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Daily Premier League in English: Episode 90 - Friday Forecast! + Mixed Results in Europe for the English Teams...
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Louie Easton and Michael Thompson break down a weird day for English teams in Europe and highlight the best matches to look out for on the weekend!
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Transcript
Review of Manchester United vs Real Sociedad
00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily English podcast here on the Global Sports Podcast Network. It is forecast Friday, but we will also be looking at our Thursday night action in Europe. And joining me is Mikey Thompson, our resident here on the Friday forecast.
00:01:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And what a week of football has been in Europe, Mikey. Thank you very much for joining me.
00:01:08
Mikey
It's an absolute pleasure to be here again with you, Louis. Yeah, absolutely. What a week of football. and A lot of telltale signs that we can feed and filter into the Premier League. and But I reckon we should probably start with ah my team, Man United, playing away at Real Sociedad.
00:01:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, ah fresh in the mind, of course. And when I think of Real Sociedad, I just look at their team and I think system player, system player. And um I just think their interplay, whenever I have seen Real Sociedad play, ah has been terrific. I didn't catch that match, but I know you watched the entire thing.
00:01:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Did it seem that way to you? Was it a proper technical battle or ah was it different?
00:01:50
Mikey
Yeah, it was a yeah from from the neutral point of view, I thought it was quite a good game to watch. and There was plenty going on. ah It obviously finished 1-0, which as a United fan is a decent result, ah but I'm a little bit disappointed.
Manchester United's First Half Struggles
00:02:06
Mikey
We drew nilil at half-time and United went on to so like went for another record of of not scoring in the first half. And that's 21 games now.
00:02:17
Mikey
that Ruben Ameren hasn't scored in the first half of a game. and When he first came in, the first three games we scored in the first half and and and to go on that streak of i not scoring, I think is pivotal to the results that they're producing and I think this game could have been quite comfortably a United win there was ah an opportunity as Deleuze was on the on the wing he decided to to not fly the ball across and it would have been quite an easy tap in and then later on in the game we started the second half really well
00:02:53
Mikey
And Ganaccio had another similar chance where he just needed to whip it across. He went into the side netting as opposed to a cross goal. And again, ah those decision making, we could we could have been two up and looking for a third.
00:03:08
Mikey
As it went, we went one nil up with Xertens' goal. And then that was cancelled out with a penalty decision, which by the letter of the law in today's game is 100% a hundred percent penalty.
00:03:20
Mikey
Fernandes handball, unorthodox position.
00:03:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, ah let's just look at this as well from Real Sociedad's point of view, because they have had a difficult run of form ah because the last two matches that they played before this match were Barcelona and Real Madrid, ah both of which they failed to score a
Defensive Issues at Manchester United
00:03:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
goal. Today they score and Manchester United, I'm a little bit worried about their defence. And do you think that's fair? Because Manchester United are now seven games without a clean sheet.
00:03:50
Mikey
Yeah, I think it's so easy and ah it's quite obvious that there's there fundamental problems at United. and There isn't a cohesion in the team. ah The starting XI isn't a strong starting XI and it's not difficult for anybody who is going against them to feel that there's a chance to to get a result.
00:04:13
Mikey
That being said, United today showed signs of managing a game of football, ah taking a game attackingly away from home ah to a side.
00:04:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:04:26
Mikey
It's not a great result. I feel like we should have won. um But everything in in context, I think i think today is an horrendous result. And, you know, next week at Old Trafford, who knows?
00:04:38
Mikey
It leads it nicely into um the weekend with Arsenal anyway. It's getting a ah strong wear result, unlike what they did on Wednesday night or Tuesday
Garnacho's Potential and Challenges
00:04:49
Mikey
night. Tuesday night, I beg your pardon.
00:04:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'd like to um i'd like to say just but I did watch some of the game. I watched the highlights. And every time I saw United going forward, it seemed like Alejandro Garnaccio had a lot to do with it. A word on him today?
00:05:08
Mikey
Yeah, I'm impressed with Gennacjov since the saga of um being out of the team. i think I think his reaction to that since he's been coming back into the team has been positive.
00:05:20
Mikey
He probably is one of our stronger players ah after Bruno Fernandes. um Consistency is the key, but i ah we also forget just how young he is.
