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Episode 108: MANCHESTER MADNESS!!! - Manchester United Scrape Past Lyon in DRAMATIC Fashion + Friday Forecast
5 Plays3 hours ago
Louie Easton and Craig Matthews unwrap an INSANE game at Old Trafford, plus other European games and a preview of this weekend's games!
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Transcript
00:00:00
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
Historic Comebacks in Football
00:00:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily English Premier League podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. My name is Louis Easton and joining me today is Craig Matthews from Daily Arsenal.
00:00:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got Liverpool fan and we've got an Arsenal fan, so that's plenty to talk about for this up-and-coming weekend. But first, we have three unbelievable fans. matches to uncover, well, I say three unbelievable matches.
00:01:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean one, Craig. Unbelievable. Manchester United coming back from four three down to win 5-4. That is just, I mean, that's insane, isn't it? In the space of however many minutes it was, this has to go down in history as one of the most unbelievable European matches and in history, surely.
00:01:43
Craig matthews
It's up there with that local comeback against Milan. It's up there with the Champions League final one in 99 when they were 2-0, 1-0 down.
00:01:53
Craig matthews
So, it was a great game to watch as a neutral, to be fair.
00:01:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
the let's not go that far it's nowhere near istanbul nothing ever will be um the only match that's better than istanbul in my opinion is the argentina world cup final however i digress um we we tried to get some manchester united fans on tonight but i'm assuming they're all out partying getting drunk i mean it's good friday tomorrow so there will be uh There will be no interruptions of that night for them. But, I mean, let's talk about that match. I think we have to kick off with that match. We will be hearing from Ishan very shortly, ah who is a Manchester United fan, who has given his verdict on that match. But, Craig, where where do we start with this one? I mean, 7-6 on aggregate. That is unheard of.
00:02:45
Craig matthews
There's goals galore. There was attack versus defence for the whole game.
00:02:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is...
00:02:50
Craig matthews
Both teams were attacking well. The best goalkeepers could Man Utd would have got to Lyon would have got to score. The United would score again, Lyon score too.
00:03:02
Craig matthews
The United had to score too to win the game. It was an up and down game.
00:03:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it they actually scored three late goals. So there was the Bruno Fernandes penalty. Then it was Kobi Maynou. By the way, what a career this guy is having. I know Manchester United are really struggling, but he's part of this comeback. He also scored in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City, showing so much maturity.
00:03:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
But of all players, of all players to win this for Manchester United, someone who has been on the receiving end of such vile abuse on social media and has been in such... who who's been the target of such disrespect for all this time.
00:03:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Harry Maguire, the centre-back who has been played a striker in these last moments of the game for... Is that a stroke of genius from Ruben Amarim? And also...
00:03:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
we I don't think we ever doubt Harry Maguire when it comes to heading.
00:04:00
Craig matthews
I think he was desperate. just wanted to try something he had no choice. had to play him up there. But I think he's very good in the penalty box. He's very good as a striker. He scored a couple late goals in this season and last season as well. So he's a good target man to have in there if you're losing their game, chasing their game. So fair play to him.
00:04:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah and And this is going to take Manchester United into the semi-final of the
Upcoming Europa League Matches: Man Utd and Spurs
00:04:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Europa League now. um They got Bilbao in the semi-final, who have been having a terrific season in La Liga.
00:04:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
um It's... It's a difficult place to go, Bilbao. I mean, they are a club that have so much heritage, ah always had Basque players through their entire um history or Basque made players.
00:04:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I think the main players to look out for this one are, if you are a fan of... ah international football and do you remember who was incredible in the euros in inyaki nico williams the two brothers uh nico in particular an absolute star stayed at bilbao in the summer something that we didn't think would happen because all the all the big clubs were competing to sign him um they might be the favorites to win the europa league might they
00:05:19
Craig matthews
I agree. I've known his favourites now.
00:05:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah And the other semi-final we've seen. um i mean, I actually watched the penalty shootout between Bodo Glimt and Lazio. Unbelievable that a Norwegian club are in the semi-final of the Europa League. But Spurs are into the semi-final and they've got this Norwegian club, Bodo Glimt.
00:05:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
it must be a fumble if they don't get into the final. And I think if there's any chance for them to get a trophy, now's the time to really step it up. They've had a horrific season, yeah something that I'm sure you've enjoyed very much because of ah you being an Arsenal fan. But um what do you expect from Tottenham Hotspur um to get through into the final against Bodo Glimt?
00:06:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
sure Surely you expect that from Spurs.
00:06:11
Craig matthews
have If they get to the final, they'll have to go and win it. If they're a Spurs fan, you'd hope they get to the final and half the they have to win the seventh final, get to the final and go on to win it. If they don't win it, then it'd be a massive disappointment because there's so season. So now they're getting the opportunity to make it, to finally try and win the trophy. So, see what happens.
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Obviously, was the Solanke goal that was the difference between
Tottenham's Season Challenges
00:06:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
them and ah the German side ah in the quarterfinal. I just do you think as soon as Spurs are out the Europa League, if they are out of the Europa League, ah assuming they don't win it, do you think that's the end of Ange at Tottenham?
00:06:57
Craig matthews
I feel like he's been very fortunate this season. I think he's very lucky that because of all the injuries and all the players that had into the season, why he hasn't been sacks earlier, I think any other club was struggling, had the struggle this season, the manager would have been gone long time ago.
00:07:11
Craig matthews
yeah You could say from United when um Ten Hag was struggling, they got rid of him and brought in Amarind. So, it goes to show maybe he's been very fortunate that they've backed him in the January window with money to buy players.
