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Daily Liverpool - Merseyside Derby Preview!
19 Plays19 days ago
It's the preview of what could be Liverpool's biggest game of the season as the Reds look to finally take advantage of the at game in hand. Only heavy hitter Connor Norcott could bring the gravitas needed for this episode as he joins Jesse Sarwar to preview this blockbuster game.
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Transcript
Introduction & Everton Match Teaser
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Liverpool Podcast brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network. I'm your host Jesse Sawa. It is Wildcard Wednesday across GSPN. And on today's podcast, we are looking ahead to Wednesday's big, big game against Everton. It's such a big game that only one person could join me on today's episode to do it justice. It's the return of the Mac.
00:00:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
How's it going Connor? How's that for an intro?
00:00:40
Connor
Good. It was kind of, yeah. That was kind of, yeah. I i actually think the last time I was on this podcast was building up to the Merseyside Derby, the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison, and it was delayed.
00:00:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:00:55
Connor
So fingers crossed that doesn't happen again. How have you been, man?
00:00:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:00:59
Connor
You've been good.
Liverpool's FA Cup Exit: Impact & Banter
00:01:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. Very good. Um, know, just the games are just every two or three that it just, it just feels like every single, episode that we do, we're saying, all right, this is the one is really big, you know, a big game and this could be crucial to, you know, Liverpool's title hopes.
00:01:11
Connor
Hmm.
00:01:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, you know, it is, isn't it? I mean, it's let's have a quick word about the FA cup though, because, um, it was a disappointing way to go out.
00:01:21
Connor
Hmm.
00:01:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
in the FA Cup. I know people are saying, well, look, it's just the FA Cup. And, you know, we can concentrate on, you know, the kind of bigger prizes that Liverpool are going for. But still, I think it was just disappointing to go out in that manner.
00:01:45
Connor
Yeah, I think it had kind of shades of of Liverpool teams that I kind of grew up with. You know, there's horrible FA Cup ties that you're put out against. I don't want to say minnows, but smaller
00:01:57
Connor
And it felt like, okay, you've had your fun as a Liverpool fan. This is what it used to be like. Remember this, appreciate this. It's not always like this at the minute, thankfully.
00:02:07
Connor
and I was so confident I even said to my partner, you know what, actually, I don't really need to watch the match today because I think, you know,
00:02:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
So many of us did that.
00:02:15
Connor
And bless her. She's she's she's a blue. She's an Everton fan. And she's really, really, really enjoyed winding me up about it. so So I think the less said about that, the better.
00:02:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
like Friday's episode last week, oh dear, my prediction. It's just terrible.
00:02:32
Connor
I didn't hear it. What did you say?
00:02:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's 4-0. It's 4-0.
00:02:34
Connor
Four?
00:02:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. It's terrible. Yeah. Luckily, I don't think anyone listened to it, so.
00:02:41
Connor
Yeah.
00:02:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But are we just writing this off as a, you know, it's just a cup defeat, not a priority, less games to play. You know, or, you know, can this have any kind of effect? You know, can this kind of bleed into our Premier League title ambitions or the rest of the season? And I remember last season, losing to Manchester United in that FA Cup had a really, really devastating effect on the rest of the season. it's and Is any danger of a repeat of that or are things different?
Premier League Ambitions Post-FA Cup
00:03:17
Connor
I think ah obviously the comparison with the United game, I think it's completely different, but it kind of feels similar where it feels like, I think the cups, especially for Liverpool recently, because the squad has been so healthy, and Klopp before him have always said that you know he's felt really confident in the squad they've had.
00:03:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm.
00:03:38
Connor
It's been a good competition to like get these substitute players get these not first teamers Rhythm in their legs and get them ready to come on and make impacts in games that I ultimately do mean something and by that I mean the two big trophies the Premier League and the Champions League So I think missing out on that especially considering that the final of the i nearly said Carlin Cup the final of the Carabao Cup is in March after that, it's just the Premier League and Champions League and Yeah, normally it's it's end of February, I think.
00:04:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
which is light right late isn't normal that
00:04:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:04:10
Connor
Which is a bit strange, but we we can get onto that too later.
00:04:13
Connor
But I think it...