00:05:31
Mikey
ah it's It's a lot to expect from Although he's not scored since November um and for an attacking forward at Man United who should be creating chances after chances, that's just not very acceptable. So his his his game, his performance is is good, his effort's there and that's what fans want to see. But ah scoring it is is definitely where we need to improve on that.
Joshua Zerkze's Performance
00:06:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Speaking of scoring, ah Joshua Zerkze seemed to have a very different match to his recent unsuccess. I think it's fair to say at Manchester United, he's definitely been under the magnifying glass more than anyone ah in a Manchester United shirt this season with big expectations of him when he joined. But ah he got the man of the match from the game.
00:06:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think that's deserved? And do you think that this could be the start of... potentially some good fortune for the Dutch striker.
00:06:32
Mikey
Yeah, it's it's a tricky one really because he hasn't had a great start to his campaign at Man United. and There's nothing to hide about that. But what is being shown is his performance and his work rate.
00:06:46
Mikey
And United fans genuinely fall in love ah with players who have a determination to track back, to to do the jobs that maybe that aren't as glamorous or what they should be doing. And I agree, as a striker, he should be up there finishing.
00:07:01
Mikey
ah But when you've got a player who's who's providing that work rate, it builds an atmosphere which is desperate for anyone who watches Man United at the minute. And if you compare him to our other option, and Rasmus Hoyland, I just...
00:07:16
Mikey
He is, for me so far off the game. um you You need somebody like that to be able to hold the ball up and he can't do it. He loses possession far too many times.
00:07:29
Mikey
And I think that that is a ah fundamental problem for Man United at the minute.
00:07:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
and just lastly on this game before we move on to the other european games uh the penalty uh against bruno fernandez who had a match where he was constantly finding himself in arguments with the referee um something that neutral fans don't really like seeing too much of in the game and In the end, he did get booked for having ah having some strong words for the referee.
00:07:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But the penalty, it was a handball. The cross came in ah from the corner and it didn't seem like he was looking at it, but he sort of nudged the ball out of the way of... I can't remember who the striker was, might have been Kubo, but um definitely ah hitting his arm and then taking an opportunity away from the Sociedad forward line. But do you think it is a handball?
Refereeing Controversy with Bruno Fernandes
00:08:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because to me, it seemed like it probably was the right decision from the referee.
00:08:29
Mikey
ah It definitely is the right decision. Yeah, 100%. It was handball and his reaction was was unwarranted. But I do feel that he's... he's I don't know. We've we've seen a lot a lot of about emotion. Last weekend in the FA Cup, we saw a lot of people getting...
00:08:46
Mikey
and red cards, yellow cards for their reaction to the referee. And I'm for that decision of referees being strong and not accepting that it's that it's okay ah to respond like that.
00:09:01
Mikey
I don't think there's very much say about it. If you ask my personal opinion, it's not a handball or I could argue that it's definitely ah harsh handball, but in the letter of the law, it's a stonewall penalty and deserved and and well taken.
00:09:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
it it It's one of those where it sort of depends on the referee and how lenient they're feeling. And that's where I think football refereeing does need to be improved so we can be a bit more ah familiar with the actual rules of the game. But um just...
00:09:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was good i we saying last thing, but this is the last thing. I would like to talk about the Manchester United substitutions that were made because I saw um a lot of influence on Manchester United's attack.
00:09:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Granted, little amounts of attack towards the end, but the attack that the was happening towards the end. ah did come a lot through Toby Collier who came on with a few minutes to go and on the ball I thought he was terrific Linda Lerf also came on and um helped see the game out for a draw I was impressed I was definitely impressed with those two ah do you feel the same way and do you think maybe there should be some more time for players like Toby Collier
00:10:14
Mikey
yeah Yeah, it's a good point you make this. I think this is exactly where Amerind should use the rest of the season. He's got 10 games now in the Premier League to work out.
00:10:27
Mikey
who he is going to create a team with on a round for next season. ah There is zero point to worry about anything else apart from being experimental in the Premier League, in my opinion.
00:10:39
Mikey
He isn't going to get sacked. They're going to keep him until the end of the season. it would be It would be a monstrosity to sack him ah before then. So try everything you want in the meantime and using people like Collier, ah using these people that we don't know the names of on the bench,
00:10:55
Mikey
and find players that you want to build a team around, and then that will give you a ah foundation to work on next season. and I also wanted to give a little shout out to Real Sociedad's sub, Becker. He was quality when he came on.
