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Episode 138 - Match Preview: A shock on the cards against Arsenal?
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Join the surprisingly rare partnership of Richard & James as they look ahead to the visit of Arsenal at Portman Road this weekend in a game that could mathematically confirm the relegation places or the league title, depending on other results. The lads discuss the visitors' season and what we can expect from them, debate how Town will line up and give their predictions.
The Daily Ipswich Podcast, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, is the home of all your ITFC. Join us every weekday for the latest news, build-up and reaction in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
Host: Richard Popple
Guests: James Bennett
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Transcript
Preview of Ipswich vs Arsenal Game
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Global Sports Podcast Network. This is the Daily Ipswich. It is Thursday morning and we are doing a preview of the weekend's game against Arsenal on Sunday.
00:00:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Joining me, Richard Popple, is James Bennett. Hello, James.
00:00:24
James
How are you doing mate?
00:00:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, good. Me and you haven't done one of these for a while together, have we?
00:00:28
James
Long time. Yeah, long time mate actually. it's It's good to be doing one with you.
00:00:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is. You too. You too.
Impact of Arsenal's Champions League Performance
00:00:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, we're speaking on Wednesday, so it's before Arsenal actually play in the Champions League. They're going to be playing Real Madrid tonight.
00:00:43
James
Yeah.
00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
So their mood, I'm imagining, will depend very much on how this evening's game goes.
00:00:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
And potentially their team selection as well for Sunday probably depends a lot on how tonight's game goes as well.
Arsenal's Premier League Challenges
00:00:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
In terms of Arsenal, let's just talk about them for a little bit. They've obviously... drawn a hell of a lot of games in the league this year.
00:01:00
James
Thank you.
00:01:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, that it looked like they were mounting, you know, their third Premier League title challenge in a row at the turn turn of the year and stuff. And they've just seemed to have fallen away, not in terms of defeat. i think they've only lost three all year and Liverpool have lost two, but they're just drawing a lot of games.
00:01:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
So what what have you seen from Arsenal this year? Have they dropped off from previous years or are they still a pretty tough nut to crack?
00:01:22
James
think ah It's a tough one Arsenal because I would say, weirdly enough, though they're are kind of a bit of both, I think, because they're obviously tough to beat anyway. Because like you said, only lost three all all this year really and they're drawing a lot of games so they're difficult to break down.
00:01:36
James
But I think what's done Arsenal in, and i've I've said it for a few months and think we all have, was the January transfer window. They just didn't They had their injuries, they knew about these injuries. that's Obviously, Saka's come back now, which is a great help to them. But a lot of injuries, so they weren't scoring goals and they didn't replace anybody. So I think that's why they've dropped off in you know to to be able to finish games because they're playing really well.
00:01:58
James
They play some good stuff. We've seen it against, I know it's Champions League, but to be asked to beat Madrid 3-0 is something special, really.
00:02:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:02:07
James
Definitely got it in the locker, I think. And if they would have just done January a little bit better, think they'd be a I think they would have been challenging Liverpool a bit more because they're not really now, are they? But, yeah, I think January was their downfall. They needed to to replace a little bit more. and But, yeah, still a tough nut to crack, absolutely. He's still got them playing very well.
00:02:26
James
Good stuff.
00:02:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, they're an interesting one. I think you're absolutely right. They they didn't particularly strengthen the squad that much last summer, I don't think. Well, they did, but in like positions that they were already fairly strong in, i.e. defence.
00:02:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But yeah, no, that the the January transfer window, they did seem to bottle it almost. I mean, I know it's a difficult market and all the rest of it, but they gambled on Kai Havertz, I think, who was still fit at that point. And then obviously he got injured literally about a week after that close. So, but I mean, maybe they've had a bit of bad luck, but at the same time, perhaps they could have been a bit more proactive.