00:04:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just think it just makes everything more congested because, you know, come come in the middle of March, you're in the thick of that title run, the last kind of 10, you know, 10 games of the season.
00:04:19
Connor
Yeah.
00:04:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then you've got a cup final right in the middle of that. So I think that could be quite significant. But with With the Cup defeat over the weekend, any criticism of Slots team selection? I've i've heard quite a few saying that, I don't like this kind of, you know, you disrespected the FA Cup. But there are a lot saying that, look, you know, you you should have played some of the, you know, bigger players, it it was just too much of a change.
00:04:59
Connor
Yeah, I actually listened to the the review show with
Klopp's Team Selection Criticisms
00:05:04
Connor
Carl and Louis, and I thought it was great. And I think it was Carl said that, you know, there's a case to be made that even if Subozlai plays that game, the ripple win. And I think at first I was like, well, that's one player. I'm not sure he makes a difference. But he really does because he has the kind of industry and effort on the pitch that someone like,
00:05:25
Connor
not to name names, but someone like Harvey Elliott just didn't show in that game. But I think when you look at it, the reason why Liverpool didn't win that game or or weren't able to play their way it was because that isn't a midfield that has played well together, played out played together in the starting team ever. So how are you expecting any of that rhythm to come through? I do have some issues with that, but ultimately the prizes that Liverpool are going for this year are bigger than the FA Cup, not to disrespect it.
00:05:54
Connor
I just think whenever a big team whenever a big team gets put out by someone like Plymouth, in that manner, you think, ah we should talk about this.
00:05:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
What is the reality?
00:06:04
Connor
And we should. But at the same time, if Liverpool weren't in the position they were in, it would be such a bigger deal.
00:06:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I just and I never understand this kind of disrespecting the FA Cup argument. Look, you know, I'm i'm ah an FA Cup romantic. I love the FA Cup.
00:06:20
Connor
Hmm.
00:06:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the the reality is, is that football has done this to the FA Cup. It's not Liverpool, it's not Arsenal, it's not Manchester City, but football has done this in the sense that you know the biggest prizes are the Champions League and the Premier League.
00:06:37
Connor
yeah
00:06:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
that's where That's the only way that as a club you can sustain yourself in terms of being able to be financially competitive. You're not going to be financially competitive by focusing on the FA Cup as much as I would love for Liverpool to win the FA Cup. So i've I've never understood that argument. And I'm actually fully supportive of Arnie Slott's team selection.
00:07:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because I think in many respects you are, you know, when you're a manager of a big club, you're you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.
00:07:12
Connor
Yeah, so true.
00:07:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you did place a Boslai, if you did place a Boslai, and he pulled a hamstring because he's the intensity with which he plays his game.
00:07:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mentioned this last week. I don't know if you saw the the League Cup semi-final win against Spurs.
00:07:31
Connor
Yeah.
00:07:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
there's ah ah There's a moment, it's the 91st minute. We are 4-0 up. And I can't, write one of the Spurs, I think it's the left back who's got the ball in his own own half. Sir Boslai is running around like an absolute lunatic.
00:07:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
91st minute, 4-0 up. And I'm just thinking, look, you can't you you have to have a rest. If you played him and he pulled his hamstring, know who do you then trust to you know to do that job in Liverpool's midfield in those big, big games?
00:07:59
Connor
Yeah. Hmm.
00:08:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because Jones is still touch and go with his fitness. It's why he didn't play at the weekend. So, I just think, look, you've you've got to play your percentages. You cannot risk the likes of Van Dyck, you know, Canate, Gravenberg, because those players are just irreplaceable.
00:08:20
Connor
No.
00:08:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, I i don't buy this argument if you'd played a stronger team. The players, the senior players that played, the likes of Simakas, Jota, Diaz, Kiesa,
00:08:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Come on, that's just those four players in that team should make you good enough
Significance of Upcoming Everton Match
00:08:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
to win that game or at least be more of a threat up front. We just weren't a threat up front at all. so But, you know, I think that this argument that it could derail our season, I do think it's different from last season.
00:09:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think losing against Manchester United when you're playing your full strength team, I think is different. I think a lot of the players can.