00:11:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, he was good. He was very good, yeah.
00:11:09
Mikey
Created so many chances.
00:11:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
That was a very weird ending to the match, though, when he was jumping up and down with the fans after colliding with, ah I can't remember who it was, and then afterwards deciding to go down holding his leg. So I'm very confused by the ending of that match. Anyway, we'll um we'll move on from Manchester United.
Tottenham's Ongoing Struggles
00:11:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
One all in Spain, return fixture at Old Trafford, and a bit of a home advantage heading into that second leg.
00:11:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Someone who doesn't have a home advantage, well, who does have a home advantage, but doesn't have... ah Quite the same result in the away leg are Tottenham Hotspur, who went to Alkmaar and lost 1-0. It was a freakish own goal from Lukas Bergvau. But Michael, alarm bells have to be ringing now in the white side of North London.
00:12:00
Mikey
Yeah, it is a pendulum that is swinging with the Tottenham side. It has to be. ah One shot on target away from home in in Europe is is just quite simply not good enough.
00:12:13
Mikey
and they should They should be going to win that game and they've come away with a really poor performance. They dominated possession. um But yeah ah yeah, I don't know what is happening at Tottenham. I find it such a strange club to try and understand because the run of form in recent games has been okay, but they were on about sacking and ah two weeks ago. So the I don't quite know where or what Tottenham fans want and I don't know what they're getting out of it because games like this kind of make you think that they're not anywhere further on. um
00:12:53
Mikey
Yeah, it's so it's a worrying time to be a Tottenham fan.
00:12:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I would like to give a shout out to Kevin Danso, because um he is someone that was ah very much at the heart of the Spurs defence, came in in January, and he ended up making 15 clearances for Tottenham.
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
So definitely ah someone who made sure it was only one. But it is ah ah catastrophic time for Tottenham. Not just ah looking at their defence, because, you know, their defence are only doing as well as they should be.
00:13:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But when you look at their midfield and their attack, they are the ones letting the side down. I mean, what's happened to Song Hyun Min, Mikey? It seems like he's just completely disappeared this season.
00:13:39
Mikey
Yeah.
00:13:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And it was another awful performance from his perspective ah last night.
00:13:42
Mikey
Yeah.
00:13:47
Mikey
Yeah, no, agreed. And and like you talk about people like him who are very important to to to this team. and And then you've got Benson Cura who's got a booking in this game and that rules him out of the second leg next week.
00:14:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
And
00:14:03
Mikey
And i said that's a huge miss in the centre of midfield ah for a team like Tottenham. ah They're not going to win this competition.
00:14:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:14:11
Mikey
and i will put that out there. and I don't think we need to to waste too much time on them. It was so bad tonight.
00:14:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they it was not a good showing. I i think teams such as Athletic Bilbao might
Spurs' Attacking Concerns
00:14:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
become favourites because they're having a terrific time in La Liga.
00:14:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, i mean, they're facing Roma. So if they get past them, they'll have all the motivation to go on and believe that they can provide a proper threat. And then you've got another team like Lyon who literally have nothing to lose because they're getting relegated.
00:14:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, ah I mean, this is the last hurrah and... They have way more to worry about than Spurs, who just at the moment don't seem like they want to run.
00:14:55
Mikey
Thank you.
00:14:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I was looking at the last ah sort of 10 minutes of this game. And what amazed me about Spurs is their defense were doing all of the hard work. And then as soon as it was time for them to counter and they were on the back foot for the majority of the end of that game.
00:15:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
When the time came for them to counter, they just looked so flat and they weren't getting forward fast enough. I mean, I know Dominic Solanke is coming back from an injury, but he really was missing in this one. Matthijs Tell didn't do enough for me.
00:15:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And when you get players like Benton Kaur, who just aren't keeping their heads, and Lukasz Bergwau, who... hasn't been terrific ah in 2025.
00:15:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a worry. It's a massive, massive worry for Spurs. And if Ange wants to keep his job, then he needs to work out a system which benefits the midfield more.
00:15:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because at the moment... They're miles away from the attack and also miles away from the defense.
00:15:52
Mikey
it.
