, two players that can't really move too much. Trippier's got a fantastic ball in, but if you look at the comparison between Lewis Hall and those two backups that I mentioned, mentioned particularly against Nottingham Forest in the first half,
00:15:17
Michael
Lewis Hull up and down, you know he's got he's got an engine like ah five and but a long just a marathon runner, let's say. He can run the distance of the pitch 20 times over and still be able to go.
00:15:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:29
Michael
And it's one of those things where he 100% is essential to Newcastle's game. But at the same time... It's one of those where a left back and a right back don't have as much say as what the two centre mids do, obviously, in a game. So it's one of those where if Lewis Hall wasn't available, we could cope.
00:15:48
Michael
But he is still, without a doubt, for me, the best left back in the Premier League right now.
00:15:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, I agree. And, you know, I've been very defensive of Andy Robertson all season, but I mean, yeah it would be a bit delusional of me to put him over Lewis Hall, especially at this point.
00:16:00
Michael
Yeah.
00:16:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I completely agree.
00:16:05
Michael
Yeah.
00:16:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he should be the left back. And other people say... uh, you know, maybe Tino Livramento, because he can also do a job at left back. Uh, we saw Kieran Trippier as well doing it, the Euro.
00:16:13
Michael
Yeah. 100%.
00:16:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
So for some reason, Newcastle just seems to be very involved with the, uh, fullback position at England, but he's, he's the best of the three, I think, Louisville.
00:16:25
Michael
hundred percent
00:16:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, uh, for the reasons that we have just mentioned. We are going to take another short break now. um Then we'll talk more about Liverpool and then some predictions. But first, it's time for you to find out so what we use to record our podcasts here at the Global Sports Podcast Network.
00:16:47
Michael
Thank you.
00:17:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Alright, so I'll throw the reins over to you then, Michael. what What have you got for me? What questions have you got for me about Liverpool heading into this game?
00:17:23
Michael
Good stuff. So the talking point after the Manchester City game was Mohamed Salah and how close he is to breaking that goal and assist record in the Premier League.
00:17:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:32
Michael
To me, it seems inevitable that that's
Liverpool's Set-Piece Struggles & Counter-Attack Focus
00:17:35
Michael
going to happen. But do you genuinely think he could have a goal and assist record that is maybe unbeatable going forward? Maybe above that 50 mark?
00:17:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well... I mean, his his form is just insane. you You know, 25 goals ah in 27 games alone is just unfathomable.
00:17:49
Michael
Yeah.
00:17:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the fact that he's got as many assists as he has on top of that... i
00:18:02
Michael
Yeah, it's insane.
00:18:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
ike
00:18:02
Michael
Yeah.
00:18:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can't imagine season like it before this season, but it's happening in front of my very eyes. It's literally every game that he's got at a goal contribution. um
00:18:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's such an exciting time to be a Liverpool fan because, I mean, for the first time in my lifetime, there has been a Liverpool player with a very good chance of winning the Ballon d'Or.
00:18:14
Michael
Yeah.
00:18:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
mean, the last time this happened is probably around 2005, 2006, when Steven Gerrard was at his best.
00:18:29
Michael
terrible about
00:18:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And before that, probably Michael Owen in 01. But Salah is just an absolute legend already at the club. He's well and truly cemented himself in the list of the all-time greats.
00:18:42
Michael
Yeah.
00:18:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And in my opinion, the best right winger in Premier League history. Best winger, that's a bit of a... That's another topic for another time.
00:18:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
I still think Henry on the left is is a little bit better. But if Salah beats that 20 goals and 20 assists ah record from Thierry Henry, then we need to have serious talks about the greatest ever...
00:18:54
Michael
Yeah.
00:18:59
Michael
yeah
00:19:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:19:12
Michael
Yeah, I would agree to be honest.
00:19:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do I think it will happen? I mean, if he continues like this, I don't see why not, because we've still got 11 games to go. And yeah, ah he he he is ridiculous.
00:19:21
Michael
Yeah.
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
And if there's anyone capable of it, it's him.
