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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW!
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The Reds are back in CL action as they host Athletico Madrid at Anfield. Tom and Adarsh join Jesse to go through all the main talking points ahead of this huge game at Anfield.
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Global Sports Podcast Network - Creating the world’s first network of 30-minute daily podcasts for the world’s biggest sporting export, the English Premier League.
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Transcript
00:00:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
Introduction to the Champions League Match
00:00:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Dainey Liverpool podcast brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network. The Champions League kicks off this week and the Reds are the hosts as Atletico Madrid come to Anfield on match day one of this season's Champions League campaign.
Liverpool's Season Performance Overview
00:01:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're looking ahead to that game, um maybe do a bit of talk about how we've done so far this season so far and I'm sure we'll also talk about Curtis Jones as well because We've got Tom Galvard joining us. Tom, are doing, mate?
00:01:25
Tom Goward
I'm good. Thank you. How are you?
00:01:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not too bad. for it Very excited about Champions League coming back.
00:01:29
Tom Goward
Yeah.
00:01:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
um We've also got Adarsh Ramchen, who has got three pod appearances in a row this week. Is that kind of Fantasy League related or something? Are there extra points that you're not telling us about or something?
00:01:41
Adarsh
I
00:01:44
Adarsh
i don't know. i just I just feel like the need to just hop on and got lots to say, really.
00:01:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
yes
00:01:49
Adarsh
We had a really good um Tactics Tuesday with Michael Lake yesterday.
00:01:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:53
Adarsh
If you guys haven't listened to it, make sure you go listen to it. um But yeah, I feel like in the mood to talk more Liverpool. So that's I've done
00:01:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. The games are coming thick and
Concerns Over Current Game Tempo
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
fast, right? So um let's let's talk a little bit about the weekend's game.
00:02:00
Adarsh
it.
00:02:00
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:02:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know that we've obviously done the full review. But, um Tom, how do you think that we've, you know, including the Burnley game, you know, we've had each of those games have pretty much gone down to the wire.
00:02:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. How do you think that we've done so far this season? What does it say about Liverpool so far? And, you know, what does it point towards, you know, the rest of the season for us?
00:02:32
Tom Goward
it's It's been interesting, I think, from ah from a fan's point of view, it's been enjoyable and entertaining um and also rival fans hating us scoring late on.
00:02:36
Adarsh
Okay.
00:02:41
Tom Goward
um But I think I said it before and I'm sure it's been mentioned that we are not We are in first or second gear right now. We can go up to six and we are four for four wins.
00:02:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:02:52
Tom Goward
You know, we're 12 points on top of the league. Imagine when we start to go to sort of fourth gear, fifth gear. Like, it's worrying. And I think as well, due to having sort of the first four games being once a week and an international break, the flow of it, you new players in the flow. Once we start going, i know we all I know we love but hate three games a week. But once we go back to that...
00:03:15
Tom Goward
I think well Liverpool will just improve because they'll just be playing more. you know The new players like Ekotike and Verts will just we be playing so often that it will come a lot quicker. I think we're sort waiting. The first four games have been once a week. So let's say Verts didn't start off very great in the first two games.
00:03:32
Tom Goward
I thought he was good against Arsenal, especially in the second half. um But once those games start coming, in i think I think Liverpool will settle in and hopefully we won't keep leaving it so late because it doesn't do good for the old heart rate.
00:03:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
okay But you're right about um the games coming, you know as we've said, thick and past, and it just creates that rhythm, doesn't it? So you you that you then hope that we do hit some kind of form, and then once we hit our stride, then you know that we'll be going into um the kind of November, December period in in better health in terms of our form.
Rivals for the Title: Man City and Arsenal
00:04:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But Adash, in terms of the start that we've made, um As Tom said, four games, four wins. We haven't really played that well.
00:04:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Bearing in mind, if you look at the title rivals, I would say, and I've always said this, said this last season, this season as well, for me, it's Man City.
00:04:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. Irrespective where they are right now, for me, it's if you finish, if you aim to finish ahead of City, I think you'll win the league. And then I think it's Arsenal. And then i think then you start getting into the kind of outside teams like Chelsea.
00:04:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
But bearing mind how those clubs have done so far in terms the start the season, where do you think we are right now? And is it a good platform now going into this Champions League campaign?
Tempo and Performance Comparisons
00:05:00
Adarsh
Yeah, I mean, alluding Tom's point, I think it's very ominous that we have, like Tom said, we've pretty much been in second gear. And I think that you can see other teams like Man City and Arsenal in particular, I feel like they're already operating in maybe their third or fourth gear.