Key Arsenal Players to Watch
00:02:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
In terms of their players, though, who has... Obviously, Saka is Saka. He has become a kind of like world-class player. And I think as soon as he's come back, you've kind of seen the lift that he's given them. And yeah, he's he's a quality quality forward. And he's you know he's got the potential to get up to kind of like Mo Salah levels, I would imagine, later in his career and stuff.
00:03:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Anyone else? They've obviously had... Myles Lewis-Skelly's burst onto the scene this year, incredibly. Ethan Waniere's burst onto the scene this year. And maybe Declan Rice is having his best season for them. Not sure. Any names that kind of like come out as as real threats for us?
00:03:35
James
As threats, I mean... It's a tough one because obviously still a few injuries, but that Mourinho, when he plays, he's been playing well. Obviously, he's picked up a couple of goals when he's been playing sort of up front when he's not had to, when he's not a striker.
00:03:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:49
James
So he's obviously got a little bit about him. I'll be completely honest, and I don't like to wish injury on any player, but I am glad that Gabriel is out until the end of the season because he's a hell of a defender.
00:03:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:03:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:03:59
James
he's He's a top, top centre-back.
00:03:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:00
James
So he would have been horrible to play against because he was last time anyway. But yeah, if Saka's playing, that's... that's just, it's a horrible threat to have. Because like you say, i I truly believe that as well, actually, Rich, is in the next sort of few years, if he stays in the Premier League anyway and keeps playing like he's playing, yeah, I think he can get to the heights of sort Salah. Absolutely. he
00:04:22
James
He's a hell of a talent, isn't he? Saka, his quality.
00:04:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Yeah. Yeah, he is. And his mentality just seems to be kind of like bang on. He's so consistent, so consistent every single season, really.
00:04:28
James
yeah
00:04:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
The injury was kind of inevitable because Arteta seemed to play him, you know, to death really, and obviously got got their comeuppance after that. But, you know, Waniere coming on the scene and kind of being his backup is a pretty nice, nice sort of problem that they had maybe that's already been filled from their academy. And they always seem to produce pretty good young players anyway, of course.
00:04:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
One of our own, Amari Hutchinson, was originally at Arsenal before four going off to Chelsea. So, yeah, you can kind of see why he left. There's quite a there's quite a queue in front of him in that position.
Ipswich's Strategy Against Arsenal
00:05:02
James
absolutely
00:05:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
The game at the Emirates, it was I think it was the 29th or twenty seventh of December. it's a bit a weird time because Arsenal were struggling at that point, I remember. Sacco, I think, was injured. They weren't really scoring many goals.
00:05:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we were we were actually very defensively quite solid that day. we we were playing a five at the back. They didn't really create that much, but nor did Ipswich really threaten them whatsoever.
00:05:23
James
Thank you.
00:05:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do we expect it to be a similar game this time around, or is it going to be a little bit more open?
00:05:33
James
I feel like it'll probably be a bit more open. I just, I feel like it needs to be really. Do you know what i mean?
00:05:39
James
Obviously, the last game, like you say, it was all a bit closed. It was that kind of game. But i think I think for us, we'd like to see us be a bit more open. Just obviously we're getting towards the end of the season.
00:05:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:05:51
James
And I think it's more about just seeing our let's see in Ipswich you know play well now for the last for the last few games to see if see what we can do against these other teams that we've got left. So I think it'll be more of an open game. think it needs to be. I'd like to see us attacking a little bit more.
00:06:05
James
And I'd like to see us put in another good performance because obviously im Chelsea just gone. I thought we that we played OK. And if we can take that into Arsenal, I'd love to see us get three points against them.
00:06:16
James
you know what i mean? So, yeah, it should be more open.
00:06:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hope incredible.
00:06:19
James
And I think Arsenal will probably be more open for it as well, to be honest.
00:06:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think so. And as you already mentioned, you know, Gabriel not being there does does make them a little bit more vulnerable than they probably normally would be. OK, that'll do for the first half. After we come back, we'll talk about what we might expect in terms of the teams themselves.
