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Newcastle vs Arsenal | Full Match Preview, Tactical Breakdown & Bold Predictions
11 Plays2 days ago
Massive game incoming! 🏟️ Michael Grahamslaw and Iain Mackay break down everything you need to know ahead of Newcastle United vs Arsenal at St. James' Park this Sunday.
🔍 Team news, predicted lineups, key injuries
🧠 Tactical battles: Howe vs Arteta
⚔️ Midfield wars: Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton vs Rice, Merino & Zubimendi
⚡️ Can Gordon be the difference-maker again?
📉 What’s at stake for both clubs – and is this a must-win?
🎯 Final score predictions & players to watch
If you’re a Newcastle or Arsenal fan – or just love your Premier League match previews with proper analysis – this one’s for you.
👍 Like, 🔔 Subscribe, and drop your score predictions in the comments!
#Newcastle #Arsenal #NUFC #AFC #PremierLeague #FootballPodcast #MatchPreview #EPL #NewcastleUnited #StJamesPark
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Transcript
Introduction to the Podcast
00:00:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Newcastle podcast, your go-to for everything black and white. I'm your host Michael Grahamslow and today we have a special extended episode as we gear up for Sunday's massive clash at St. James's Park, Newcastle United versus Arsenal and arguably the game of the weekend. Joining me today is my good pal Ian Mackay. How's it going Ian?
00:00:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
You doing well?
00:00:39
Iain
Doing okay, Michael? Yes, I'm at my mam's, as you can see. i am recording lying down in my studio. It's not. It's just sitting with the Omini in the bed.
00:00:50
Iain
But it's like you had a, you know, chaise longue or something to do your podcast on. It's marvellous. It's all good.
00:00:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Ever the professional, my friend. Ever the professional. And you what the thing is? He's lying in bed and he still does a better job than me in the studio. So that's all that matters.
00:01:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But absolutely massive game for
Newcastle's Lineup and Strategy Discussion
00:01:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Newcastle this weekend. Are you feeling ready for this one?
00:01:13
Iain
I am buoyed watching our ostensibly second string. I know it wasn't, but it was it was a strong team that went out against Bradford, and I was there.
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:01:26
Iain
They played really well, Michael, all the way through the game, actually, as well.
00:01:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Great performance.
00:01:30
Iain
and So, yeah, thinking about one or two of the players like Tonali, et cetera, who will come back in, think we're ready for Arsenal. Arsenal seem a bit meh.
00:01:43
Iain
at the moment. ah fat
00:01:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:45
Iain
mean the hospital
00:01:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, we do tend to say things that bite us in the arse on this pod, but it's all good. It's not fun if you don't say a few things a little controversial, but I completely agree with the ah the starting lineup.
00:01:57
Iain
and i dont
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just want to ask, do you think that we had more of our strongest XI starting against Bradford than we did against Bournemouth? Because that's something I've seen a bit online, and I think at the end of the season we might kind of be agreeing with that.
00:02:15
Iain
Well, I know we said the Bournemouth game was more important than the Barcelona game.
00:02:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:24
Iain
And that's why Valtemar had played at Bournemouth and didn't play it didn't start against Bournemouth. Now, could it be, as defending champions, that Eddie prioritises the League Cup for that to be even more important than the Premier League game away at Bournemouth?
00:02:40
Iain
um It definitely was a stronger side that went to Bournemouth because Gordon was back. and Joe Linton and Bruno replaced Tonali and Willock so that's two good midfielders it's for one um and you know me I like the whole Leverimento axis at full back
00:02:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:03:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
yes you do big fan
00:03:05
Iain
um nothing against Kieran Trippier what a star but I think I think before those two so yeah I would agree with you I think it was a stronger lineup.
00:03:17
Iain
I think we can have an even stronger lineup by combining the best elements of the two though.
00:03:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think that's what we will do. So while on the topic, let's dive straight in. Obviously, we you know Gordon, Alanga, Chow, Bottman, Gamares, Joe Linton, all started against Bradford.
00:03:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I'm going to start with the back line. Do you think we're going to start with the back four or keep with the back five? What do you think?