00:05:15
Adarsh
And I think that's worrying for the rest of the league in terms of the levels that Liverpool can get to. And we've still got loads of games to come.
00:05:19
Tom Goward
right.
00:05:22
Adarsh
We've got new players settling in. um i think I think there is definitely... see in the other clubs, particularly Man City, that... They can just go on an unbeaten run and it can be quite ominous for the rest of the league if they want to do that.
00:05:37
Adarsh
um And, I mean, they've got Rodri back, which I think is going to be a massive factor for them. um I think Donnarumma, who played it on the weekend, could be game-changing role.
00:05:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
he had a good He had a good debut, didn't he?
00:05:47
Adarsh
um Yeah, he was really solid. So I think they've got a really strong spine with Diaz, Rodri, Donovan, Haaland. And I think if they if them four keep fit, I completely agree with you, Jesse. I think they'll be the team to watch.
00:05:58
Adarsh
And I'm really looking forward to that Liverpool City game because we get City pool back and proper rivalry instead of that ball fest that we had the other day with Arsenal.
00:05:59
Tom Goward
Thank you.
00:06:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. You both mentioned that we're we're kind of operating in kind of second gear at the moment. And you know You both said, look, you know once we do get into kind of fourth and fifth gear, you know watch out, everyone.
00:06:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
My only concern is is that we're we're we're going too many games where we are in second gear. And I just think that, and I had this criticism of last season as well, is that there were a lot of games where we're we're kind of happy to, not i wouldn't say sit back, because we we don't sit back, but the tempo of the game.
00:06:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know I just think that we need to up the tempo because that's where we get caught out. I think when we play that kind of slow, deliberate game where we're just but just sitting on the ball and you know the the right back is playing it to the centre back and then centre back plays it to the left back and then back again.
00:07:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then we we keep getting pressed back. And that's where kind of mistakes come in. And I just think that we... We put ourselves under pressure as opposed to other teams putting us under pressure.
00:07:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
So what I'd like to see in this kind of, in the next few weeks, is Liverpool ramping up the tempo. And that's, I think, when we'll see the team go from second gear to third to fourth and to fifth.
00:07:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if we keep this slow tempo, that's the only concern I've got. I understand where what where slot comes from. you know, and it's a balancing act because we were all used to the Jurgen Klopp era.
00:07:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's just like hell for that leather for from from the kickoff. But then we would have the injuries and we would have, you know, hamstring injuries and this and that. Whereas under slot, we we do have less of that. So i suppose it is a ah ah balancing act.
00:08:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom, you've you've mentioned some of the new signings. You mentioned Ektike, Wierz, obviously a lot of you know, talk around Vietz and the kind of form that he's in, you know, is a Champions League game, is that the the kind of ideal stage for him to maybe go that one step extra and really show us what he's about?
Impact of New Signings: Ektike and Verts
00:08:22
Tom Goward
Yeah, I agree. I think he... What did he have? Like three Manor Match awards in the Champions League last year? Something like that? So, you know, it's a competition that he knows well. He's played well in. um I thought the international break would have done him some good because he seems to also play well when he goes for Germany. He scored that free kick as well and I thought, right, this is it.
00:08:41
Tom Goward
Again, I don't think anyone was amazing at the weekend. I thought Gravenberg probably was the exception, but it's not like...
00:08:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:08:48
Tom Goward
it was a tough game, right? They they defended. and And what I don't like about what he's doing with Vercs is he keeps bringing him off. He's brought him off in all four games. Now, I get the first couple, but on Sunday, we need a goal. You spent 100 million on a player to come in to create those goals.
00:09:03
Tom Goward
And he brings him off. And and the same Eketike. Like, he brought Eketike and put Chiesa on. And then five seconds later, a cross came in and Chiesa put the header wide. It's like, where was that when Eketike was on the pitch? Someone taller and they can actually head the ball. No disrespect to Chiesa.
00:09:18
Adarsh
All right.
00:09:18
Tom Goward
i just I thought he's sometimes he's got the subs right slot and sometimes he hasn't. um And going back to your point about the tempo, if you think about it really, Liverpool haven't played great since we beat Spurs 5-0 and won the league, right?
00:09:31
Tom Goward
Because we didn't we didn't do well for the rest of the year, for the rest of the season, you what those four or five games.