00:19:27
Michael
Yeah, 100%. I think it's one of those where it says a lot about Arnie Slott that Mohamed Salah has not just been able to continue that form he had under Jurgen Klopp, but actually improve on it, particularly as an older player.
00:19:40
Michael
Last year of his contract, you would see so many players' mentality but down, you know thinking about the next move, not Mohamed Salah.
00:19:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:19:47
Michael
And I think that's a credit to both Arnie Slott and the player himself. But one player that I do want to talk about who, to me, I think he's been a bit of a revelation this season, and that is Ryan Gravenberg.
00:19:59
Michael
I think it's one of those where no one expected him signing from Bayern Munich to have the impact that he has.
00:19:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
na
00:20:05
Michael
But would you say he's been one of the greatest in his position this season, if not the best?
00:20:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think so. I mean, i i do think Alexis McAllister has had a very underrated season as well. um Ryan Gravenberg is so important to this system ah because he plays in that pivot.
00:20:17
Michael
No.
00:20:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah He's amazing going forward on the ball. And, you know, before he came to Liverpool, he was a number 10. So that's why his dribbling is so good.
00:20:31
Michael
Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. All right.
00:20:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for him to be doing that from deep and moving between the lines... There are a very few players who have the confidence to try that. And also, Ryan Gravenberg is quite young as well. um
00:20:42
Michael
yeah
00:20:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, I never expected this. I don't think anyone expected this, but it's been very welcome, especially considering the fact that we didn't get Zubomendi in the summer. um So, it's a position that we definitely needed strengthening, but...
00:20:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
with this transition for Gravenberg, it doesn't seem like we do anymore. Because we've got Gravenberg, we've got Endo, we've got McAllister, and we've got Morton and Neone, who are youngsters as well, coming through.
00:21:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's fine. We're sorted. Curtis Jones as well. I didn't even mention him. So
00:21:12
Michael
yeah
Newcastle's Defensive Tactics & Squad Considerations
00:21:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's a position that we don't really need ah strengthening anymore.
00:21:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
I still think we could do with some defenders... um But it's been a brilliant season for our midfield. That's the biggest change to Arda Slott's Liverpool from Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool for me.
00:21:32
Michael
100%. be honest, it's fantastic see because he was written off during his time at Bayern Munich. And to be honest, maybe quite foolishly so, and he's done a fantastic job since signing for Liverpool. But one area where Liverpool perhaps haven't been as strong as what you would maybe so expect this season and has been set pieces.
00:21:49
Michael
Now, scored one at the weekend, brilliantly worked. But so far this season...
00:21:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Straight off the training ground.
00:21:55
Michael
yeah So, from what I'm seeing this season, only Fulham have actually scored less set-piece goals than you this season. So, is that something that you you know have noticed going forward?
00:22:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
wow.
00:22:05
Michael
Maybe corners and free kicks aren't as impactful as what they maybe have been, despite having Van Dijk and Canardy as those two aerial options?
00:22:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think that's fair, and I had no idea about that stat. I thought that asset pieces were sort of you know normal but could be better.
00:22:23
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:22:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But after hearing that stat, i now that's now given me the reason to want more. Because, like you mentioned, Van Dijk and Canate are two players that are incredibly capable of winning headers in the box.
00:22:31
Michael
Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:22:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know Van Dijk, we've talked about him constantly, about the fact that His headers are like every duel he wins. And he's so clever because he can judge a ball. And, you know, growing up, he played as a striker. So he has a little bit of a sort of goal scorer's instincts in him.
00:22:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah The final, the only trophy won last season, the final um against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
00:23:02
Michael
He scored the winner, didn't he?
00:23:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
He scored the winning header in that one.
00:23:03
Michael
Yeah. yeah
00:23:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he also scored another header from a set piece in that game that was wrongfully ah disallowed by VAR. So I don't ah think that we should be that low.
00:23:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think we need ah we need to improve on our corners, definitely. ah not maybe not so Maybe not someone like ah who's at Arsenal or Aston Villa screaming on the touchline as a set piece coach, but...