00:03:45
Iain
At home,
00:03:47
Iain
well, I think most games at home we play 4-3-3. However, the back five was so successful at frustrating Arsenal last year that I think he might go with that.
00:03:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:01
Iain
um
00:04:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, completely agree.
00:04:03
Iain
think I think he might be playing the three centre-halves and we might see another fabulous performance by Dan Byrne. turning up on the wing and in the number eight position and chasing the, chasing Rice around the midfield.
00:04:23
Iain
ah So we'll do that. We'll have them stepping out of the back three to act as a an extra midfielder at stages, I think. And hopefully will'll be we'll be seeing Joe Linton funneling back to act as an extra centre-half when needed.
00:04:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
Controversial Plays and Player Fitness
00:04:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. And one of the reasons that back five was so successful against Arsenal was the the press of Fabian Scher. Obviously, or only casually at the back ahead of this one. If it is the back five, do you think it's, well, it will be Botman, Byrne, and probably Malik Chow. But if we do go with four, who would you see missing out out of those three?
00:04:59
Iain
Oh, it's tough one, isn't it? It's a tough one. I think Chow would miss out because Byrne and Botman have played together so regularly before.
00:05:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:10
Iain
If it was me picking,
00:05:13
Iain
Byrne's a colossus in defence. It's like trying to get and the ball through a brick wall sometimes when you're crossing it in the box. And Jokor Esk is Arsenal, a potent force on the um the transition in the box now as well, rather than just corners.
00:05:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:05:30
Iain
Um, yeah, I think I would go with Byrne and Botman.
00:05:35
Iain
I do like Chow,
00:05:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Bottman, yeah, same.
00:05:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's a fantastic player when he's head screwed on. I think he does have a few moments where he goes a little bit AWOL and does things that maybe you sit there and go, why are you doing that for?
00:05:43
Iain
though.
00:05:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But two games in, pressure's obviously going to be there. But we mentioned Bottman there. Oh, oh.
00:05:55
Iain
Can I just say about Chow, by the way, in that Bournemouth game where everyone said he should have been sent off for a yellow car second yellow card, I thought he quite unlucky.
00:06:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:06:03
Iain
He just moved across in front of the player and put his foot to get the ball, but but the ball unfortunately went underneath his foot and and the striker ran into him. I don't think he stepped across to body checking or anything.
00:06:16
Iain
and Fair enough, a free kick, but you could see that he was there to make a tackle. because the ball ran free and he didn't get to it, it looked clumsy.
00:06:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think it's i think it's one of those...
00:06:27
Iain
But it certainly should never have been a red card or a second yellow to send him off.
00:06:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think it's yeah I think for me it's it's one of those where you're you're looking to see if Ryan Christie gets ah through on goal, if it's a dangerous goal-scoring opportunity.
00:06:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
What I would argue with that in Chau's defence is that it looks like there is another player who would be able to get back. um But when you look at it from the Bournemouth perspective,
00:06:48
Iain
Hmm.
00:06:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
the ball's in front of them, Christie's ahead of the defender, you don't know if he's just going to hit that first time and get a shot away. So it is a goal-scoring opportunity, but I think it would be one of those, VAR did intervene on yellow cards, it's probably the same as the two penalty shouts where VAR doesn't overturn it and just goes with what the referee says.
00:07:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So, yeah, ah part of me agrees, part of me does think we got a little bit lucky.
00:07:14
Iain
Thank
00:07:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just on the topic of Sven Botman, Sven Bokmann hasn't played started three games in a row for a very long time. If he starts against Arsenal, this will be his third start in eight days.
00:07:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, it's Arsenal at home. You want your best centre-back, your most dominant centre-back on the pitch. But do you think we've eased him in enough now that he can cope with that kind of schedule?
00:07:41
Iain
I think so. I think he was close, was he not, to coming back. You'll have to remind me, Michael, whether he actually did come back in the last game or two. I can't remember.