00:09:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:37
Tom Goward
And then we haven't started the season great. So you think about we're going back to sort of like beginning of May, end of April, beginning of May, where Liverpool actually put in a quarter a class performance where they were on it and, um you know, everyone everyone knew their roles and everyone was playing well and stuff.
00:09:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:53
Tom Goward
But I think it's just settling in new players. And and also don't forget, he hasn't really changed a squad much um in our first four games. He's only changed it due to an injury, you know. So, like...
00:10:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:10:04
Tom Goward
So Bozai's paying right back and then Bradley came on and obviously then McAllister had to come off at the weekend. So I think once Izak's back in as well, that's another option up front. And then I think we'll start to see the squad rotate more, which means fresher players and that tempo can...
00:10:18
Tom Goward
can stay out throughout the season because everyone will be fresher. and And, you know, it's the start of a new season. No one starts a season amazingly. know, we're we but four wins out of four.
00:10:30
Tom Goward
So i know we have, but in terms of football, we haven't.
00:10:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:33
Tom Goward
And um yeah, and I think Vert's playing back in the Champions League. you'll note He knows the format. He's played well in the competition. He'll get that goal, get that assist, and then sort of take the pressure off. And then we got what we've got the Merseyside derby coming up and big game and big players turn up in big games. So, um yeah I'm looking forward to seeing what's coming of him. I think we just so need to relax a little bit. and not Not us personally, but fans and and media and critics and just need to relax. He's a 22-year-old man who's come into a new league that he's never played in before with a hefty price tag on his back. and He just sort of needs to adapt and accept that.
00:11:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's that's just um that's just modern football and the media and rival fans. Because let's face it, and and look, you know why why why would they think any of any differently?
00:11:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rival fans want Vietz to flop, right? that's That's just normal, right?
00:11:24
Tom Goward
Yeah. Yeah.
00:11:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've spent £115 million pounds on him. They would love nothing more than for him to to flop, right? So the the narrative is always going to be the be there until he completely...
00:11:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know, flips that narrative on its head. But you're right, as a as a club and as supporters, we know that he's 22 years old. He's coming to a new league, as you've said. And I think he's on a five-year, is it a five-year or six-year contract?
00:11:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a long-term contract.
00:11:52
Tom Goward
yeah
00:11:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, you know, we we haven't bought him for the next three games.
00:11:52
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:11:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've bought him for the next kind of five or six, um you know, seasons. So it's not something that kind of worries me, but I am looking forward to him turning out on in the Champions League game.
00:12:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Look, we're going go on for a quick break and then when we come back, we will go in a bit more detail in terms of the Champions League, Atletico Madrid and our run of games.
Focus on Champions League After PSG Loss
00:12:33
Tom Goward
Thank you.
00:12:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
OK, so Liverpool kick off their Champions League campaign tonight against Atletico Madrid at Anfield. It's an 8pm kickoff yeah UK time, that is 3pm Eastern time.
00:13:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Adarsh, you know, we were on the pod a few days ago and both myself and Karl Kopach, we've both got a sense that Arnie Slott, the players, the ownership, you know, the whole club are really going to go for the Champions League this season.
00:13:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
It really felt that that loss against PSG last season really stung Slott. He's kind of mentioned it quite a few times after that. And maybe this summer transfer window was, you know, a signal of intent.
00:13:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
for this Champions League campaign.
00:13:42
Adarsh
No, I completely agree. And I think um if you ask me, obviously I want the Premier League, but this season I think the Champions League is the one that a lot of fans want, given the new format. I think the level of the Champions League this season is ah another level with, you know, obviously PSG being the holders. You've got Barcelona coming through, Real Madrid are always going to be a threat.
00:14:00
Adarsh
I think City will be a stiff competition in the Champions League as well. I'm not going to mention Arsenal. I don't think they'll they'll be a threat the Champions League. But I think, yeah, it's it's definitely...
00:14:11
Adarsh
The objective, I think, to be competitive in the Champions League. I mean, we absolutely blew the competition out of the water in in the league phase with, you know, finishing top seven wins out of eight.
00:14:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank
00:14:20
Adarsh
um And then it just got to that PSG game. And I think we would, you can say it was a bit unlucky that we ended up facing the eventual winners of the Champions League. But just think in that PSG game, it was just margins and we could have played a lot better. We did have chances, um but PSG just were just, you know, a bit more competitive than us.