00:15:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
They don't know how to ah adapt to different situations of the game. I don't know if that just comes down to a little bit of inexperience and a bit of naivety or if that's just a lack of direction.
00:16:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
but it's it's a It's a huge worry for Spurs at the moment. And, you know, they this is a team they should be beating. ah Especially when you've got players like Troy Parrott, a player that came from their academy and they just didn't really know how to deal with him ah in their defence.
00:16:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
it It's a mess. It's an absolute mess.
00:16:32
Mikey
Yeah, it's it's massive.
00:16:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
And... um
00:16:33
Mikey
and And the fact that Solanke came back, he had 15 minutes, first came back after injury and he went off injured. um You know, it's just none of it none of it's really helping the team.
00:16:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:16:45
Mikey
It's all stacking up. and And I guess Premier League form is the only way that they're going to be able to push on from this.
00:16:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah I mean, the only positive I can think of ah is looking at their bench and seeing Van de Ven and Romero back on their bench now. So that could be, i mean, with Ben Davis coming back as well, he's only a few days back from recovery, apparently.
00:17:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah That will be a huge boost because that is what they have been blaming all of their bad fortune on this season. That happens. having no defenders but if they come back and they're put back into defense and they aren't ready and then that just aggravates the injury where do you go from there so they need to be careful And even if they are playing well and they're still losing, then that shows that you can't just blame it on the injuries.
00:17:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's down to bad tactics in midfield, which is the way I saw it. And i I think Spurs are a lost cause this season. And this is a match that means so much to Spurs fans.
00:17:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
When you think they're out of every competition... And they are relying on this for any sign of silverware. And they go and lose to Alkmaar, a team they should be beating.
00:17:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
what how How does that make you feel as a Spurs fan?
00:18:03
Mikey
Yeah, but probably similar to how they felt for the last few years, in all honesty.
00:18:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:07
Mikey
ah Yeah, it it's not great.
00:18:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:09
Mikey
you you want You want your team to show up and I just feel sorry for anyone who's paid good money to go watch them today ah yesterday.
00:18:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway, so Spurs now playing ah at White Hart Lane, as I still like to call it. I'm old fashioned that way. but Still playing at White Hart Lane in the return leg.
00:18:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah One nil down. But if they do have Van der Ven and Romero fully back, not just rushing them back, but fully back, then that will be a big help.
Chelsea's Tactical Experimentations
00:18:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
now Now, our final match in Europe in the Conference League, Chelsea went to Copenhagen and they were the only English team last night that got a victory.
00:18:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um 2-1, still conceding a goal, still a little bit worried about that Chelsea defence. Chalaba was playing at right back and it didn't seem like he had the best match.
00:19:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Rhys James starting again in midfield. Now that is something ah that is a surprise to me. And also a shout out to young Shumaira Mouet...
00:19:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Shamira Mueca, I think is the way you pronounce his name. 17 years old, played the full first half. ah It seems like Enzo Maresca is still ah experimenting with this Chelsea team, Mikey.
00:19:26
Mikey
Yeah, absolutely. And a definite change in this game. The first half was, you know, an average performance and a triple substitution at half-time ah invigorated the Chelsea side.
00:19:41
Mikey
And just touching on Rhys James, what a finish. 25 yards took it fantastically.
00:19:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think the keeper maybe should have done better, however?
00:19:48
Mikey
I thought they did really well.
00:19:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rami and goal? I could have got down a bit quicker. It wasn't moving that fast.
00:19:55
Mikey
Yeah, fair enough. But take nothing away ah from Rhys James, absolutely. like
00:20:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no.
00:20:03
Mikey
and
00:20:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's great for him, but I would also just like to highlight their goalkeeper also didn't make a single save in that entire match.
00:20:04
Mikey
did
00:20:11
Mikey
and I think Chelsea only had two on target, did they? Is that right?
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that seems that I think that is correct, actually.
00:20:17
Mikey
Yeah.
00:20:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:20:18
Mikey
hey Yeah.
00:20:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Clinical. Yeah.
00:20:20
Mikey
but don't get Clinical, and that's all that matters. um Fernandes, for them, has been proving his value in recent games for me. I've noticed him a few times now, and he's starting to crop up ah with goals, which is the part of the game that I felt that he was missing.
00:20:39
Mikey
um So i think...