00:07:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think he's he played a couple of minutes um started a couple let again a couple of games but again it looked like he rejigged one of his injuries towards the end of the campaign um so it's ah it's a difficult one because every time he seems to get run of momentum he just seems to pick up another niggle
00:08:04
Iain
Right.
00:08:12
Iain
Well, I think he's looked quite good coming through some strength training.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
he has yeah
00:08:16
Iain
He's done of pre-season. So, i mean, you know, the time time tells, doesn't it? There comes a time where you have to put the pressure on and see if he's properly repaired.
00:08:27
Iain
Maybe Eddie feels he's fit enough, match fit enough for that now, which is good. We have to do it. If he goes wrong, we have got backup, which is different to previous years.
00:08:38
Iain
Um,
00:08:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. hundred percent
00:08:40
Iain
I think someone ought to have tried that on Willock a few times.
00:08:46
Iain
Saying he's been injured is an excuse after he's played more than 30 games since he was injured.
00:08:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, it seems like he doesn't get through 30 minutes before he's injured again at this point. But we mentioned Willick there into the midfield.
00:08:59
Iain
Yeah.
00:09:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
It feels like Gimara's Tonali, Joe Linton's kind of the nailed on trio for these big games. But do you think Lewis Miley's the kind of player that's maybe played himself into contention for these games or is Sunday not the time for that kind of gamble?
00:09:17
Iain
Depends how Joe Linton and Bruno came out of the game. If anyone got a knock, I don't think you'd have to risk any of those three because trust Miley enough to step in.
00:09:30
Iain
Certainly at home, I thought he was really tidy against Bradford. And he was the one who sat in the Tonali role to let Bruno and Joe Linton push forward, um which is a lot of responsibility for him. I know, unfortunately, his...
00:09:45
Iain
clearance got cut out and cost the goal, but I mean, most strikers in that position would have put that ball way over the bar, not in off the bar.
00:09:54
Iain
um So I can forgive him that, but I don't think it'd start if the other three are fit. I think the other three are still head and shoulders the best midfield that we have brackets in the Premier League, closed brackets.
00:09:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:10
Iain
So think Miley's first man coming on
00:10:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:10:15
Iain
If any of them gets a knock, Jordan, Miley would step in there.
00:10:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I completely agree. And sort of the reason I ask um sort of leads into my next question of the the
Attacking Strategies and Predictions
00:10:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
front three. Obviously, Nick Vultomar is the one that we all want to be leading the line. and But it's a big task against that um that Arsenal centre-back partnership.
00:10:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think Vultomar starts or do you think Gordon gets another chance through the middle and he brings Vultomar on as a substitute? Because there is a big game in the Champions League in midweek afterwards as well.
00:10:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think?
00:10:54
Iain
three. We're doing five at the back, aren't we? And the three, we've got the three guys in midfield, so two up top, which would be Gordon and Valtimada, I think.
00:10:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:07
Iain
If we're starting the way we mean to go on, I would quite like, and
00:11:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:11:13
Iain
maybe ah it's a much better team to pick when it's 4-3-3. four three three But if we have to pick two up front, I think Gordon's the centre forward, Valtelar had a place behind him.
00:11:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is, isn't
00:11:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I'd come to be honest.
00:11:26
Iain
Paul and hopefully Bruno and Joe Linton will do these late runs into the box that they did very well against Bradford.
00:11:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would like to say that.
00:11:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I do. Yeah.
00:11:40
Iain
Joe Linton could have had a hat-trick instead of just the two that he had. And Bruno could have scored a couple because they timed those runs very well.
00:11:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:11:47
Iain
And it was Vultimada picking them out for the last half hour.
00:11:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he was great when he came on. He was fantastic when he came on linking the play.
00:11:52
Iain
Yeah.
00:11:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's it's one of those where he is brilliant at that sort of thing and you do need a striker ahead of him. ah Even if we played the 4-3-3, I wonder if we'd be tempted to play Joe Linton out on that left-hand side ah with Gordon ah potentially through the middle and then Volta Marder coming on ah in the sort of second half.