00:09:11
Connor
And the manner of the last two last year was like, it was devastating.
00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly. Yeah.
00:09:16
Connor
And and i Liverpool have been pretty fortunate recently in their games against Man United, but that one was like a heartbreak for me. I hate it every minute of that game.
00:09:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
it was
00:09:27
Connor
And this doesn't feel anywhere different.
00:09:28
Connor
I mean, this feels totally different, sorry.
00:09:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and but because last season's game against United, it was the first team. And so that first team took that defeat into their next Premier League games. And so you you can you can understand that they would feel demoralized, that it would affect them.
00:09:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But when, you know, 80, 90% of the team that played against Plymouth is not going to play against Everton, then I think it's easier to mentalise that defeat
00:09:55
Connor
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
00:10:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
But look, you know what? It all depends now on how the Mosesai Derby plays out in terms of the damage that that FA Cup exit could potentially have on our season. we'll talk about that game right after this very, very short break.
00:10:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, Mergeside Derby, Everton versus Liverpool on Wednesday
Goodison Park's Emotional Farewell
00:10:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
night. It is 7.30pm kickoff UK time. That's 2.30pm Eastern Standard Time for our listeners stateside. Could be a spate of illnesses hitting workers across the US on the Wednesday afternoon then.
00:11:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's an early kickoff. Look, it's a ah final final Mergeside Derby to be played at Goodison Park before the old stadium is demolished and a brand new stadium goes up in its place. Connor, a huge game for both teams. It's always a big game, as I said, Mergeside Derby, but there's so much more riding on this one and a lot of emotion going into this particular game. Your thoughts on that?
00:11:37
Connor
I think it feels even bigger too, given the fact that it's Liverpool's game in hand. You know, it's a chance to go nine points clear. Officially Liverpool have been a few points clear of Arsenal for quite a while, but that game in hand has always kind of hung over them as like a damn Ecclesian sword. And now that it's there and there's a chance to earn it, earn the points, it feels like, oh, oh no, this could go wrong.
00:11:59
Connor
At least my you know my heart's been going anyway.
00:12:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mind the chart.
00:12:02
Connor
yeah I'm looking forward to it though, I really am. i think I think there's a lot of wrongs to be righted this season. And I think Liverpool are kind of on the path to doing and that.
00:12:14
Connor
And I think a big hurdle to get over now is going to Goodison, especially after last year. you know I think Liverpool by the time they got there, the title was kind of kind of over anyway but I still remember hearing and and seeing the clips on socials if you lost the league at Goodison Park and it was just rough you know we were talking about that United game that was a heartbreak that well the hearing that song was a dagger in the heart so yeah I think it's gonna be great big time Twisted the Knife I think it's gonna be a great game I think the game is overall is probably gonna be better now that David Moyes is the Everton manager too because I feel like
00:12:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I twisted
00:12:54
Connor
A lot's changed since we recorded that episode in December. And I think i think the state that Everin are in now, there's a little bit of hope there. And I think that might entice them to kind of give it more of a go. And I think if that happens, you're going to see a proper game between the two sides. I don't know, Jesse, how do you feel about it?
Liverpool's Premier League Race Advantage
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, look, you know like we said at the and the beginning of the episode, you know every game just feels like, OK, this is the one. This is the really big one.
00:13:20
Connor
and
00:13:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I suppose that's natural if you're involved in a title race, then you know every game is is critical. you know The Bournemouth game a couple of weeks ago felt like a really significant game, a really significant win because of the run that Bournemouth were on, just like you know there were, I think, 11 games undefeated, just on a sensational run of form.
00:13:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
But this one, you know, I was listening to ja Jamie Carragher last week and 100% agree with him that this is the biggest game of our of the season for Liverpool, not because it's Everton, but as you said, this is the game in hand.
00:13:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is the card that we've had up our sleeve for what feels like
00:13:59
Connor
Yeah.
00:14:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know an age and now it's it just feels like a critical moment if we win this we go nine points clear of arsenal you know who celebrated their trophy win, you know when they beat city at the emirates by the way and It could be a devastating bloke for arsenal, you know, I mean what a gut punch that would be however on the flip side God forbid it if we were to drop points if we were to lose suddenly that six points, which is the same gap, but it's a more positive spin on that six gap than it has been, you know, for these last few weeks.