Ipswich's Relegation Battle
00:07:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Superb stuff. All right, welcome back to the second part of the Daily Ipswich. So, James, we are a not small 14 points behind West Ham.
00:07:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, I don't think I really need to ask you this question, but there's six games to go. It's a bit of a done deal, right?
00:07:38
James
I think so, mate.
00:07:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:07:41
James
I think so. But i was do you know what? I was saying, m and obviously we'll get on to Ipswich, I'm sure, with the teams everything, but with you just saying West Ham there, I can't believe that it's them that are the ones above us now.
00:07:53
James
where Where does that come from? let's They've completely gone under the radar and Potter is getting away with things, clearly, because he's not doing a good job. That's mental that they're the team above us now.
00:07:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Amen.
00:08:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I guess he's not. but the it's like I mean, he's not. no Their last five games, they've they've lost three and drawn two, I think. But the difference is that Wolves have just won four in a row.
00:08:15
James
Yeah, fair. True. Hmm.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, you win four in a row and you get you know you're going to sort bound up the league.
00:08:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And obviously Wolves were a long way behind at that point anyway. So that I think it's more Wolves of kind of you know leapt rather than West Ham have sunk too much.
00:08:25
James
yes
00:08:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
But ah ah poor yeah, poor season for for them, for sure. 35 points. They've only won nine games. They've drawn quite a few as well. But yeah, he's he's not... I can't imagine the West Ham fans who never seem to be happy anyway and are going to be that happy with with the situation.
00:08:38
James
sure
00:08:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, you've you've basically got Spurs and Man United just above them as well. It'd be absolutely hilarious if they finish 17th and 16th, you know? It's just unbelievable how bad those two are.
00:08:51
James
Yeah.
00:08:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, incredible. So yeah, 14 points. We we know it's a done deal. And I think actually if we lose and Wolves and West Ham win, we will be relegated on Sunday.
00:09:03
James
yeah
00:09:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
So obviously, you know, i think the club want to kind of protract that as long as they can. I think, you know, for for the fans and for everybody just to feel a bit more kind of like positive about stuff. Tom also came up with a stat, I think, that Ipswich in their history have never had less than 25 points in the top flight, even when we've been relegated before and stuff.
00:09:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think that's a bit of a marker maybe that we would like to to pass, which means we need five points from the last six games.
00:09:29
James
yeah
00:09:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Will we get those points, James, do you think?
00:09:35
James
Yes.
00:09:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:09:37
James
Yeah, I'm going to say, yeah, absolutely yeah i'm I'm hopeful for it because at least, I like that Tom has found that to be fair because at least there's maybe just something to play for still.
00:09:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good.
00:09:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:46
James
you know i mean? There's something there that they can still aim for, which is nice. So, yeah, I think i think they can do that, absolutely. I'll say, I reckon we'll just do it with 27, think. i think
00:09:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
so a couple couple of wins I mean a couple of wins before the end I would take that if we lost four games and just won two and at least got you know yeah we've only won four all year god we've only won four all year yeah six six would be nice just a couple couple of wins couple of scalps before we go
00:10:01
James
Yeah.
00:10:08
James
Yeah. Yeah, true. Yeah.
00:10:15
James
yeah
00:10:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe only away for a season, but we'll wait and see on that.
00:10:18
James
yeah true
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, well, let's get into the game itself and what we may be expecting. So Sunday, two o'clock kickoff on TV. Obviously, the complication is we've already mentioned at the start of the show, Arsenal do play tonight and they're away.
00:10:31
James
yeah
00:10:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
If Arsenal win in Madrid will go through at least, I doubt they're going to win the game itself. But yeah, they you would imagine they'd get through. Stranger things have happened.
00:10:42
James
yeah
00:10:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if they do get through, what sort of team are you expecting Arteta would put out on on Sunday?