00:20:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:20:41
Mikey
i think Bringing that into into a Chelsea side that is still experimenting is good. But i also like the idea that your manager does make bold decisions, such as a triple change at half-time, and and the team still respond to it, because sometimes that can have a negative effect.
00:20:58
Mikey
and But it definitely hasn't in this in this game. ah So, yeah, I think Chelsea will see that out at Stamford Bridge quite comfortably.
00:21:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's ah it was a very strange um very strange line-up looking at this Chelsea team as well, um with Dewsbury Hall on the left. and you You mentioned Enzo Fernandes having ah found his form. I think Mark Cucurea has been a fantastic player for Chelsea this season. and ah He got an assist off the bench coming on for Malo Gusto, who did go off injured.
00:21:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah So there's a little bit of a worry there from a Chelsea perspective. um But they capitalised off a Copenhagen mistake, which resulted in their own pressing. They are playing with some bravery. And is it is that, do you think, going to be enough to carry them into the top four? Because it really is all to play for.
00:21:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it seems like they have the squad depth to balance Europe on top of the Premier League.
00:21:58
Mikey
Yeah, I mean, Chelsea have got the biggest squad in Europe, I think. I mean, that's not official GSPN stats, I'm saying. I'm making that up. But they have got a huge squad. So managing both is not a problem.
00:22:11
Mikey
um It's form. for Chelsea and consistency that that is is key. I am really excited to see how European play football plays out in the Premier League, as in where people finish.
00:22:26
Mikey
And Chelsea, for me, are in a very, very good position. to either push into Champions League football, and but also in the parapet of if a couple of results don't go their way and teams below them get the right results, they're quite quickly out of European football as well.
00:22:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they... Yeah.
00:22:43
Mikey
It is very, very competitive and from 10th, 11th maybe, up to 3rd, let's be honest.
00:22:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and a big, big match this ah this weekend between Brighton and Fulham will be resembling that, absolutely.
00:22:52
Mikey
let's be honest
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we'll talk more about that after this short break.
00:23:05
Mikey
Thank you.
00:24:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we will talk about the Brighton-Fulham match shortly. But first, I just want to touch on what, in my opinion, is the pick of the bunch this weekend. Nottingham Forest against Manchester City.
00:24:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Second, sorry, not second, third against fourth in the Premier League. And um I mean, I suppose when you think of Manchester City recently...
00:24:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
The word that often comes up is inconsistent. Do you think that's fair? Or do you think um do you think people are just being a little bit harsh on their recent form ah based on their own former high standards?
00:24:58
Mikey
Yeah, and I think you can only determine success based on high standards. So I think it's unfair to say that we shouldn't compare them against their very best because, let's be honest, they were the best in Europe um and um and the Premier League for the last however many years it's been there. But they have had a few good results of late take away the best teams in Europe they've played against. So they've played against Madrid and Liverpool, lost both those games.
00:25:28
Mikey
ah But other than that, around the edges, they've played really well, um getting some good results. Plymouth was a fantastic FA Cup game ah from the perspective of it being ah an FA Cup fixture. But Plymouth made it very difficult for City, but City managed that situation quite well.
00:25:46
Mikey
um This is going to be a really, really interesting game.
00:25:52
Mikey
Forest are going in in the back of this with with what i would consider a poor runner form. ah They've struggled of late to to produce what we were used to seeing with Nottingham Forest.
00:26:05
Mikey
and And from from my point of view, I really hope that they kick into gear and get results because I would love to see them in in European football, but I could quite easily see how they slip and out of Champions League or even Europa League football too.
00:26:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and they absolutely deserve to have some something to commemorate how good this season has been, whether that's getting to an f FA Cup final, maybe even winning the FA Cup.
00:26:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
um it's ah It's been an amazing season for Forrest, and I think the least they can hope for is top four. I mean, they they're guaranteed Europe, basically, at this stage.
00:26:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
in my opinion. And when you look at their players that they have, you know, even Jota Silva has been terrific for Forrest. Who would have thought that before a season started? Chris Wood been amazing and um Morgan Gibbs White.
00:26:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But when you look at on paper, Manchester City's side, you know, Omar Marmouche has been a revelation and even the cult hero that is becoming of Kusinov in defence.
00:27:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, know, it's it's a very it's poised for absolutely every aspect of unpredictability. When you look at the fact that it's at 12.30 as well, something that any punter will tell you is not something that you should bet on.