00:12:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But I'd love us to be a little bit more positive if we do play that back five, play Volta Marder, and let him try and get Anthony Gordon in behind, because you do need pace in behind against that Arsenal back four, and to be honest, it could be the making of Anthony Gordon as a centre-forward until Johan Wisser gets in.
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if we do start that 5-3-2, are we agreed that's probably the the way to go?
00:12:38
Iain
i could I mean, there's loads of things I would love to see him try. i would love to get Valtemada. Say Joe Linton moves to the left wing position, to the left attacking position, and Valtemada places a 10 in front of Bruno and Tonali.
00:12:56
Iain
Or Valtemada and Bruno sit in front of Tonali, and you've got Gordon and Joe Linton doing right and left up front.
00:13:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:04
Iain
That would be interesting.
00:13:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, very.
00:13:06
Iain
Valtemada.
00:13:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've got so many options.
00:13:08
Iain
I know know, it's hard to pick, isn't it? I think he's signed as a nine, isn't he, Volta Marder? So he'll get picked as set forward.
00:13:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:13:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, to be honest, it might just be that way. um But yeah, that's us for the first part. We'll go into Arsenal a little bit more in the second part. We've picked our team pretty much there. um We'll go into how we think Arteta will line up at St. James' Park in part two.
00:13:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for now, it's something better than Arsenal. It's Bayern Eek.
00:14:18
Iain
That old one, eh?
00:14:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, apparently, ah it just like Arsenal, it loves the number two. So it just has to happen again. um But we're to swing over to Arsenal now. We know Saka, Saliba, Eze, etc. all went through the Port Vale game unscathed.
00:14:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
They played quite a strong side ah for that game as well. There is uncertainty around Martin Odegaard and Pietro Hicampi, the new defender on that side. But how do you see Mikel Arteta lining up at St. James' Park?
00:14:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is he going to be as conservative as we've seen him against Liverpool or Manchester City? Or do you think there's now a pressure to be more attacking because he's tried the controlled approach against City and Arsenal and only come away with one point?
00:15:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think?
00:15:05
Iain
um I don't think Arteta, despite losing three times to us last year, I don't think Arteta would have Newcastle down in the same bracket as Liverpool and Man City, personally.
00:15:19
Iain
I don't think he'd hold back. I don't think he's worried. He's never worried. He always loses never scores, but he's never worried. I think they'll go probably four three three
00:15:33
Iain
and they've got an array of talent that they could choose from. They've got a really... I mean, what is it? Is it actually two players for each position now? And you can do that almost without
00:15:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, pretty much.
00:15:47
Iain
and almost without weakening the starting line-up. I mean, it's, you know, Madweki came in and was a revelation and was fantastic, but got injured.
00:15:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:15:57
Iain
Ayosaka getting fit is... quite quite a replacement to step in off the bench, isn't it Bonkers, really.
00:16:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not bad at all. You'd think that for England as well.
00:16:09
Iain
Yeah.
00:16:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
You'd think Saka coming off the bench. Fantastic. But his biggest issue, he's is rarely fit. First game back, really starting, is going to be against us. We're a physical side.
00:16:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're quite well structured, defensively sound. When they beat us He was the star man, ah but put Dan Byrne on toast, buttered him, toasted him. Not in that order, obviously, but had him basically all ends up.
00:16:32
Iain
Oh.
00:16:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But in other games against Lewis Hall, he's looked very adequate. So think with that, it's going to be a really intense game. I think it's rarely free-flowing between the two sides.
00:16:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's more fouls.
00:16:46
Iain
and
00:16:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
uh then excellent maneuvers um but arsenal can match us with physicality uh and the you know both teams are defensively sound what do you expect from us then do you think we're gonna press early on uh and try and disrupt arsenal or do you think it'll be compact hit them on the counter
00:17:08
Iain
I think it would be a a little bit of both, wouldn't it? I think we will try to press. Raya has a bit of a track history of giving the ball away for a soft goal at St James' Park, even back to the days when he was at Brentford.
00:17:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:17:24
Iain
And who can forget his gift in the semi-final last year in the Carabao Cup.
00:17:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Beautiful stuff.