00:10:48
James
Sunday. If they do get through, yeah, this is the thing. If they do, because they're still going to be resting a bit I think he'll play a little bit of a weaker side.
00:10:57
James
and Absolutely. i I don't think we'll see Rice the whole game. I think he'll maybe... He might start him, obviously, because it's Declan Rice and he starts most of his games, but I don't think he'll play the full game.
00:10:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:11
James
and Maybe... Lewis Skelly has been playing unbelievable, hasn't he, recently.
00:11:16
James
I don't know if he'd start him. Maybe brings Zinchenko in to have a game.
00:11:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:11:20
James
I'm not too sure about that, maybe.
00:11:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, maybe.
00:11:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's been playing Zinchenko in midfield we're in the Odegaard position because that's where he plays for Ukraine and he's never ever played there for Arsenal or I don't think City ever played in there either and it's a bit like he plays there for his country.
00:11:26
James
oh Yeah, that's true. Yeah.
00:11:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's that's kind of what his position is. so I've always found that a little bit weird really.
00:11:37
James
It's a strange one. Yeah, it is a strange one. I mean, think we'll see him get a game, though, to be fair, as a Janko against us. But I do think it'll be, a like you say, if they do go through.
00:11:47
James
And yeah, strangely, it's Madrid in it at the Bernabeu, so you never know.
00:11:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:11:50
James
But yeah, I think it'll be a weaker side. And hopefully, yeah, we can get something from that because of it
00:11:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm presuming that if they did get through, there isn't a Champions League game next week. It'd be a couple of weeks, right? Between the rounds, I would think.
00:12:03
James
that ku Yeah, couple weeks still, yeah.
00:12:04
James
Yeah.
00:12:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, right.
00:12:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that that doesn't necessarily help But yeah, I think you're right. I think if they do go through, he'll make changes because clearly the league has gone.
00:12:10
James
and
00:12:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, they they probably want to win three or four more games to to solidify second place maybe. But yeah,
00:12:17
James
Yeah,
00:12:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, they ain't catching Liverpool at this stage. But I think if
00:12:20
James
so, 100%.
Arsenal's Squad Rotation for Europe
00:12:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
they go out, Arteta will absolutely put the first team out, I reckon, on Sunday.
00:12:26
James
Yeah. Yeah. on hojabus
00:12:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because it'll be like, you're not playing for anything else this season, so go and win the last six Premier League games.
00:12:31
James
yet
00:12:32
James
yeah I'd have to agree with that, think. So, if yeah, I think if Madrid manage to do the job and and get through, yeah, ill just bang. He'll just put his best team out, absolutely, and tellus and probably probably tell him the rest of the week to absolutely steamroll, at least, and try.
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
That that that would be the challenge for them.
00:12:48
James
So, I'm hoping that's it.
00:12:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, there might be a bit of a reaction if that happens, to be honest, yeah.
00:12:53
James
Yeah.
00:12:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think we probably, on balance, want them to go through because then their sort of focus remains on Europe, really, rather than rather than the league.
00:13:00
James
Yeah, I'd say so.
00:13:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
In terms of lineups for us, obviously, Chelsea, as you mentioned earlier, it was a good result. It was quite difficult to kind of talk about it with Tom because it what you know it was a good result.
00:13:07
James
Yeah.
00:13:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
we We drew at Chelsea, you know, they're chasing Champions League football. But again, there was that sense of, We let another league slip. And it not just that, it felt completely inevitable, even though we conceded 20 seconds into the second half, which was just ridiculous.
00:13:23
James
yeah
00:13:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it just feels completely inevitable. And it's like a mentality thing at this stage where we just don't really believe we're going to see games out.
00:13:35
James
Yeah, definitely. I mean, think we we definitely spoke at about it sort of earlier in the season, you know, before we were pretty nailed nailed on to go down. there's There's been times, weren't there, where we've said, no, we need to score two goals so we have a so we know we have a chance of at least getting a point, maybe even three.