00:27:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Forrest as well, not being in the best of form themselves recently, especially in the Premier League, not winning any of their last three, losing two, those against Fulham and Newcastle, drawing recently against Arsenal. That was a That was a very close match, but it it you can't predict this one, can you, Mikey?
00:27:48
Mikey
No, and I think what makes this better, if it was at City, I'd say it's a City win. and But the fact that it's at Forest... I feel, ah gives gives the game another edge. And as you've already alluded to, the early kick-off ah is is always a significant battle.
00:28:08
Mikey
I do think, though, um that this could be eye-opener for who who remains in Champions League positions. If City win this game, it's a massive game for them to win.
00:28:21
Mikey
And I think getting to third will do a lot for the team's morale. um and And hopefully... Pep Guardiola and the rest of the team will have the experience to manage that situation.
00:28:33
Mikey
And it will take them away from the precarious position that they're currently in, ah which is is just on the edge of Champions League football next year, which ah for any Man City fan, player or or member of staff is an absolute must.
00:28:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'll just ah tell you this quick stat in the Premier League between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. Since Forest have been promoted, ah they have played against Manchester City five times. They have won none of those games and have only managed to score one goal. Manchester City scoring quite a few more with 14 in those five matches, including 6-0 win.
00:29:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah So this season has been quite different, but City winning 3-0 earlier in the season with Silva, De Bruyne and Doku all scoring at the Etihad on a cold Wednesday night in December. So um all to play for in that one.
00:29:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then we've got the other ah six pointer that I alluded to earlier, at Brighton against Fulham. How important is this match to these two teams, Mikey?
00:29:41
Mikey
Yeah, massive. i would I would say this is why it's so beautiful. They're literally next to each other in the table. ah One point is the difference between them.
00:29:52
Mikey
I said Brighton probably go into this game as a favourite, winning five at the last five. and And they're at home i just I just think it it's it's so beautiful. like Brighton are three points off fifth um as it stands. So if games go their way, they could be looking at sitting in in in a European spot at the end of the weekend, which is is quite but phenomenal, and really.
00:30:22
Mikey
I would probably go to back... and right and But I have been impressed with Fulham and how they've played ah recently, how they've ah they've changed their run of form um and started to grind out results against teams.
00:30:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Mm-hmm.
00:30:36
Mikey
um Like the Wolves game is sticking in my head, ah how they how they managed to turn that game into a victory game.
00:30:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah that was That was good. And also with these two teams, they're boat they're two of ah the teams still in the f FA Cup as well. So they have got a lot of matches still to be played um for for their hopes in Europe next season, ah whether that's winning the FA Cup or qualifying through ah table finish. But yeah, I mean...
00:31:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's it's what it Like you mentioned earlier, looking from 10th to four and the fact that there are only 5 points separating them, it's by far the most exciting part of the season, just looking at that top 4 finish. Because, let's face it, Liverpool probably won the league now.
00:31:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
We pretty much know that the 3 promoted sides are going straight back down. But the battle for Europe is really hotting up. And but like like you mentioned, Brighton at home, ah you do tip them to win, especially considering their recent form and the fact that they have sort of slow cooked their way into having a decent second half of the season. I mean, Kairou Matoma in recent weeks has been phenomenal, hasn't he?
00:31:57
Mikey
yeah Yeah, without doubt. I think he's such a classy footballer. And and just just going back on to onto the that very competitive section of the table, um the the difference in psychology is going to be fascinating because the Brighton-Fulham game, whichever way that that game actually goes,
00:32:18
Mikey
There's so many teams above that play later. So Chelsea, ah Newcastle, Bournemouth all don't play until days after, so Sunday or Monday, which is is really interesting because if Brighton were to win, they would they would be pushing, well, they'd be sixth place and the other teams um psychologically would be going into that game with a different look than knowing that Brighton dropped points.
00:32:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:32:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, this is the definition of a six points of this one. um So do you want to make any predictions for that one? You said Brighton to win, but you it must be quite a tight match as well.
00:32:56
Mikey
Yeah, I'd probably go for another 2-1, to be fair, Brighton.
00:33:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And just one more point on that match. Two players will be suspended from the match, one on either side. Sasha Lukic of Fulham and Tarek Lamptey of ah Brighton. And just seeing the injury list as well. Wilson, Tete, Nelson, all out for the foreseeable.