00:17:31
Iain
and So I think we will press. I think we will press. But I think we will drop back to a 5-4-1. very quickly and and hopefully turn into the impenetrable fortress that most of the Premier League come up against this season.
00:17:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:49
Iain
um Key to that is Joe Linton's fitness and aggression. We don't want a fussy referee who starts handing yellow cards out in the first 10 minutes or we might end with nine men or something.
00:18:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely not. would ruin the game.
00:18:05
Iain
and But then they might as well. So I think they'll, yeah, I think they might be cautious to start with. I think they'll probably try to let us blow ourselves out.
00:18:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:18:17
Iain
In a way that Barcelona did a little bit, quiet in the crowd and then step up in the second half. But I think that might be a mistake because you know what we're like going at teams if they sit off us.
00:18:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. Particularly if the crowd feel like they're against them as well. If the referee's having a little bit of a bad game, not letting things flow, the c crowd get on top, and then all of a sudden it's a very hostile atmosphere.
00:18:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But these are the two teams in the league with the lowest expected goals conceded.
00:18:42
Iain
Boom.
00:18:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um so Up there, should I say. Newcastle have one of the lowest XGs in the league as well so far. Arsenal... ah Despite scoring 10 goals in five games, they are quite blunt.
00:19:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Eight of those have come against Leeds and an Ange-Posta-Coglu, Nottingham Forest, which feels like it's basically a free couple of points ah this season.
00:19:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think we maybe should just start looking at the betting odds for a 0-0 now and get it over with?
Comparative Analysis of Teams' Strengths
00:19:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or do you think maybe there will be some goals?
00:19:18
Iain
Well,
00:19:22
Iain
we've not had a 0-0 at home yet. if it was a If it was an Arsenal 0-0 would be a sound bet.
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:19:29
Iain
You'd probably only get 11-2 or something on it. And that would be a great point, by the way.
00:19:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
100%.
00:19:33
Iain
I would be happy with a draw Arsenal.
00:19:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:36
Iain
No, I mean, it's always tight, isn't it it's never
00:19:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:19:40
Iain
It's never a high-scoring game at St James'. I can remember winning 1-0 a couple of times. Usually hotly disputed goal as well.
00:19:50
Iain
We've forgot Willock taking the ball out of play, crossing it over to an offside, crossing it over to Joe Linton, who pushed set the half out of the way and knocked in by an offside Anthony Gordon.
00:20:06
Iain
Three far reviews and we've won them all. Yeah, and yeah but i think there'll be high scoring. I would take another ill think I would predict another 1-0 for
00:20:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, to be honest, I'm and i'm inclined to agree. i think it's it's going to be one of those. I'd definitely be saying you're under 2.5 because either i think Arsenal will beat us to nil or we'll beat them to nil. I don't think it's going to be one of those where there's this's goals free flowing.
00:20:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And to be honest, stack I agree with you, actually. i can't remember the last time there was a nil-nil between the two sides. um the probably We probably managed one under Pardew or something like that.
00:20:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think, in fact, Jovino and Joey Barton getting red carded in 2011. That might be it off the top of my head.
00:20:51
Iain
Well, there was ah there was a one under Bruce, I think, which finished 0-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup, I think.
00:20:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:20:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:21:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:21:05
Iain
But then we lost too little on extra time. But I counted that 0-0 as a draw at Arsenal because it was so long since we ever picked anything up there. Although, we did.
00:21:18
Iain
We did in the Caravaggio Cup, didn't we? So, Yeah, anyway, it's at home. And we've got quite good record against him at home, actually.
00:21:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, to be fair, I do stand corrected. Apparently it happened in 2023, as you say, in the Premier League. um It was the first time Arsenal failed to score at the Emirates since March 2022. um ah will say the match reports about it.
00:21:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Arsenal have still got an eight-point lead at the top. It was a clear penalty for Dan Byrne, blah-de-blah-de-blah. um But we had top four. and but I do remember it was top four ambush.
00:21:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Joe Linton had a header at the back post. It was arguably one of the worst games of the season. But ah yeah, I do actually remember it. It was, um to be honest, a terrible game, but a great point.