00:13:52
James
But, yeah, there's been times, like against Chelsea, 2-0 up. I was watching the game and still thinking, we're not going to get... There was times where you're thinking, we're not going to get anything out of this game.
00:14:03
James
And you're 2-0 up. Do you know what I mean?
00:14:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:05
James
And it's it's it's so hard to sort of sit there 2-0 up at Chelsea thinking, but we're still probably not even going to get a point out of this. It's horrible.
00:14:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
but I
00:14:14
James
And yeah, that's been the story of our season, really, I think. And it's it's such a shame. But I don't know. Yeah, 2-2. It's still a good point at Stamford Bridge and it's a definite positive to take with us.
00:14:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:25
James
But yeah, it's just a sick knowing it when it happens constantly. Yeah.
00:14:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know, I know. What do you see from us? I mean, obviously, Hurst led the line and there was that was because of maybe an injury. Well, DeLapp had a little bit of an injury, I think, but also the yellow card thing and stuff. If he'd have got one, he'd have been banned for a couple of games and stuff. So obviously, he's avoided that because that's been wiped now.
00:14:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think Hurst starts again or do you think he just goes back to DeLapp?
00:14:51
James
and Personally, I think he should start Hurst again.
00:14:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's been brilliant, hasn't he?
00:14:58
James
He really has. like I honestly think he's been great. he's He's so good at holding the ball up. I think that goes under the radar a little bit because his involvement in that first goal against Chelsea was unbelievable.
00:15:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah, I agree.
00:15:09
James
And so I think, yeah, why not? Because he's going to be our main guy next year. 100% in the Championship. So why not give him these games in the Premier League? Because he's not going to last a whole game, obviously, because it's his fitness is still sort of coming back a little bit, I guess, and because the lap's obviously playing a lot as well.
00:15:26
James
But I think, yeah, why not start him? He deserves to. And it's the same for him for me, for Conor Townsend as well, to be honest, at the minute.
00:15:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really?
00:15:33
James
Yeah, I'd start him as well. I would. Because he looks quite solid, you know what I mean? And I still love Leif Davis, of course I do. But, yeah, it's towards the end of the season. I think, so yeah, I'd start Townsend. Why not? He's looked good when he's played.
00:15:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
So what would you do with... What's that saying to Davis, though? if if I mean, I'm not saying I don't disagree with you because i think Townsend has been brilliant.
00:15:55
James
Yeah.
00:15:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
But does that mean we kind of think to move on from Leaf Davis in the summer or...?
00:16:02
James
I don't know. I think maybe... If you can't experiment now, I don't know when you can. So, I'd maybe try and favour up the field for a few games to see how he can do there because he's very, very good at going forward.
00:16:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:16:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
00:16:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeahp
00:16:15
James
It's it's actually probably been his defending that's let him down a little bit this season. So, yeah, I'd push him further up, see if he can do a good have a good game, sort of, you know, favour up the field.
00:16:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:16:25
James
Why not?
00:16:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah I mean, even in the Chelsea game, you saw Cam Burgess' reaction to it, the the goal we were talking about after 20 seconds in the second half.
00:16:34
James
Yeah.
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
He just let his man what kind of waltz past him, really.
00:16:36
James
on
00:16:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
he He really didn't make an effort defensively at all. And you kind of just think he's been targeted all year. maybe Maybe not right at the start, but, you know, clearly clubs worked out, OK, he's miles up the pitch a lot of the time. He's coming back. He's off and out of position. We can exploit that. And they did.
00:16:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ipswich have then countered it to a certain extent. But the player himself... remains a bit passive defensively, he still doesn't get his positioning quite right. And he doesn't attack the he doesn't attack his man that much either.
00:17:06
James
Yeah.
00:17:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, you know, he he can get beaten quite easily sometimes.