00:14:36
Connor
oh yeah
00:14:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But Connor, look, I'm going to put you on the spot. If we do be Everton and go nine points clear, is that it?
00:14:48
Connor
here
00:14:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is that the title?
00:14:49
Connor
and
00:14:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
done
00:14:51
Connor
I tell you what, i' I'll make you a deal, right? Not to to give away the day that we're recording this, but but today ah there was a piece that came out in the athletic by Oliver Kay. And it was talking, you you basically said that the next five games for Liverpool are so important because they play five games in February and in in the Premier League and only one game in March in the Premier League in over 15 days.
00:15:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
16 days, 5 days and 15 days.
00:15:17
Connor
Yeah. And I think you know you look at those games that are coming up. So there's Villa Away, City Away, Newcastle, Anfield, Wolves as well. There's you know there's some pretty big games in there. I think for it we'll know for definite. Maybe not definite. I'm getting too ahead of myself. We'll know more by the end of that. And I'll come on the podcast and I'll let you know how I feel then. I think it's i don i don't want to add more Jeopardy's of this game on Wednesday than there needs to be. but
00:15:45
Connor
Yeah, go on. Go on. Yeah. I think if we beat Everton, there's a real good chance, isn't there?
00:15:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we're going to start we go to such chanting on the podcast. We're going to win the league.
00:15:55
Connor
No, absolutely not. You'll never get me doing that.
00:16:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it's it's so funny because I do remember when when we we started to go towards the top of the league, and I remember in November, you know people saying, and it's saying, look, you know what, by at the end of November after this run of games, we'll know more about this Liverpool title.
00:16:15
Connor
yes literally i think i said that as well i'm sure i did do yeah
00:16:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
and it's kind say
00:16:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I think what that shows you though is the strength of the Premier League. Because every month, you're coming up against teams that, for example, Bournemouth, who would have thought at the start of the season that that would have been a critical game? and Normally, it's like Bournemouth, right, yep, three points. But you know they've been on such great form. And there are a lot of teams like that now that you think it's not as easy now, Fulham. A lot of teams who have got good progressive managers that are playing really good football and that can really hurt you.
00:16:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, Everton, you know, it's, it's just one of those games where it's going to be blood and thunder. it's It's the fixture that's seen the most red cards, Everton versus Liverpool, 20 red cards.
00:17:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
and get this the most nil-nils, 12, in Premier League history. And obviously, you mentioned that we lost 2-0 there last season. so There's no shocks for Liverpool in this game.
00:17:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know we've We've got to make sure that we start really well because I just think that if we make a sluggish start, I think we'll get torn to shreds.
00:17:29
Connor
Mm-hmm.
00:17:36
Connor
Yeah, it feels like a game where, I don't know, I think I've only seen a little bit of Everton since Moises came back in, but I think they have a bit more about them now.
00:17:47
Connor
It looks like they they kind of believe in themselves a bit more.
00:17:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:51
Connor
And I think that's why what I alluded to earlier that I think we'll get more of a game this time. It won't be that cagey. you know, Sean Dice football, it'll be, you know, blood and thunder. Like you said, I think the midfield is going to be so important. And um and we'll talk a little bit about individuals a bit later. But it does feel like the game, a game where like the tone will be set from the offset. know we'll also give our predicted lineups a little bit later, but that's why certain players I've included in mine make it. And I'm sure I'll reason for it then, too. I'm just really excited for this game because I feel like it is a ah ah tone setter. And normally when Liverpool
00:18:27
Connor
I've had blips this season, although there's not been that many of them. The immediate result afterwards or the immediate fixture afterwards is like a course correction almost from Slot on his man.
00:18:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:38
Connor
So I think it'll be a chance to kind of like, no, no, no, no, no. Okay. we We might have screwed up on that time, but this is what we're really about.
00:18:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think that's a really good, it's a really good point. I think the ah ah responses that the team have shown after a ah ah rare defeat, I think is a really good sign.
00:18:55
Connor
Hmm.
00:18:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
we we've we've We've never followed a defeat with another defeat and gone on that kind of shaky run. It's always been a really kind of positive response that, okay, we've lost that game.