00:23:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
um yeah i that is an area for concern definitely
00:23:36
Michael
Yeah, 100%. I mean, to be honest, I find it refreshing to see that a team isn't relying on set pieces. yeah Arsenal, where you can quite clearly see with their form at the moment, you know they're struggling because the set pieces aren't quite going their way.
00:23:48
Michael
Newcastle, we're pretty much a bang average side from set pieces. Nothing to shout home about, but defensively we're quite good against them, which, to be honest, probably plays in your favour because we're more...
00:23:59
Michael
open from open play, while Liverpool, obviously, when it comes to the counter-attack, there's no one better. But would you put that down to you know just the speed of that through and through? We saw against Villa with the set um defensive set pieces in the ah first game, not the the most recent one, where you were just so clinical on the counter-attack.
00:24:18
Michael
Do you think it's one of those where you've maybe focused more on transitions after the set piece rather than the actual set piece itself?
00:24:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:24:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think so. And that's not just something that's happened on the slot. That's happened for generations. and
00:24:32
Michael
Yeah.
00:24:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've always been a team that have looked to hurt teams from mistakes or right changes. And I also think it is just a class thing, you know, in terms of the decision making, the know-how in transition and Liverpool look for those sort of players in the transfer market. They're very shrewd with their business. They
00:24:51
Michael
Yeah.
00:24:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah very um i mean they look at the stats and they think about all of the sort of things like that as sort of a money ball thing but when you've got someone as fast uh in transitions as your mo salah as your darwin nunez is even your cody gap pose and your luis diaz is as well that gives you the rights to want to sprint forward and when you've got players who are as
00:24:58
Michael
Yeah.
00:25:06
Michael
Yeah.
00:25:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
um accurate with their through balls as Sobos Lai, McAllister, even Van Dijk, Trent and Alisson as well.
00:25:22
Michael
yeah
00:25:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's very good with his feet. that that does make you very confident that you can punish teams ah who, but, but we're very, but with that, we're also not great at breaking down teams who are in a low block.
00:25:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we struggle even with Plymouth. We struggled there because they just sat back the entire game, had five at the back, ever three massive centre backs in the box.
00:25:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think that that's a massive strength in Newcastle. mean, we didn't see it on the, weekend and I actually thought Newcastle were quite poor in the second half from getting the ball out from set pieces actually that we mentioned earlier and I think that is a huge weakness in Newcastle's game ah from watching that game but
00:26:01
Michael
Abysmal, yeah.
Title Race Assessments & Predictions
00:26:12
Michael
Yeah.
00:26:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah we we we are much better in an open game and I think if it is a cagey affair then we will struggle
00:26:21
Michael
No, ah to be honest, i'm I tend to agree. The way we've beat Arsenal this season, we've played them three times, haven't conceded a goal, three clean sheets, five goals.
00:26:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:26:31
Michael
And i think the way we've done that, obviously the last game we played five at the back, we had those three centre-backs, much like Plymouth did against you guys. And I think... We maybe would have seen the same on Wednesday if fitness was up to scratch.
00:26:45
Michael
um But unfortunately, it looks like Sven Botman will miss the game. um Might be back for the cup final. So maybe we'll see the five at the back there. um But I think on a Newcastle perspective, what you saw at the weekend was really missing that Rolls-Royce defender that we call Sven Botman. and Dan Byrne, Fabian Shaw.
00:27:02
Michael
Brilliant players, but not quite at that level. But there is just one question that i thought I'd end on, and it is a bit of ah a cheekier one, of is the title pretty much done now?
00:27:13
Michael
Can we just wrap up that side of the Premier League?
00:27:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah ah Do you know what? This is the first time all season that I've said yes.
00:27:19
Michael
Yeah.
00:27:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think, ah you know, I'm someone who's very cautious about my answers um because of my past trauma against Manchester City, you know, and they've pipped us to the title by one point.
00:27:20
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:27:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And obviously the slip that happened, the infamous Gerrard slip that happened 11 years ago, that made me a bit cautious and a bit reluctant to properly go out on a limb and say it.