00:17:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you you did see Burgess's reaction to it And it was a bit, that is quite telling really, you know, 20 seconds after the restart, it's all about focus. Let's try and keep them out for 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and then we'll, you know, maybe be able to hold on. and but as soon as that one goes in, you know what's going to happen. So,
00:17:23
James
yeah
00:17:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he's he's not covered himself in glory. So I kind of would agree with you, but I just worry about what how he would respond to that a little bit because you're basically saying your second choice behind the guy we bought for $750,000.
00:17:36
James
yeah
00:17:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:38
James
That's true, yeah. That's it's such a good point, yeah.
00:17:42
James
hey c Yeah, I do agree with you in that sense because, yeah, it would be a bit of a slap, I guess, in the face, wouldn't for him? But, no, that's football at times, isn't guess?
00:17:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:50
James
Right.
00:17:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i don't i don't I don't disagree. All right, let's take another quick break and then we'll come back and talk a little bit more about how we expect to line up and get some predictions.
00:18:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to the final part of the show. So,
Ipswich's Recent Performance and Lineup Changes
00:18:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
James, regarding the rest of the defence, would it be same as same as Chelsea? Yep.
00:18:34
James
Yeah, think so, to be honest. and Burgess, you know, he's always solid and he's had a good season. and He really has.
00:18:40
James
and But yeah, I think so, because the the sort of first half we defended pretty pretty well, to be honest. They were absolutely solid until, obviously, 18 seconds into the second half.
00:18:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
yep
00:18:51
James
But i yeah, Twan Zaby, I think, had a good game. I know Dodgy, he was bit harsh on him to to get the own goal, I guess. But I do think he had a good game, Twan Zaby, absolutely.
00:18:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:00
James
So i'm yeah, I'd have the same one, but would maybe start Townsend for it.
00:19:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
And what about further forward? obviously talked about Hurst and De Lappe you know, yeah, six one, half a dozen of the other, really. I mean, Hurst is definitely playing well and probably deserves it. But, you know, De Lappe's been the player of the year. So how could you how could you really keep him out of the team?
00:19:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sure De Lappe probably starts, but they'll both play their part.
00:19:27
James
Yeah.
00:19:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
The three behind and Cissot seems to have got the number 10 role at the moment and he's playing well. And Ben Johnson's played really well for the last couple of games.
00:19:37
James
Absolutely.
00:19:37
James
as Yeah.
00:19:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
So i I imagine those two keep their place.
00:19:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
what What about the third one? Jack Clark obviously got the nod at Chelsea. That was a surprise for me. how did you feel about that?
00:19:46
James
Well, I thought it was going Brodhead. to be honest, I did.
00:19:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:49
James
and It was a surprise, but in fairness, he actually looked all right at times, Shaq Clarke, to be honest.
00:19:55
James
and So, I was happy that he, obviously, he got his chance and he, yeah, he took it well. He played very well, but I think I'd give maybe Broderd a chance against Arsenal just to rotate them a little bit and see, and see because we still don't know who's starting properly, you know mean?
00:19:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:11
James
I don't think we've had that all season and it's so frustrating, especially in that them kind of positions.
00:20:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, know. All season. I know.
00:20:17
James
so i But every time Broadhead's played, i've yeah I've always been quite happy with that selection. He gets on the ball a lot and he's very direct and I like that. So, yeah, I'd start Broadhead and like you say, it's it's probably going to be the lap in it. it's It will be.
00:20:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I would think so. It's funny, isn't it? Yeah, Broadhead, Burgess, we've mentioned as well. And I think Hurst can go in this category, even though it's a smaller sample size because he you know he was injured quite a this season, which is the problem with him, isn't it?
00:20:47
James
Yeah.
00:20:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's be honest.
00:20:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
and They have performed, I think, really, really well, kind of whenever they've played. at Townsend, you could chuck in there as well. like Those four have kind of always played pretty well when they've when they've been asked to come into the team.
00:20:59
James
Yeah.