00:19:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's get back on winning tracks. but do Do you think that an aly Arnie slot Liverpool is almost better equipped to deal with what's going to be a really kind of emotional, good as an atmosphere than a emotional clock Liverpool?
Managerial Styles: Slot vs. Klopp
00:19:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you know what I mean? I'm just wondering whether we've got more about in terms of dealing with that.
00:19:30
Connor
I know what you mean.
00:19:33
Connor
I think if you're talking about on the pitch then absolutely, I think the way Liverpool play, especially when they are, their pen and team's in, so I think, I think Everton will play it the way they've played recently with three at the back, four across at the midfield, so it'll be five at the back of Liverpool, pen them in.
00:19:51
Connor
And I think that's the kind of, you know, you'll see more joy out of an honor slot Liverpool team at being able to like pick pick passes through the lines and and and pull players out of position. Whereas I don't think Klopp's team was great at that. But I will say, you know, you could argue that, let's say, hypothetically, I don't want to bring it up, but let's say Everton win on Wednesday.
00:20:14
Connor
then all of a sudden it's, oh, did Liverpool need a bit more passion in their team? They need a bit more, you know, so it's one of those.
00:20:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah
00:20:19
Connor
And also, I'm not sure if under Arne's slot we'll ever see a Divock Origi last minute winner, that kind of goal again, you know, especially against Everton.
00:20:31
Connor
And all the passion and and, you know, emotion that came out of that result is probably one of my top three moments ever supporting Liverpool under Klopp.
00:20:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
can't you can't of You can't see Arnie's slot running onto the pitch and and jumping on Alison right in the middle of it.
00:20:43
Connor
No, I think it would be Van Dyke, but no, I don't think he would jump on him. But yeah, we'll see, we'll see. I think, especially because it's the first Merseyside to RB that Arnis Lot's managed in as well, so I think there's lots of kind of tone to be set ah for me for Liverpool in this game, and I think that's the most important thing. Set the tone, get the points, and just get out of there. It doesn't matter how we do it, get the points and get out of there.
00:21:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
he' I don't know if you heard his quote in the press conference on his slot, because he was asked about you know the kind of passion and commitment that's going to be needed in a Derby game. And Slott said, we need cool heads, but not cool legs.
00:21:22
Connor
yeah i like that
00:21:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Meaning that you know yeah so you know that obviously need that 100% commitment intensity but don't get drawn into fouls and and doing something silly. And just to I suppose just get to to give a little insight in terms of the the kind of detail that these managers and their kind of modern backroom staffs go into. He actually mentions that in last season's 2-0 defeat,
00:21:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
The referee apparently apparently gave 11 free kicks in the first 10 minutes of the game, 10 of them going to Everton.
00:21:58
Connor
Yeah, I remember.
00:21:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so he is warned against that because obviously giving away free kicks is just going to invite that kind of you know aerial bombardment.
00:22:08
Connor
And if you especially if you look at one of the players that has now kind of come in under David Moyes, Jack O'Brien, who is absolutely massive, who you would have thought would be an ideal Sean Dyche player, by the way, but whatever for whatever reason wasn't, he looks like a threat to me. I think he might be a set piece danger for Liverpool already, but also set pieces aren't really Liverpool's strong suit when it comes to attacking them either.
00:22:33
Connor
so
00:22:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:34
Connor
So it might suit everyone to break the game down and get really scrappy. So you kind of do, you know, you need to keep your head cool and your legs warm. So I like that quote from Slough. That was pretty funny.
00:22:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, let's talk in a bit more detail then about the kind of team that we expect to, ah ah you know, come out against Everton.
Expected Lineup for Everton Match
00:22:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
So let's get into a predicted lineup and a score prediction. Hopefully my score prediction is going to be a a bit more accurate than the Plymouth one. But in goal, I guess we're expecting Alison to come you know back in ah ah ahead of Kelleher for this one.
00:23:11
Connor
Yeah, I think, I think now that Alison's fully up to it for me, he plays every game now going forward, except maybe the the cup final, but you know, we'll see how we are. We're doing by then. Yeah, I think Alison comes in. he's he's He's experienced, he's played in Darby's before. I think all that matters, you know.