00:27:33
Michael
No,
00:27:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think, you know, the way that Arsenal played against West Ham is not a team that should be threatening us um for the rest of the season with this points deficit.
00:27:49
Michael
not at all.
00:27:53
Michael
no not at all
00:27:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, I know we've had a game in hand But even if they win their game in hand on us, that's still eight points. And from 11 games to go, it just doesn't seem that likely.
00:28:03
Michael
Yeah.
00:28:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liverpool need to get to 90 points now.
00:28:09
Michael
No, I'd agree.
00:28:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got 20.
00:28:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that's 26 points to get there from 11 games.
00:28:17
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:28:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
If we win all 11, that's 33 points. And that means that we can afford to drop seven points. for 11 games the rest of the season, that just doesn't...
00:28:26
Michael
Yeah.
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
that That seems like a very nice cushion to have.
00:28:33
Michael
hundred um
00:28:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
so So I think we'll do it.
00:28:36
Michael
Yeah, 100%.
00:28:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:28:38
Michael
ah From my perspective, from the outside looking in, Arsenal are the team that basically, they either do it or they don't.
00:28:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, go on.
00:28:44
Michael
We saw the weekend, it's 100% they're not going to. And I think they lose midweek against Nottingham Forest as well. So you could well make that gap 14. ah Hopefully you don't, and it stays 11. But it's...
00:28:55
Michael
ah but
00:28:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Why do you say that?
00:28:57
Michael
it's ah Well, I'd kind of like us to get for a little bit more upfront on the ah the Champions League push. I'd like us to do a little bit better on that front, but who knows?
00:29:08
Michael
um And I think, yeah, it makes sense, really.
00:29:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, right. Okay. yeah
00:29:12
Michael
um But it's...
00:29:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
I thought you were pro Arsenal for a moment there.
00:29:13
Michael
it's
00:29:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was a bit worried. yeah
00:29:16
Michael
No, no, don't worry. I speak far too much sense to be an Arsenal fan. um But I think it's it's one of those, you look at sort of Arsenal's fixtures, they've still got Man Utd, Forest, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bournemouth, which isn't an easy game. I think second last game of the season, playoffs, they're dropping at least nine points, if we're being really generous.
00:29:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, that's very nice.
00:29:37
Michael
There is no way on earth...
00:29:38
Michael
yeah
00:29:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's very nice of you to say, because like I don't... ah but When it's our rivals and they're challenging us, I only see the positives from them. um
00:29:49
Michael
Yeah.
00:29:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
i did I saw no positives against West Ham, but they are still Arsenal, so therefore I'm not really going out on a limb, like I mentioned.
00:29:58
Michael
ah Sounds like the trauma of being up against Man City for five years, which thankfully I've never experienced.
00:30:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Yes.
00:30:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, honestly, if you if you lose, it's the worst thing ever. um But, you know, we won off our share of trophies during that period anyway, so won't complain too much.
00:30:13
Michael
Yeah.
00:30:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, I've got one more thing for you, Michael.
00:30:18
Michael
Nice.
00:30:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are you a man? yeah i mean, there's two types of people in this football world. There's someone who loves making predictions and there's someone who hates making predictions. Which one are you?
00:30:28
Michael
I love making predictions and often I fall flat on my face but it's part of football isn't it
00:30:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. Okay.
00:30:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Would you please be ever so kind as to make your prediction ah for Wednesday night?
00:30:41
Michael
I think it is going to finish 2-2. I think Newcastle are going to start the game very quickly. I think we're actually going to catch you out a little bit. You'll expect us to sit back a little bit, play on the counter.
00:30:52
Michael
We'll do the same thing we did against Arsenal, where we'll start on the front foot. We'll get an early goal. We'll try and hold on to it, unfortunately. You'll come back two go to go 2-1 ahead and we'll score.
00:31:03
Michael
I'm not saying late on. but 60th, 70th minute to make it 2-2, and then it'll be a little bit of a ah nice old five-a-side feel where it's just end-to-end to finish the game.