00:21:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yet they don't always get picked. So they they kind of seem to have got their their way into the team now towards the end of the season. But that feels almost slightly too late, really. And i'm I'm not necessarily blaming McKenna for that. But there does seem to have, as you said, been a constant battle all year to work out, well, what is the best combination? and like Does that go back to the fact that we basically bought half a squad last year and it's just taken a really long time to integrate it
00:21:25
James
I think so, yeah. is I think what's been quite unlucky as well, a couple of our signings obviously got injured pretty quick, so we've had to replace them signings with the same kind of player.
00:21:35
James
And then these players are coming back from injury and then, we've like you say, we've got tenfold of these players. like it's yeah I think that has been the struggle. We've not gelled well enough at times. And then when we do seem, well, when we have seemed to gel a little bit earlier in the season, there's an injury that happens and then he's got to change it around again.
00:21:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
Ipswich's Transfer Speculations
00:21:51
James
it's I think it's just been a little bit of a vicious circle, really, for for all this kind of thing.
00:21:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:56
James
And it's, yeah, frustrating to see, but we're near the end now, aren't we? So we'll we'll see what happens.
00:22:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are, we are. yeah yeah And we're near the end of this episode as well. I just wanted to talk about a couple of things off the pitch a little bit. Obviously, the DLAP break clause broke last week. what's What's your kind of like take on all of that stuff?
00:22:16
James
very annoying 30 million like come on how true is it
00:22:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it true, though? Is it true? Because like... don't know, because to Tom said Ashton was talking about it and he was like, we're well protected on on the Liam DeLapp situation.
00:22:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
30 million doesn't sound well protected because that's only about an 8 million pound profit.
00:22:35
James
yeah like if that is true horrible business like
00:22:43
James
Horrible, because even like because I've seen things obviously before that that it was 40. I'd obviously be a bit more happier with that, absolutely.
00:22:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah. yeah Yeah.
00:22:53
James
and But 30 is just, yeah, like you say, the profit on that is just eight. and the season he's had, the season that we've had, has been unbelievable.
00:23:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know.
00:23:03
James
So, yeah, help me it'll be horrible to see him go if it's just for 30 mil. It really will.
00:23:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He might be talking about a sell-on clause. Tao might have something where they get 15%, 20% of the next one or whatever. And obviously that could be worth a fair bit down the line potentially.
00:23:16
James
Yeah. That's
00:23:19
James
true.
00:23:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it is a bit weird because if it is true, one, it shows you how difficult it is for promoter clubs to kind of like attract players and and get fair deals out of it.
00:23:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because even though we got in for a decent price, you know, if you're not making that kind of profit, it's yeahs it's not great. But also, he was playing in the Championship last year.
00:23:36
James
like hello
00:23:39
James
yeah
00:23:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
and he wasn't exactly like pulling up trees. He was like he was good, but he wasn't incredible. And established Premier League clubs weren't after him.
00:23:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was only apparently Ipswich and Southampton that were that were real suitors for him. So it seems odd that we would have had to have put that clause in at such a low value. But yeah, I don't know.
00:23:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's it's a bit of a weird one. I think a lot of it's paper talk and and maybe there is more to it. But yeah.
00:24:03
James
Hope so. I do hope so. Because it's such a steal. Whoever grabs him for that, absolute steal.
00:24:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. There's also been a couple more rumours about Jack Clark for PSV.
00:24:15
James
Really? I've not seen that one.
00:24:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. Tom was talking about that as well.
00:24:18
James
Yeah, fair.
00:24:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, maybe Tom's just, you know, creating these things. I don't know. and And kudos to him if he is. But no, apparently you read that somewhere.
00:24:25
James
yes so football about
00:24:27
James
yeah sir Yeah, definitely. Would be a mad one. But tell you what, if there was truth in that, and I'm Jack Clark, I'd be quite happy with that interest, to be honest.
00:24:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, that that seems a bit of a mad one to me.
00:24:39
James
I reckon that would be a...