00:22:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So yeah, we might just see that again. um But what I will say is no matter what happens, it's probably going to come down to the midfield three. In my opinion, Arsenal like to play on transition. That midfield comes massively through that.
00:22:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got, in my opinion, one of the best midfield threes in the league. Do you think we have the edge? Three versus three, if we just put it there. Tonali, Gamadas, Joe Linton, Rice, Zubamendi, in this case, Marino instead of Odegaard.
00:22:37
Iain
I haven't seen enough about Zubimendi to really
00:22:41
Iain
make a judgment on him, although saw the goals. He does look very, very good.
00:22:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he's got some good calls.
00:22:46
Iain
at He does look very good.
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:49
Iain
and Marino, quite like Marino. He did a season under Rafa at Newcastle, didn't he? And I didn't think he looked classy.
00:22:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:59
Iain
There's a lot of water under the bridge since then.
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:23:02
Iain
and
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:03
Iain
Very versatile to be able to score, what was it, 13 goals, a centre forward, just because he got told, you're a centre forward now, mate.
00:23:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh yeah
00:23:11
Iain
um So, yeah, good good player. I think Bruno and Goumaris would be picked every week to play in Arsenal's midfield, and Joe Linton wouldn't.
00:23:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:22
Iain
Just whether you think Joe Linton...
00:23:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
To our liens, Bruno, in there, Joel Linton wouldn't be.
00:23:26
Iain
Yeah. So...
00:23:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Got you.
00:23:29
Iain
i think it's I think it's close. I think it's on the day. It's a performance on the day. you get a Joe Linton in the mood as he was against Bradford to score twice, then I think we win.
00:23:42
Iain
But I'm not sure.
00:23:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are we...
00:23:43
Iain
I'm not yeah i'm not sure about Joe Linton. Sometimes you'll get distracted by the bad airs and passion and aggression and detract a little bit from his ball control, et etc.
00:23:57
Iain
But that might be what we need as well. don't know. It's always fascinating against Arsenal.
00:24:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. Oh.
00:24:03
Iain
it was going to I always go into Arsenal and Liverpool assuming we're not going to get anything out of it.
00:24:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
so
00:24:11
Iain
Wherever we're playing. And so I've been really, really pleasantly surprised in recent seasons for us to do so well against those two. But Arsenal have, you know, they've such a long successful history against us that anything against them is a is a p plus, but it's the old days.
00:24:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, to be honest, i think just yeah i was gonna say I think just like me, you've been scarred by too many 1-0 defeats and Lauren Cashel and he's scoring the only goal. It's weird that it happened more than once. Three times was kind of taking the mick a little bit, um but he loved he loved a goal against us. um But yeah, we'll get into our predictions ah in the next part. But for now, Ian, I ah think you have something from Zencastle for us.
00:24:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is that right?
00:24:57
Iain
I do indeed.
00:24:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, delightful.
00:24:59
Iain
m
00:25:02
Iain
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. and Zencaster came out the clear winner. Hopefully Newcastle will on Sunday.
00:25:13
Iain
With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:25:25
Iain
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description. to learn more about Zancaster.
00:25:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely beautiful stuff, Ian. Thank you very much. And before we get into the actual prediction and scoreline, I want to guess ah just say something about the the only guarantee in this fixture. mentioned there's not a lot of goals, but what there is is cards, cards and more cards.
00:25:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So the last eight at meetings has been an average of five cards a game. Why do you think this game gets so heated? Do you think it's because our midfield just loves a scrap and loves getting up for it? Or do you think it's something that both sides have actually grown a little bit of a heated rivalry with each other? Because, you know, these are always tight, intense games.
00:26:15
Iain
ah think the I think the latter think Arsenal probably two or three seasons ago since Eddie's time let's say Arsenal would come St James' Park with a sense of entitlement and and and we sort of
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:33
Iain
jolted them out of that with the first 1-0, which is this one with the with a very controversial goal.