00:23:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, obviously, we're expecting Kanata and Van Dyck to come back in. It was disappointing to see Joe Gomez, know, going off injured so soon after he you know returned after quite a long layoff.
00:23:44
Connor
Mm.
00:23:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that could be quite potentially quite ah a big blow for Liverpool, you know, bearing in mind that, you know, we've already mentioned that we've got five Premier League games in 15 days. And you do worry about the likes of particularly Canate. He doesn't have the best track record in terms of consecutive games. And even with someone like Van Dyck, the load of games that he's being expected to manage at this stage of the season is a concern when Gomez is really experienced.
00:24:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's out now and then really you've only got Kwanza as a backup.
00:24:21
Connor
I think I agree with you, and also it's more reason for Slott to have picked the team he did on the weekend against Plymouth because you're right, the the the fixture pile-up is getting <unk> getting kind of crazy at the minute.
00:24:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely.
00:24:33
Connor
And also you've seen Endo and I step into centre-back recently too, and I think we might see that happen as well. I'm not sure whether it's in the game against Wolves or whatever, if it will happen, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens because I don't know, I thought Kwanzaa was a bit... something doesn't seem right with with him this season and I don't know what it is. I think it's just confidence really and lack of rhythm and it's probably pretty hard having to come on and off as frequently as he has done. So yeah, I think i think Van Dijk and Kanate start for me and they start going forward but Kanate's minutes are the, you know, there's kind of an asterisk there of whether or not he'll yeah i'll keep featuring.
00:25:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. And we are, you know, we're coming to that critical phase of the season. I suppose it does, it does call into question against, again, our kind of transfer strategy the lack of transfer activity in the transfer windows. You know, I i really did think that in this, in this January window, we needed to have got one defender, just one defender in.
00:25:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I don't know why they didn't, whether it's just because whoever is on our target list wasn't available. but You know, I do think that we we are light there and I think that it's the only thing that can potentially derail us.
00:25:46
Connor
Yeah. Hmm.
00:25:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But so yeah, Kanate Van Dyke. I think in the fullbacks is where I think it's going to be quite interesting. I start with Robertson. I think he comes straight in and I think The performance by Simakas, and I don't want to kind of judge him on just one game, because I think he's at it he's had a good season. But I do think that that's probably a reminder, for me anyway, that Simakas is not a number one. I think he's a good number two. I think he's someone that can come in and do a job, but I don't think he's as reliable to be Liverpool's week in, week out number one.
00:26:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think the Plymouth game, I think it did highlight that in the sense that I don't think that Liverpool play as badly if Robertson is in there as our captain, because if he does play, he'll be captain.
00:26:45
Connor
Hmm.
00:26:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
and you know in whatever you say about Robertson he might have had a few shaky performances here and there but his effort and his commitment would not allow Liverpool to kind of drop in terms of of their standards and I just don't see that from Simica so I do expect Robertson to play And I do think that for this game, I think that despite Trent Alexander Arnold, Slott said that he he trained partially today and they're going to have a full fitness test tomorrow to see whether he passes the fitness test to be available for Wednesday night.
00:27:16
Connor
Hmm.
00:27:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think even if he passes that test, I think Conor Bradley should play.
00:27:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's it's a blood and thunder fixture. And I just think he's more suited to that fixture than than someone like Trent.
00:27:26
Connor
Hmm.
00:27:34
Connor
So do I. I think i think it's it seems pretty obvious as well because you've seen Conor Bradley in these big games, big moments it throughout his short Liverpool career but it's very impressive Liverpool career so far and whatever challenge that you know he's met with he rises to, and not just rises to but surpasses.
00:27:53
Connor
I thought he was, he kind of set the tone in that second leg of the semi-final in the Carabao Cup. I thought he was just phenomenal. I mean the whole team was, it was a real complete performance and actually I've been quite verbally very out on Andy Robertson this season but I thought Robertson showed why he's still important to that side in that semi-final too. so I agree, those two full-backs start for me and I think Connor Bradley's energy is essential for this and you know what, if Trent's fit enough to bring him off the bench, what a luxury to have because we're gonna need both of those full-backs going forward, so so yeah.