00:14:38
Adarsh
So I'd say for, for this season, I do want to see us be a bit more competitive in the Champions League. And I think, I mean, a game against Atletico Madrid is the perfect way to, you know put out a statement in Europe. And I know people have said we haven't played well this season, but I mean, the Champions League is a different animal. And if you play well in the Champions League, then people take note of that. So, um,
00:14:58
Adarsh
Yeah, I think Slott will definitely want to progress further in the Champions League and um be more competitive in that knockout phase. And I think that's why we've seen players like Verts, Ekotike, Isak being signed because they're they're going to be the difference makers in the end.
00:15:07
Tom Goward
Thank you.
00:15:11
Adarsh
So, um yeah, hopefully we can have a strong run in the Champions League this season.
00:15:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think you're right about ah the PSG game last season. You know, we were obviously knocked out by the eventual winners. um But it was only on um penalties. And, you know, could have gone it couldn't go either way.
00:15:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
You have to say that, you know, they did outplay us in that first game in Paris. And I think even though we lost that only on penalties, I think that was the start of of Liverpool really kind of,
00:15:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
showing the kind of strain of that season, you know, the the kind of physical stress on the team. um And but probably didn't play that well. You know, you obviously had the League Cup final as well against Newcastle. So it wasn't a great run after that.
00:15:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom, it's the second season of this new, you kind of restructured Champions League. You know, last season was a strange run, right? Because none of us were familiar with the format, you know,
00:16:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
um yeah know we' we've We've got the benefit of a ah full season now um behind us. So do we approach this this campaign any differently now that we know that maybe you finishing top of the group maybe isn't as advantageous as we thought it was last season?
00:16:30
Tom Goward
Yeah, I think they'll be... i think no I think Liverpool will set up to finish... Is it top seven, eight? Whatever the top...
00:16:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Eight, yeah.
00:16:37
Tom Goward
Eight, yeah. So we might see... we We might see rotations in teams against sort of the lesser... I mean, we haven't got a really an easy game. You know, we've got lesser teams, but then we're going to Galatasaray away.
00:16:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:49
Tom Goward
like so um i think I think we'll see squad rotation in those games to set up for a top eight finish. I don't think we'll go all guns blazing in all eight games to finish top eight.
00:17:03
Tom Goward
um Like you said, no one knew last year how what the plan was, how to do it. And we ended up drawing PSG, went on and won it. I mean, how unfortunate and unlucky were we? But on the flip side of that, it meant we meant we focused on the league and ended up winning it. So it depends what Liverpool's...
00:17:21
Tom Goward
aims are if they want to go for the league and not the Champions League or like you said, the Champions League and not the league or both, right? Like who says we can't do both? But that would be, I mean, that would be some achievement in to win the Premier League in your first season and then do the double in the second year.
00:17:34
Adarsh
Okay.
00:17:35
Tom Goward
But um but like like you said, with the signings that have been made, there's no reason why Liverpool can't go and do that. You know, we've spent a hell of a lot of money this summer. the way to sort of start getting some of that money back is by finishing top of the Champions League group. I think we made one close to 100 million, 90 million last year.
00:17:55
Tom Goward
see you know, that that almost pays for Virts in itself, just finishing top of that group. So um it depends what their planned ah plans are, right? and and And if they're financially driven or they just want to the success in the tournament, um who knows?
00:18:10
Tom Goward
But I'm sure we'll i'm sure we'll see over the next couple of weeks what sort of the aim is.
00:18:11
Adarsh
Thank you.
00:18:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think we're going to be going for both of the big ones.
Prioritizing Competitions: Champions League and Premier League
00:18:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Champions League and Premier League, is where the focus is going to be. And I think that the domestic cups, as much as we, you know, as fans, look, we want to win it. And even...
00:18:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm sure the playing staff, Arne Slott, you know, the players, that they want to win everything. They want to win every competition they're in. But I think you'll see um the the kind of teams that Slott puts out in those domestic cups ah cups, I think is going to be reflective of the priorities that we've got this season.
00:18:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And Adash, look, you know, obviously see that there has been a lot of talk about how Slott is going to, fit all of these players into the team. There's always this debate, oh, you know, how going fit Ekotika into the team with Issac?
00:19:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But now that we are getting into this ah fixture rhythm, you know, Champions League now is starting, League Cup is around the corner, we're going to be playing every three days, right? So, you know, it's going to be interesting how Slott shuffles his pack ah for these games.
00:19:18
Adarsh
Yeah, I think it's also an opportunity for Slot. Obviously, the priority is when to go out and win these games, but I think it is also an opportunity to kind of experiment with that front line. And given the performances that we've had in the first four games, you haven't been as fluid as we could be.