00:33:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Likely to miss this one. And for Brighton, Kadioglu. I mean, what a... game he had against us liverpool fans will know all about him he will be out ego will be out james milner the man the myth the legend will be out uh steel veltman and dunk as well probably going to be doubts now looking ahead to another pick of the weekend historically speaking manchester united as we were discussing earlier um drawing last night in Spain will be hosting Arsenal uh on Sunday afternoon um Patrick Dorgou is suspended for this one so he'll miss out and I mean is this potentially a turning point for Manchester United season if they can get anything out of this one Arsenal have a had a very good week in Europe defeating PSV as well that will give them some momentum
00:34:11
Mikey
Yeah, and the comprehensive victory at that. own Yeah, 7-1 away from home is it's quite an extraordinary result. um ah that For me, it's a very nothing game ah in in in in definition of what will happen to the league.
00:34:28
Mikey
I don't think it really matters. As I alluded to earlier, I think European football ah and club competition in that sense will will be more their priority. ensure it For United, it's got to be experimenting with the team.
00:34:44
Mikey
getting a little bit of consistency.
00:34:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:47
Mikey
ah For Arsenal, they would want to maintain and manage their players. i would be very surprised if Arteta alludes to the fact that you know the league's over. and But we we know, as as people that have an understanding of of of the points system, that the chances of them catching it are very, very, very, very slim.
00:35:09
Mikey
So...
00:35:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:35:11
Mikey
All Arsenal can do is try to produce good football, good results um and and manage their players so they can do well in in European football, in my opinion.
00:35:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
but From a Manchester United perspective, this is probably the best time to play Arsenal. You know, they're without Bakayo Saka, they're without Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus is out for the rest of the season, and Kai Havertz, the top scorer, is also out. So if there is a time for Manchester United to host Arsenal, it would probably be now, ah despite Manchester United having their own players missing, including Manuel Agate and Lissandro Martinez, especially being one.
00:35:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
i mean... it Is that something that changes your perspective of the game?
00:35:56
Mikey
um Yeah, I think it's so difficult to come into United game and know what to expect. ah whether Whether you've got a good team with all the players playing against you or a team that's missing some of their big stars.
00:36:09
Mikey
And the same for yeah United. the just that There is nothing. i would be i would be shocked if I am anything other than underwhelmed and at the performance of Man United.
00:36:23
Mikey
at the end of that game. a draw would be a fantastic result, I would say that note.
00:36:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And just alluding to Liverpool as well, it seems like something that we don't really have to talk about too much. I mean, this could be clipped and this could ji be me completely jinxing the match at the moment. But first versus 20th for Liverpool at Anfield against Southampton.
00:36:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I spoke to the Southampton boys earlier in the week. They said that they are hoping that the deficit is less than four. That's... That is genuinely a direct quote from them.
00:36:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Is there room for a surprise or do you think this is going to be complete thrashing?
00:37:06
Mikey
Well, there's a difference of 86 goals between the sides this season.
00:37:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh my gosh.
00:37:12
Mikey
I would be surprised if that isn't another 10 on top.
00:37:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
What?
00:37:16
Mikey
If Liverpool wanted to turn the screw, and I would be very, very shocked if this game wasn't 5-6-7-8. It's got potential to be huge.
00:37:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And our final match that I'm going to talk about, Wolves against Everton. Maybe earlier in the season, this could have been a proper relegation scrap. ah But both of those teams are pretty safely away from ah the relegation zone for the time being.
00:37:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Both playing pretty good football. um Everton, I think, are completely away from it now. 32 points and Ipswich still on 17 points.
00:37:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if Wolves can get a win against Everton, especially since they're at home in the Molyneux, it's a late kickoff. The fans will be drunk up for it, pumped. Would that secure them safety, do you think?
00:38:09
Mikey
Yeah, I think this is a massive game. I'm trying to create a little of tension going into the relegation battle, but I genuinely think if Wolves win this weekend, the expected result for Ipswich and Leicester will be losses at respective Palace and Chelsea, playing both away football.
00:38:27
Mikey
I can't see them getting a result. don't think As I say, if Wolves win that, it'll take the deficit to eight points. And I just think that that will be a step too far. That means three games that Wolves have to lose and Ipswich and Leicester have to win those games as well. I just don't i don't see it in the remaining 10-11 fixtures, 10 fixtures after this weekend.