00:26:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:41
Iain
um i think we then did a... I think we then lost 2-0 the following season, but but we won again last year and with an absolute beautiful goal.
00:26:53
Iain
What a fantastic cross it was from Gordon.
00:26:57
Iain
Forget who it was, it was got on the end of it. and
00:26:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:01
Iain
But yeah, I think that... manifested itself in, ah because we played them four times last year, the two semi-finals were real needle matches.
00:27:12
Iain
And again, semi-final of a cup of a cut competition.
00:27:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:27:16
Iain
Arsenal, if you remember, thought they got the easy draw and then lost 2-0 at home.
00:27:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:27:23
Iain
And there was a month in between those games and because of results, When they came up to play the second leg, they were convinced that they were going to overturn the two goals that were behind.
00:27:34
Iain
And they lost 2-0 again. So I think Newcastle are a bit new upstarts, new kids on the block that keep bloodying Arsenal's nose. And that means that some of the Arsenal players that have been there for three or four years have but a little bit of a chip when they play against us.
00:27:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:27:51
Iain
Yeah.
00:27:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's there with the fans as well. ah Arsenal have joined Liverpool with the most entitled fan base in the world.
00:27:54
Iain
Yeah.
00:27:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
like ah You'd think it would be Chelsea, given where it is and you know the fact they've just won the Club World Cup, etc. um But realistically, no not even Man United fans come close to those two in regards to entitlement.
00:28:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's I want to say pathetic, but I know you've got a crossover with the other guys on the Arsenal side coming soon, and I don't want to say anything that would piss them off too much, just in case you get the wrath.
00:28:23
Iain
and
00:28:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
um but Actually, this will come out afterwards.
00:28:25
Iain
ah
00:28:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
so
00:28:27
Iain
I really think I'm going to get bullied on that because it's just me and there's three of them coming so I know I know I'll have to be as too this tough as Joe Linton to survive that won't don't
00:28:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they brought the heavy artillery for you. LAUGHTER
00:28:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, unfortunately I am having to leave you for that one. No cavalry on my side.
00:28:46
Iain
but worry
00:28:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:28:47
Iain
Don't worry. I mean, if I just stay quiet, they'll just end up talking themselves. All the Newcastle fans watching our podcast will see the Arsenal entitlement come through, aren't they?
00:28:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it won't take long probably at all.
00:28:59
Iain
We'll see.
00:29:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But let's wrap.
00:29:01
Iain
They're nice lads, to be fair. They're nice. stomach They are nice. The Daily Sports... I can't even say who it is. The Daily Arsenal guys on the Global Sports Podcast Network are nice guys.
00:29:14
Iain
Jamie, Brodney. They are.
00:29:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
But this weekend, we hate you.
00:29:19
Iain
We do hate them, yeah.
00:29:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But let' out right so let's wrap this one up First off, how big is this game for both
Significance of the Upcoming Match
00:29:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
teams? We need a big result to spark the season. Arsenal, already five points behind Liverpool. They can't afford to fall further behind, can they?
00:29:36
Iain
They can't. and They can't really afford... There's loads of games to play, you know. Arsenal go and beat Liverpool and, you know, Liverpool dropped... I think Liverpool are catchable.
00:29:52
Iain
They could have lost points in every game they've played. They've really just scraped through. i know they've got five out five, but let's be honest, i think they've all scored their winners in injury time, in all of them. and
00:30:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, pretty much.
00:30:04
Iain
so So that's not going to put me off thinking they can't be caught, however good the players are. If it's level going into injury time, they're going to get caught a few times this season.
00:30:16
Iain
So I don't think it's make or break for Arsenal, but I think Arsenal would prefer not to be eight points behind them before the end of September.
00:30:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:30:25
Iain
That does give them of a mountain decline.
00:30:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:27
Iain
For us us, we have, fingers crossed, laid to rest there any who-do that we had that we couldn't score for Toffy, having had three goals, draws away from home, and and one goal only against Wolves.
00:30:45
Iain
It was a winner, of course. That'll do on Sunday. um
00:30:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh yes.