00:19:31
Adarsh
We haven't created as many chances as we could. I think this is a good opportunity for Slot to maybe experiment, whether that's, um know, playing two up front with Isai Keketike, of putting AKTK out wide on the left, Isak up front.
00:19:42
Adarsh
um Because ah definitely think that's the area that Slott would want to focus on, getting that balance right in attack, because we do have so much firepower. But if they're not in the right system, if they're not playing to the best of their abilities, then it is going to impact how you know we score goals, how we create chances.
00:19:58
Adarsh
So I think that would be the focus for slotting over these next few games. And um I've kind of looked at obviously the Arsenal game, the Burnley game, and obviously Atletico and Everton, all teams that would set up to basically nullify our attack.
00:20:08
Tom Goward
you
00:20:11
Adarsh
And I feel like this is a good opportunity to kind of, with Isak coming in, I know he said Isak will probably get at least 45 minutes against Atletico on Wednesday.
00:20:21
Adarsh
So I'm hoping he, you know, starts up front and then maybe it's, pushing out Ekotike on the wing. i I don't know about you guys, but i really think Ekotike could be a great choice at left wing.
00:20:31
Adarsh
I think he naturally cuts, he naturally drifts the left-hand side.
00:20:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:20:35
Adarsh
You can see his movement, his ability. very quick with the ball as well. So, I mean, ah that would be my preference. But um yeah, I'll say it's ah it's a good opportunity to experiment with that front line. um And in particular, I think Virts will thrive with Isak in the team.
00:20:50
Adarsh
Someone that he can play off one-twos and
00:20:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:20:52
Adarsh
I think that could be a lethal combination for us. So I'm excited to see the attacking options and how slot rotates that over the next few games.
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, mean, look, both teams, Liverpool and Atletico, were knocked out in the round of 16 in last year's competition. Obviously, you know, we've we've spoken about, you know, Liverpool start four games, ah four wins.
00:21:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Atletico have had a bit of a ropey start there. I think they're in 11th place La Liga. They've had two draws, a defeat before getting their first win of the season at the weekend, 2-0 win over Villarreal.
00:21:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they're one of those teams, you know, they've got pedigree in this competition. It's their 13th consecutive season in the competition. And you just can't write off a Diego Simeone team.
00:21:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
um They've still got some of those, you know, players that seem to have been there for the last 20 years, like Koke and Griezmann.
00:21:48
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:21:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
um You know, obviously they've got Alvarez who come in, um was it last season or the season before? But yeah I think He's been absolutely outstanding. um
00:22:01
Tom Goward
He's injured, isn't he? I think, I believe he's injured.
00:22:03
Adarsh
yeah
00:22:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Griezmann, yeah, I think Griezmann, yeah, sorry, Alvarez.
00:22:04
Tom Goward
Yeah.
00:22:04
Adarsh
no
00:22:05
Tom Goward
Alvarez.
00:22:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But they've had ah an interesting transfer window as well. um You know, lots of lots of activity. I mean, they've spent quite a bit of money, but again, being a well-run club, they've brought in lots of funds as well. You know, they've spent 176 million euros um and they brought in about 70, so they had a net spend of about 100 million.
00:22:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But this could be a team in transition, um
Matchup Analysis: Liverpool vs Atletico
00:22:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom. So do do you think that this is a good time to play Atletico, or is it just going to be that same old Simeone stubborn team that comes to Anfield?
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we've not got very good memories in recent years of Atletico, right?
00:22:48
Tom Goward
No.
00:22:50
Tom Goward
yeah i think it is I think it is a good time to play them. We're home to begin with. It's the first Champions League game of the season. We're at home. Crowd are always going to be up for that. So that's an advantage already.
00:23:02
Tom Goward
I think the last thing you want is to, when you've not had a great start to the season, is to then be travelling for one and then going to play a team like Liverpool.
00:23:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:12
Tom Goward
If they were travelling away to a lesser team, maybe that might help them. And I just think
00:23:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like arsenal.
00:23:18
Adarsh
that
00:23:18
Tom Goward
Yeah, it correct.
00:23:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:23:19
Tom Goward
Exactly. So um ah so I think i think when you when you are struggling, I think you want a game where you can get everyone together, it's sort of put the ideas across.
00:23:30
Tom Goward
I think tomorrow the game plan is we might see what's similar what Burnley did to us at the weekend, right? And we know that Simeone has done that in the past. They might think, OK, they're not on great form. The way we're going to win this is...