00:28:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Moving on to the midfield, and I think this is ah ah potentially quite
Liverpool's Midfield Dynamics
00:28:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
significant. we We spoke about last season about, you know, but we lost to Everton 2-0 last season. I think Ryan Gravenberg, I think that's the kind of X factor that we didn't have last season. He but obviously wasn't playing in that position last season. And I just think that when a player like that gets a foothold in this game, think it could be the difference maker. And I do expect that Liverpool will try in that first 15 to 20 minutes to kind of lower the temperature or calm the Goodison crowd down and you know keep hold of the ball, keep possession,
00:29:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Find those lines and the man to do that is Gravenberg.
00:29:15
Connor
Yeah, completely agree. I think if you look at how, I mean, how I think Everton will line up, I think they'll probably have De Corre and that's the player in Jai kind of just behind the striker, so they'll be kind of in combat with Graven Burke and McAllister, who I've also picked to spoil my next midfielder selection.
00:29:36
Connor
and I think that that midfield battle those two versus those two is just so important and I think Gravenberg's got that kind of he's silky enough to slip the press and he's good enough on the ball to find a man he's also smart enough to cool the game down he can drop deeper into midfield he can go out to the flanks and kind of help out on the right hand side of if if Connor Bradley's getting targeted because You could see Decoré pulling over to that side.
00:30:00
Connor
So, you know, I just think he's got it all. He's a complete midfielder and I'm very, very, very glad I bought Ryan Gravenbert stock at the start of the season because I suddenly feel like a millionaire now, you know.
00:30:13
Connor
So, yeah, I think I think he he you said X factor, Jesse, and I think you're right.
00:30:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think he brings the best out of the guy next to him, which is McAllister, who look, I think he's he's a world class player anyway.
00:30:22
Connor
Oh, yeah, completely agree.
00:30:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just think that this season, ah alongside Gravenberg, I just think he's just He's just such a heartbeat of Liverpool's midfield now.
00:30:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
And again, he's someone that I think will thrive in this fixture. you know here's your yeah And I love these players. I love your typical Argentine.
00:30:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I love your typical Uruguayan who just goes in all bloodied.
00:30:50
Connor
Mm hmm.
00:30:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's that guy. And he's not going to show it from any challenge, but at the same time, he's quite disciplined. So, yeah, Graven Burton Callas to come in and, you know, let's complete that first choice, you know, shoe in position every week. And that's the Boslai. He has been outstanding this season and his intensity, I think, is just going to be so important in this game.
00:31:19
Connor
I think he's kind of, there's been so many question marks about Sevazla, specifically this year, I think, because when he first came into at Liverpool, everyone was like, Oh my God, he's, he's Gerard reincarnated.
00:31:32
Connor
He isn't. He scored a few goals.
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:31:34
Connor
He still isn't. But, but now looking at him, he's kind of like,
00:31:40
Connor
Second striker, midfield, dynamo, presses everywhere all over the pitch. Has the engine of Jordan Henderson and James Milner and and the tenacity of somebody like Andy Robertson or Darwin. He's just he's just come on leaps and bounds. And he's still young enough that I think he can go he can go even higher. It's difficult because I i know Curtis Jones isn't fit. You'd want a scouser in your team just because it's the emergency side. Darby, they know what it means.
00:32:06
Connor
But I think none of those midfielders deserve to be dropped at all. And if anything, though that that is the that is the first choice midfield now going forward. Every big game is those three. And so Buzz Light could be argued, which is insane now. He might be the most important right now. I don't know. You could say it.
00:32:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, it's a fair shout. And I think, look, I think 100% that is our first choice midfield. And Sir Bosley, I've said this last week, I think he's fast becoming the complete midfielder.
00:32:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, you know, you kind of hit the nail on the head there. He's got the he's got the engine of a jordan Jordan Henderson. You know, he's got he's got the tenacity, but he's a very skillful player.
00:32:37
Connor
Hmm.
00:32:47
Connor
Yeah.