00:30:49
Iain
So it is a big game for us, though, because of the those points we've left behind on games we should have won away from home. But we do get up. We can really get up for it at St James' Park against the big boys.
00:31:00
Iain
Liverpool so lucky to go away with a win from us.
00:31:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we do.
00:31:04
Iain
I think Arsenal will know they've been through the...
00:31:10
Iain
we could say without swearing. I know he swore there.
00:31:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
The proverbial ringer.
00:31:13
Iain
Arsenal will know they've... Yes. They will know that they've had a game by...
00:31:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:18
Iain
come the end of five o'clock on Saturday.
00:31:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Aptly put. So, it's time to put our money where our mouth is. um Prediction time. How do we see it playing out? Full-time results and let's go first goal scorer. Why not?
00:31:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Give me the full picture.
00:31:36
Iain
ordinary all out it's easy for me and then you've got a really awkward one to do i'm going to go for a Newcastle one ni win and and let's go for the man who always scores against Arsenal Anthony Gordon that scored the winner
00:31:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, okay.
00:31:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Beautiful stuff. I am going to be my usual self and be a bit more pessimistic. and do think it's gonna I do think we're going to put in a really good performance. I think it's going to be a 1-1.
00:32:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Arsenal are going to take the lead through Victor Jokeres. and then we're going to be the ones, finally, that get a goal late on because we did that so well last season. But haven't really done it this campaign, and I do think it'll be Nick Volta-Mard getting the goal from us ah just because I want to see him score again.
00:32:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I want to see him do so well for us, ah which is going to make me incredibly biased when talking about him for the next, like, yeah, really. Blood.
00:32:35
Iain
if you're right if you're If you're predicting a late goal, though, Michael, surely, surely our top scorer this season, Willis Sula, must have a chance of scoring in the 80th minute.
00:32:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Blood.
00:32:46
Iain
Because he'll come on, won't
00:32:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah He's who's knocking it on. To be fair, I tell you what, um I've slacked slagged off Azula quite a lot ah this season, but showed quite a lot of striker's instinct yesterday against Bradford, and that's something that I've said he's lacked the whole time.
00:33:01
Iain
he?
00:33:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I'd definitely give him time.
00:33:05
Iain
He took the first goal. He let the ball do the work to beat the defender to score his first goal. And he turned up just at the nick of time, right on the far post to score his second.
00:33:17
Iain
when I think the defender thought the ball was going to run out because he came in very late. I like him. I like him. And I tell you what, Alanga needs to book his ideas up or I'll be campaigning for him to swap with Murphy to start on the right wing because he looked really good out there.
00:33:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:33:35
Iain
Let's our money back at Christmas for a longer.
00:33:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
To be fair, just imagine we send Alanga back to Forrest. We're not going to do that. We are going to stick by him before anyone kicks off at me. ah But Willisula on the right, Volta Marder in the number 10, Whistler up front, Andy Gordon on the left.
00:33:46
Iain
um
00:33:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Beautiful.
00:33:54
Iain
I know it'll be good, it's exciting. It's exciting and we were starting to waver a little bit having sat through all those nil-nil drawers but i saw what they I saw what they've been doing in training.
Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement
00:34:08
Iain
And I know it was only against Bradford. That's what gave them the chance. But they'll be getting slicker week to week.
00:34:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:14
Iain
And I'm excited to see what comes in the rest of the season.
00:34:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. It's amazing what a good result against the league one team can do for confidence, but hopefully it does that for the lads as well.
00:34:22
Iain
Thank you.
00:34:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Fantastic stuff as always, Ian. It's a pleasure doing this with you as always. And for everyone listening, hope you enjoy the game on Sunday, ah wherever you're watching from. We'll be back.
00:34:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, you'll be listening to this before a bit beforehand, but we've got content for you every day. um We'll have an immediate reaction going out after the Arsenal game as well. So make sure you subscribe, make sure you've got the notifications on, and make sure you don't miss a single episode.
00:34:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Until then, I've been Michael Grimsle, been joined by Ian McKay, this has been the Daily Newcastle Podcast, and you have been fantastic.