00:23:42
Tom Goward
by frustrating them, you know, by being so good in defence. But we don't know, you know, if Izak does play, if there's that quality there as well. um Like we mentioned, Virts in the Champions League. So i think I think it's a great time to be playing it a team that we've not done so well against in recent history.
00:23:58
Tom Goward
um And it'll be a good way to kick off the Champions League campaign this season.
00:24:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. um All right, let's do let's do a predicted line-up then. um i think we're all going to skip past the goalkeeper, right? Because I think we we can all agree that Alisson is he's going to be the goalkeeper.
00:24:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And if anyone disagrees with that, I'm booting him off the court because Alisson is just like, you know, he's he's untouchable. So Alisson and goal.
00:24:22
Tom Goward
Thank you.
00:24:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think the interesting one debate now comes probably in the full-back positions because i can't see... um any change to that centre-back pairing of Canate and Van Dijk.
00:24:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the right-back and the left-back position, the dash, where I think Slot has got a decision to make and where we might see some change.
00:24:46
Adarsh
Yeah, I think... I mean, we had the interesting debate about Sabozlai few days ago, whether he continues to play right back or gets moved back into midfield now that Bradley and Frimpong are, well, back to fitness.
00:24:58
Adarsh
I do see either Bradley or Frimpong starting. I would preferably go for Bradley because I think he's the one that I think, you know, he knows Liverpool, he knows the Champions League.
00:25:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:25:07
Adarsh
Frimpong is still kind of getting back to full fitness. So I think I would go for Bradley and then at left-back, I'll go for Robertson. I think... Kyrgyz does need that run of games but think in the Premier League i think the Champions League and then so obviously the opposition Atletico Madrid I don't think Kyrgyz is the right yeah and
00:25:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
You didn't want to be picking up a yellow card in the first 20 minutes against a Diego Semioli side.
00:25:29
Adarsh
Yeah, and that's that's my concern. I think you've got to play Robertson, who's got more experience, who's going to be more level-headed. um i can just i can just see the Atletico Madrid players getting into Kirkus' head and trying to wind him up.
00:25:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:25:39
Adarsh
So I think go for Robertson, get that experience. And I think it's it's a more natural balance given the sort of team we're playing against. um So I'll go for Robertson but and Bradley, who can be that more marauding right-back for us. But I'm sure Frimpong will probably feature at some point against Atletico as well.
00:25:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
and i've i've I've got Bradley and Robertson down as well, just for those reasons that you pointed out. And also I think Bradley coming on um in that Burnley game, I thought he was so good.
00:26:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
um that you know you You can see he's kind of found his his rhythm again now this season. And I would think that Slop may go for um for Bradley ahead of Frimpong if Frimpong hasn't had game time in the last few weeks.
00:26:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And maybe Frimpong comes on as a sub later on in the game. Tom, your thoughts on the fallback positions?
00:26:29
Tom Goward
Literally echoing you both, I think I had i had Robertson.
00:26:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really? Wow.
00:26:32
Tom Goward
I think Bradley was good when he came on at the weekend. He looked a bit more musclier.
00:26:37
Tom Goward
Yeah, do you know what I mean?
00:26:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's filled up a bit, isn't he?
00:26:37
Adarsh
Yeah. All-key, oh yeah.
00:26:39
Tom Goward
He looked a bit more like he wants that stuff. That is his starting right-back position.
00:26:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:43
Tom Goward
um I think we might see more of Frimpong maybe over January when Salah goes. He might be playing that right-wing position, but I'm sure we can talk about that another time.
00:26:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:51
Tom Goward
But yeah, I would i would go with that back five that we've mentioned. so
00:26:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Midfield, again, could be another talking point because if, for me, if Sir Bosley is not in that right-back position, Sir Bosley plays. So for me,
00:27:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
My midfield three is going to be Gravenberg, who I thought was brilliant against Burnley, arguably our best player. And I think that Sabozlai will join him in that kind of double pivot and Vietz starts because I think McAllister still needs match fitness. And I think that he might drop out for this game and save him for Moses Derby on on Saturday, Adarsh.
00:27:32
Adarsh
Yeah, no, I'd agree with that. I think McAllister just looks a little bit off it. And i think Harragher mentioned in commentary, when McAllister plays well, Liverpool play well.
00:27:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:27:40
Adarsh
And it's no coincidence that in our first four performances, we've been below par and so has McAllister.