00:38:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that will be, um well, it's still a very difficult team to host as well, Everton. I mean, David Moyes has been a revelation there, hasn't he?
00:38:59
Mikey
Yeah, what i like they couldn't have asked for any more and from David Moyes, from being in a position where they were potentially one of the teams likely to go down, to now being a cert that's not going down, 10 points away from 17th position. obviously just think, yeah, David Moyes has got to be over the moon as well as all the Everton fans, because let's be honest, they couldn't have brought in a brand new stadium in the Championship.
00:39:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
as well that would have been Very enjoyable for me as a Liverpool fan. And just a quick mention for Wolves. um wow I know all the talk has been about Matthias Cunha getting 13 goals and four assists this season from ah very weak Wolves side. But ah special mention to Ryan Aitnori and Nelson Samedo, the two wingbacks. They have been terrific ah this season. Aitnori well within a shout for the left back of the season. But...
00:39:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've been making a lot of difference ah for the West Midlands side, haven't they?
00:40:00
Mikey
Yeah, definitely. the The attacking down the wings and and and and deliveries into the middle have created more chances for people like Kunja to take. And I think that's what Wolves have relied rod relayed on on recent games.
00:40:16
Mikey
um And i think I think it could be a really close game and and probably will end up being a draw, even if I had to make a prediction.
00:40:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's not a bad shout.
00:40:24
Mikey
and
00:40:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Matthias Cunha is not your conventional striker either. He's one of those players that will just drift across the entire pitch, picking up the ball and trying to make something of it in dangerous areas.
00:40:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it makes having... it makes having actual forward wingers sort of futile in a way because he's so creative and he can pose a threat from any part of the pitch even if it is in a congested midfield because he's so good with his feet if there is a player that will make a difference surely it's got to be him that will be the difference maker
00:40:59
Mikey
Yeah, absolutely. My question is is, is he playing or is he suspended?
00:41:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Oh, that's a good point, actually.
00:41:07
Mikey
Did he get sent off ah last weekend?
00:41:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
He did. He did. Yes, your apps. I completely forgot about that. Yes, Matthias Cunha will not be playing in this game ah through suspension. that will make it.
00:41:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
maybe Maybe that could tip it in Everton's favor, Mikey. Well, well done for pulling me up on that, because I sound ridiculous now for saying that he'll make a difference. maybe yeah Maybe as a fan from the stands, starting with chance.
00:41:31
Mikey
um In the changing room, yeah, yeah, yeah and
00:41:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that would sit in Everton's favour though, yeah.
00:41:37
Mikey
yeah. And he should never he should never have been sent off. He he was silly and let his emotions run too high just before the penalty shootout. Yeah, so it will be interesting see how they adapt without him, ah without doubt, because I think you've highlighted just how important he is to that side.
00:41:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, ah well, he he's been by far and away their biggest contributor to goals and assists this season. I mean, Norrie is the only one with any more assists than him with five.
00:42:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's really thrown a spanner in the works because I always said about Wolves, if anything happens to Matthias Cunha, they are a much worse side. I mean, you can't rely on fullbacks to give you goals.
00:42:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah without some form of genius in between the goal and the fullback position. So it would it will be interesting. And I have to say, I do think Everton now will have the advantage. The only thing that I can point to is the atmosphere at the Molyneux being very hostile at eight o'clock on a Saturday night. ah no ah It's an amazing stadium, brilliant, brilliant fans. And the fact that they're all drunk on a Saturday night,
00:42:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
will be ah very, very alarming one forever to ah to go to. So that that that is an interesting game and definitely one to look out for if you get time on your Saturday night. But I think we will end the podcast there. Mikey, it's been a pleasure joining you ah on the Friday forecast. I know it's not one that I usually ah involved in, but it's been a real pleasure.
00:43:18
Mikey
Yeah, great to be with you again. And I love that Kunja is going to be the issue for Wolves. And we will see whether Wolves can stamp their authority on remaining in the Premier League this season.
00:43:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you can join us for the Monday review where we will be looking back on the weekend's action after it's happened. ah But from all of us here at the Daily English Podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network, enjoy the weekend and we'll see you on Monday.