00:32:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know, he's a very skillful player, he's, he can score goals, he's starting to assist as well now. So, look, I think he's an absolute shoe inside ah that I think will be the midfield. And then I think the only question mark for me up front, I've gone for Salah, which obviously is a big game, you have to have your biggest player in that front lineup. And, you know, I i would I would imagine he's so so pumped up for this game to score. I think Gackpo has now put himself firmly in that starting lineup as ah ah as an absolute starter now for Liverpool because, again,
00:33:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
this season he's just moved up a different level now and he's so consistent in his performances he's showing parts of his game that I'm sure a lot of Liverpool supporters didn't know that he had in his locker when we first saw him arrive at Anfield
00:33:41
Connor
Mm hmm.
00:33:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
and then so really it's for me it's just that central position because now we've got Nunes, Jota and probably Diaz fighting out for that central position so what do you think because Jota had a really disappointing game against Plymouth but I'm i'm i'm prepared to write that off as ah ah as an off day just think he's too important for us as ah ah as a goal scorer But so the question is, you know do you trust Nunez in what you but could be a potentially really volatile game? Or you know do you go for someone that's a bit more industrious in Diaz? Or do you just want a finisher in Jota the Slaughter up front?
Best Forward Options Against Everton
00:34:31
Connor
i ah ah They're all great options, I think. I think maybe a little bit of the fact that Jota and Dee has played 90 minutes against Plymouth signal that it's not their game.
00:34:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:34:45
Connor
And you know what? Even if they had played 65 minutes and came off, I don't think either of them warranted a position in this game. I just i think both of them were so poor. I agree with you that I think I can write off Jota's game but I think he's got a lot to prove this season and if he starts picking up more injuries I would happily wash my hands of him and I really think if Diaz, yeah I would I would but just because I think it's such an easy area to upgrade that that that forward position because
00:34:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:35:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really?
00:35:14
Connor
It's the only position on the pitch that Liverpool aren't settled on one player there. so you know And we could also probably recoup some money for for any of them there. But that's for another episode. Diaz, you've seen what he was like against a back three when we played against Leverkus and he was insanely good. But I just don't think he's looked that sharp recently. And I know Nunes is a bit of a loose cannon.
00:35:37
Connor
But I just think for the aerial presence, for the combat of nature, for the tenacity, I think he has to play. I don't know how you feel about it, but for me, I've i've got no nerves at the start of nine.
00:35:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah i've i've I've gone for Nunez as well because I just think that it it is a risk in terms of his you know hiss volatility, his unpredictability. But I think you've got to look at it positively. I think this is the kind of game.
00:36:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know it is a big game it's under the lights and I think it's such an important game for Liverpool that I think that if he were to score and win this game but for Liverpool I mean what a boost that would be for him for the rest of the season knowing that we still got the lights of Jota on the bench and and he's not always going to be on the bench he's going to get his share fair fair share of games but yeah I've i've gone for Nunes as well so
00:36:19
Connor
Yeah.
00:36:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's see. So let's let's move on to a score prediction
Score Predictions for Everton Match
00:36:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
then. I'm going to go out there straight away and say that I'm backing us for a 2-0.
00:36:43
Connor
I've also written down 2-0, but I want to give you something different. My reasons for the 2-0, though, just quickly, were that I think that Liverpool will go in with that mentality that we talked about.
00:36:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
keep that yeah
00:36:54
Connor
They'll try and take the sting out of the game. I think they'll probably face quite a few nasty counter-attacks and it'll be quite physical. There'll be a few set pieces that go awry I'm imagining but I just think in terms of x-factor all over the pitch Liverpool have it in at least a few positions now so I think that should hopefully get us through and if that's what gets us through that's what gets us through but hopefully hopefully we score more than one so if you're gonna say 2-0 I'll say 3-1
00:37:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
OK, let's let's see what happens. But the game is on Wednesday night. You know, we'll have an immediate post-match reaction of that game, which is you know hopefully three points for Liverpool. but But that's all for today. Give us a follow on your preferred podcast platform so that you get the very latest content.
00:37:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
when it does drop. are now on YouTube, so check us out on the Global Sports Podcast Network network YouTube page. Follow us on social media at GSPN Liverpool. You can email us at gspndailyloverportatgmail.com. As I said, join us again tomorrow as we review the Moses R Darby against Everton from myself and Connor. Thank you for listening.