00:27:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:27:45
Adarsh
So I think Slott will want to kind of manage McAllister's game time. And obviously he played internationals for Argentina and they were playing all across South America. So I think, yeah, i have to be very careful with McAllister.
00:27:57
Adarsh
I think he's one of our most important players and the relationship he has with Gravenberg is what was crucial to us winning in the Premier last season. so
00:28:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:04
Adarsh
But I think Sabozla has been excellent over the last few games and Even in midfield, when he came into midfield against um Burnley, I thought he was he was excellent. His ball-carrying ability, his energy, um his enthusiasm, I think will be much needed against Atletico. So I definitely would go with Gravenberg and Sabozlai. And I think Sabozlai has now matured in his game. And we we we spoke about Virch earlier about, um you know, he's an investment in the future.
00:28:28
Adarsh
I mean, Gravenberg and Sabozlai are two ideal examples of players coming from the Bundesliga, taking a bit of time to settle in and now have grown that Liverpool shirt.
00:28:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:28:37
Adarsh
So, I mean, like is that's that's what gives me confidence in Wurz as well. But I think, yeah, those two, I'll start Gravenberg and Subozlai and obviously Wurz to get kicked off um in this game.
00:28:49
Adarsh
I think it's a great opportunity for Wurz to get his first goal and assist um for Liverpool. So I'm excited to see that midfield three.
00:28:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom, any changes in that midfield or?
00:28:58
Tom Goward
No, I think it'd be nice to have McAllister.
00:28:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
no No Curtis Jones.
00:29:01
Tom Goward
I think he's injured, isn't he? I think he might be injured.
00:29:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
i said Is that what why you looked to a little bit sad there before?
00:29:03
Tom Goward
so um but I gave him a kick. No, um I think McAllister might be injured. um If he is injured, then yeah, I think Saboza has to play the...
00:29:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:15
Tom Goward
I am absolutely loving Gravenberg as well. I think it is like having a £100 million pounds signing and all over again and he wasn't even nowhere near that.
00:29:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, just see Pope.
00:29:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:24
Tom Goward
I think he has been phenomenal. I think Sir Bozzi has been phenomenal. Those two holding that midfield tomorrow, Wednesday night. just will help the defence out, especially if we're going to go with Robertson and and Bradley
Predictions and Strategies for Atletico Match
00:29:37
Tom Goward
as well.
00:29:38
Tom Goward
I just think having those sort of seven players, world-class quality players in every position, if you're if you're a Madrid attacker tomorrow, you're looking at going, war what do I do here?
00:29:49
Tom Goward
like um Yeah, and then Virts in the attacking midfielder role, I think.
00:29:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:49
Adarsh
Thank you.
00:29:54
Tom Goward
Like Adash said, this is his chance to go and do something tomorrow night and hopefully he does.
00:29:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Let's finish it off and then with the with the front three. um Mo has to play. It's the Champions League. It's the first game in the Champions League. He's going to be absolutely fired up to you know to get on the score sheet again.
00:30:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
so I'm going for Salah. Gakpo tentatively, because I take Adash's point that Ekitike is an option out there, but I'm going to go for Gakpo.
00:30:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
And for me, really, the question is, does Isaac Stark, Or does Ekatike start, Tom?
00:30:35
Tom Goward
um Well, in an ideal world, and I'm going to go for, I think Eketike on the left, Izak down the middle, Salah on the right.
00:30:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Really?
00:30:43
Tom Goward
Then maybe after 45 minutes, 50 minutes, he then puts Eketike up top and brings Gatpo onto left wing or vice versa.
00:30:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, right.
00:30:50
Tom Goward
Maybe he starts with Eketike, Gatpo, Salah, moves Eketike to left wing, brings Gatpo off for Izak. Izak plays the rest of the game. I would, that's what I would quite like. I think Gatpo's not been poor this season.
00:31:03
Tom Goward
by any means, but he hasn't done anything. I've gone, wow, you're like... I think... and and And to further your point, Adash, about having the Ekotika on left wing is Liverpool have done well where they've always had players to so compete against the other player in their position.
00:31:18
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:31:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:31:19
Adarsh
yeah
00:31:19
Tom Goward
And now Diaz is gone. Gapro at the moment, I mean, he's got 16-year-old kid that he's probably thinking, um you know, I'm starting most weeks here. And so might not think his place is under threat.
00:31:32
Tom Goward
um Obviously, if you're Salah and Van Dijk, your places are never under threat. But I feel like for the rest of the team, you know, if Virts is not playing well, so Bozlai can play in that attacking midfield role. And so I think to move Ekotika to the left wing to rival Gakpo for a position might just up Gakpo's performances a little bit.