00:31:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. Okay, well, that's very um that's very optimistic of you because whenever teams visit Anfield, especially on a night, um that's that's when they start getting a little bit worried because Anfield nights are special.
00:31:21
Michael
Oh, yeah.
00:31:27
Michael
I get it.
00:31:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I i think... Do you want to change your answer now or are you going to stick with your...
00:31:32
Michael
Oh, no, no. i I know 100% we haven't beat you at Anfield since like 1994. The last time we beat you was under Steve McLaren in 2015.
00:31:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:31:42
Michael
But when this Newcastle side are on it, they're better than any other Newcastle side we've seen in that time. It's just a question of are we going to be on it or not?
00:31:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:31:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Will it all come together?
00:31:52
Michael
And there's a reason.
00:31:53
Michael
Yeah, there's a reason we've beaten Nottingham Forest three times this season. and There's a reason we've beat Arsenal three times this season. So if there's ever a time that we're going to do something against Arsenal, it'll be now.
00:32:05
Michael
But I will admit, i am being a little optimistic in saying that we'll draw 2-2 and not have expected goals conceded of, what was it last year? ten 10? Something like that? Yeah.
00:32:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
i I don't remember.
00:32:16
Michael
it was It was the biggest XG conceded of any team in Premier League
00:32:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
but it was ridiculous.
Conclusion & Match Excitement
00:32:21
Michael
history.
00:32:21
Michael
Somehow we only lost four two. um But yeah, I'm confident that we'll put in a good performance and I'm more optimistic of a result than anything else.
00:32:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Fair enough. I think the one thing that's scaring me the most is Anthony Gordon versus Trent Alexander-Arnold.
00:32:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
um That's just because Trent got absolutely destroyed by Doku against Man City. And it's a miracle that we kept a clean sheet in that one with that battle. Because I think Trent in that game got dribbled past more than any other player has been dribbled past in a football match in the Premier League this season.
00:32:38
Michael
Yeah.
00:32:52
Michael
11 times.
00:32:56
Michael
Yeah.
00:32:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that that worries me.
00:32:57
Michael
Yeah.
00:32:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And also we also... have no backup for Trent ah as a natural right back because Connor Bradley still injured. um
00:33:05
Michael
Yeah.
00:33:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that worries me a bit. Canarte will need to be on it. And I think that right-hand side is the biggest, is is the biggest, ah most interesting battle of the match.
00:33:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm still very confident in a left-hand side. I think Robertson and Van Dijk, I have no issue with them at the moment.
00:33:25
Michael
Yeah, I got that.
00:33:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah I think Anfield will carry us to a win. I'm going to say... 3-1. I can see it being 3-1 and Salah will get and either a goal or an assist.
00:33:34
Michael
Yeah.
00:33:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
i'm I'm really going out on a limb and saying that that will probably happen.
00:33:41
Michael
Yeah, I have to say it wouldn't surprise me. um It's one of those fixtures where literally anything could happen.
00:33:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:47
Michael
I mean, history has shown that and no one would be surprised. I will say people will probably be surprised if we pick up a comfortable victory. But let's be honest, I've watched Liverpool this season. It's probably not going to happen.
00:34:00
Michael
But fingers crossed, we have hope.
00:34:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've
00:34:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've only lost once all season in the Premier League as well.
00:34:06
Michael
Forrest, yeah.
00:34:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Forrester. Oh, God, that was dreadful. That was really bad.
00:34:10
Michael
Yeah.
00:34:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, ah let's hope that doesn't happen.
00:34:11
Michael
Hoping for another one of that. Yeah.
00:34:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we will end the podcast there. It's been a very interesting one. ah Liverpool versus Newcastle. Kickoff at quarter past eight on Wednesday nights at Anfield.
00:34:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Michael, thank you very much for joining me. It's been a real pleasure having you.
00:34:32
Michael
You too. Thank you very much for having me.
00:34:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And tune in soon as we will find out what happens after the match. Join us tomorrow for our review. And if you're on the Newcastle podcast, enjoy whatever they're doing.
00:34:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
See you later. Ta-ra.