00:24:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:40
James
They say, obviously, if it is true, and they do come in. champ Going down with Ipswich, yeah, you've got a chance of coming back up Premier League. But a year in Holland, PSV? Yeah. ah'd be oh That would attract me, I'll be honest. think that would be quite nice.
00:24:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. yeah
00:24:54
James
Yeah, yeah.
00:24:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then Burgess, there's been talk about him as well because obviously his contract runs out in the summer along with Luongo and someone else.
00:25:02
James
yeah
00:25:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can't remember who.
00:25:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
What are your thoughts on those two? Would you would you try and re-sign Cam? Would you... and mass.
00:25:08
James
and
00:25:11
James
complete yeah i would love to keep Burgess. Luongo I love anyway, but i personally I think he might have had his time.
00:25:19
James
is you When we do sort of you know back to the Championship, I don't know if Luongo has got the legs for it still, but obviously we'll have, hopefully, Humphries coming back from Wickham next year. So I think Luongo's time might be done, but he's been fantastic.
00:25:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think so too.
00:25:36
James
I would love to offer Burgess another contract. I really would. But if he manages to get his himself a move, I think it was, was it Girona that were interested?
00:25:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think so, yeah.
00:25:46
James
Yeah. If he manages to get a move there, La Liga, you've got to take it.
00:25:51
James
You have to take that. But I'd love to keep him. I really would.
00:25:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, of course.
00:25:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's by a mile. Because when we first when I first saw him, and I think it was the year before we got promoted, or maybe two years before we got promoted, so can't remember. He's been in the club a fair while now, but he looked awful.
00:26:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know what I mean? He looked like a real lumping kind of centre-half who just literally just cracked the ball forward as far as he could.
00:26:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah He just looked terrible. And I was like, there's no way this guy's going to stick around. But he I think he has probably been the most improved player over the last three or four years, really.
00:26:25
James
100%. Yeah, definitely.
00:26:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:26:26
James
also agree with that. because like Because I think it was when we came up, wasn't it And we were saying, Burgess, I can't see in the Premier League.
00:26:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, no, yeah.
00:26:34
James
That's all. Yeah, we all said it. And honestly, yeah he really has played.
00:26:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:37
James
He's had a very good season, considering the season.
00:26:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:40
James
It's Burgess, yeah.
00:26:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I completely agree with you. Yeah, very impressive. he's He seems to adapt every single time.
Predictions for Ipswich vs Arsenal Game
00:26:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
and OK, back to the game briefly then. Let's get some predictions for Sunday. It's on TV so we can all watch it, which will be nice.
00:26:54
James
Yeah.
00:26:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
What are we thinking? Two o'clock kick-off, Arsenal at home.
00:26:58
James
I'm going to be positive and say we're going to get and want another home win because obviously we beat Chelsea and I'm going to say two one Going to do it.
00:27:09
James
Yeah. I think Dalap will score and I think Nciso might pick up another one as well. He got his fares for us, didn't he, against Chelsea. I think he'll score again, 2-1.
00:27:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Any goal scorers, predictions?
00:27:20
James
But we'll go it'll go 1-0 and somehow we we might creep a winner in. Yeah.
00:27:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nice. Nice.
00:27:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I am not going to be as positive as that, but I do think it'll be a draw because Arsenal constantly draw and I think we can't keep leads.
00:27:31
James
nice yeah Yeah, nice.
00:27:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I'll go for, i think, 1-1. And i yeah, I think NCISO too. I think he'll score again. I think he'll go on a little run before the end of the season. and
00:27:45
James
Why not, eh?
00:27:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah why not All right, lovely stuff. Well, tomorrow, if you tune in, we will have a crossover, hopefully, with the Arsenal boys from the GSPN network. So please do tune in for that. But thank you very much for listening. Thank you, James, for your contribution.
00:28:00
James
Cheers, mate.
00:28:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we will see you all tomorrow.