00:31:49
Tom Goward
um And, you know, we know he knows we know that he knows where the back of the net is. um But... I haven't seen enough already this season to go that I could see maybe Ekotike and that's how he's going to get Ekotike and Izak in the team is by dropping Gakpo every now and then and putting Ekotike left wing.
00:32:08
Tom Goward
But that would ideal world, but who knows what he's going to do to me. He might not even bring Izak, do you know what mean?
00:32:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:32:13
Tom Goward
He might not even bring him, so who who knows?
00:32:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kiesa, Kiesa.
00:32:17
Tom Goward
Yeah.
00:32:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Adash, you're front three.
00:32:19
Adarsh
Yeah, i I do think Slott will go with Gakpo, Eketike, Salah and Isak will come off the bench.
00:32:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who's starting?
00:32:27
Adarsh
um I think Gakpo has a good record at Anfield, actually. I think whenever he plays Anfield, he for some reason just seems to turn it up.
00:32:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah
00:32:34
Adarsh
um Completely agree with Tom. I think he needs competition. I think that's the reason why he's he's our first choice left winger in the first place, because with Diaz being sort of that left winger and last season and Gakpo coming in, he really stepped up his performances last season, Gakpo.
00:32:48
Adarsh
um But he's not had that same sort of momentum this season, mainly because probably of competition or, you know, ah early on in the season. I think Gakpo will start left wing and Ekatike will start up front.
00:32:59
Adarsh
And I think the change will be Gakpo for Isak, Ekatike moves to the wing. So I think we will see that shift in Ekatike moving to left wing um and Isak moving up front.
00:33:10
Adarsh
And I think that could be that could be really exciting. But I think Slott will still want a bit of stability within the formation. And I think you mentioned the full-back changing. I feel that will be the main change um for the Champions League. But yeah, who knows what Slott's going to do.
00:33:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's going be an exciting watch, though. I'm looking forward to it. I've never seen Atletico live at Anfield, and I'm going to be at the game tomorrow or tonight, I should say.
00:33:33
Tom Goward
Nice.
00:33:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But, sir yes, I'm looking forward to Let's do a score prediction. I'm going to start off. I'm going to say 2-0 Liverpool, and I think we're going to see a Virts-Anfield goal.
00:33:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yes, I'm going 2-0 Liverpool, which is very optimistic, aren't Tom?
00:33:53
Tom Goward
I'm going to go three now I think. I think despite the defence, I just, I think everyone is going to be so up for it tomorrow night.
00:33:55
Adarsh
Oh.
00:34:00
Tom Goward
It will be, will remind me of Real Madrid last season, where for 90 minutes, those Liverpool fans and players were totally up for it.
00:34:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:34:09
Tom Goward
And I just think with Madrid not being in the best form as well, take that into factor, I think our defence are too good. And yeah, I'm going go bold. um' I back our boys. I'm going to go 3-0.
00:34:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, Adash, you're going to four?
00:34:21
Adarsh
oh
00:34:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because I've gone two, Tom's gone three.
00:34:24
Adarsh
No, I'm actually going to be a bit more pessimistic. I'm going to go 2-1. I think it'll be a bit of the reverse in terms of... I i just still feel like we'll get a late goal. I don't know why. I still think we're a few games away from really clicking.
00:34:37
Adarsh
ah Hence why I've been a bit more cautious with my prediction. But I think Isak will come off the bench to score the winner.
00:34:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh.
00:34:42
Adarsh
And I feel like... um we we Me and Michael were talking about this yesterday. that um That wall in AXA with all the like big moments of the season... um and like the mentality of the boys to just keep going, I feel like Isak will we'll get his moment um and it'll be a dream debut. um And I'm hoping Virts is still on the pitch to give him the assist.
00:35:00
Adarsh
um But I'm going 2-1. I think it'll be a cagey affair. I still think we're a few games away from really clicking. So that's why I've gone for Yeah.
00:35:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly. The Geordies will love that one.
00:35:10
Adarsh
yeah
00:35:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But so I think we're going to leave it there. um Thank you for listening to the Daily Liverpool podcast brought to you by the Global Sports Podcast Network. We'll be back to review this Champions League game against Atletico on Thursday.
00:35:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then the build-up begins to the season's first Merseyside derby of the season. Until next time, from myself, from Tom and from Adarsh, thank you for listening.