00:07:25
Craig matthews
um So now he has to prove his worth to the club and the fans. Win over the fans as well, I would say.
00:07:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, I mean, all of the talk has been about the injuries this season for Spurs, but, you know, with them being this low in the Premier League, that is inexcusable for a club of ah Tottenham's size and Tottenham's quality.
00:07:31
Craig matthews
A lot of them are going to get in the season as well. So, yeah.
00:07:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, they still have Heung-Min Son, but it's like we've forgotten about that because he's been non-existent this season. All the talk has been about, you know, Brennan Johnson, who I think has surprised a few of us um with his goal scoring, especially early on in the season.
00:08:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah So Lanky still waiting to see it kind of. He scored a couple of goals. Lucas Bergvau has been a bit of a light in or diamond in the rough for Spurs. But I mean, you can say what you want about their defensive injuries.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're passing out of the back, their high line and just the tactics in general have been awful. um Obviously, Romero made that mistake on the weekend for Spurs in the Premier League.
00:08:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I suppose it can this is their chance to turn it all around now in ah the Europa League, which is something that's, you know, it's often mocked, you know, being just the Mickey Mouse Champions League.
00:08:32
Craig matthews
Thank you.
00:08:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it's a huge accomplishment for Spurs, who haven't won a trophy since 2008 and are just searching for any signs of life or any chance of hope on this season, because all the hope appears to be on this.
00:09:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, you can say the same about Manchester United, um but Spurs need this more than anything.
00:09:06
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:09:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think they need this more than any other team. I think that's fair to say. I think Bill... Bilbao, couple of years ago, did win the Copa del Rey. ah i mean, Bodo glimpsed their success as getting to the semi-final.
00:09:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, Manchester United do kind of need this, but they did also get a trophy last season. Spurs need this more than any other team. as We'll go back to that Manchester United match now. It's Sian from Daily English, who couldn't be on with us today, has been very kind enough to send us a voice note of his thoughts of the Manchester United game.
Lyon's Struggles with Relegation
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:10:16
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:11:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
That California accent was so yeah That was so rife there. But no, um yeah, of course, I completely forgot to talk about Corintan Tolisso's red card. I mean, he was on a yellow card and he just did something stupid. It's...
00:11:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is what it is. But when you look at that Lyon team, you see a lot of quality. I mean, someone you know very well, ah Ashley Maitland-Niles, Mr. Who told him to come off his line, bruv, was playing for them, and he got himself an assist.
00:11:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You look at their defence, they've got Moussa Niakate, who kind of... fell Fell off from that Nottingham Forest defence ah last season. Nicolas Tagliafico, of course, left back getting a goal.
00:11:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've got Thiago Almada. If you know football manager, you know Thiago Almada. You've got Georges Mikatadze, who was incredible for Georgia at the Euros. And the veteran, Jordan Veratou.
00:11:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, that is someone that Villa fans may remember fondly. ah He did get himself a yellow card and he got sent off in the 55th minute, but good to see him, regardless. And of course, someone who you also know very well, Craig, Alexander Lacazette, goal and assist off the bench.
00:12:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
um United really had to fight tooth and nail for this one. I mean, that goes without saying, but i mean...
00:12:19
Craig matthews
Thank you.
00:12:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lyon will be very unfortunate. There are two sides to football. Let's focus on Lyon now. They'll be out of Ligue 1 next season. They have been done for FFP. um And many of these players will be leaving them. They've already had Wilfred Zaha leave them as well.
00:12:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
um It's a bleak time for Lyon fans. But total bliss from Manchester United. This is what football is all about, isn't it, Craig?
00:12:44
Craig matthews
Definitely, 100%. Football gives you high and it gives you a low. When you're doing well and you get that big win and it's a big buzz, you get that
Bournemouth vs. Crystal Palace: A Topsy-turvy Clash
00:12:53
Craig matthews
big unnecessary defeat that you're not expected, you can go very up and very down very quickly. I think United fans had an up and down moment until the game was almost done.
00:13:05
Craig matthews
yeah
00:13:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's ah It's a shame because when I think of great Manchester United games in recent times, nothing really comes to mind apart from last season where they beat us in the FA Cup after, i mean, having an awful time and it was that Amadiello moment.
00:13:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
that and And Tom Jolly, someone who you may remember, if you're a long-term listener of Daily English Premier League on GSPN, he mentioned to me on my debut here on GSPN that that was his favorite match of the season, even more than winning the f FA Cup.
00:13:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, it is what it is. But a great evening for Manchester United fans. A less great evening, however, for Chelsea. ah They did do enough in the first leg in Poland to beat Legio Vosso 3-0.
00:13:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they did lose 2-1. And it's not like they played a very weakened side, Craig. um I suppose they were just trying to walk it in ah with, like, just...
00:14:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
get to the finish line in this match. ah The Conference League is something that they can afford to take the foot off the gas and they have got Dürgürden next in the semi-final. The other semi-final being the team who have been sort of cursed by the Conference League, Fiora and Tina, and they will be playing against brilliant Betis, Real Betis, who have Anthony absolutely tearing La Liga apart.
00:14:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah How are you feeling at the moment if you're a Chelsea fan? Surely you're not too disheartened by this two undefeat.
00:14:37
Craig matthews
No, they got through, they did a job last week. All I have to do is not concede too many goals. They're really through anyway. So what I'm asking is that some of the players are very complacent. They thought they had won the game before they went on to the pitch. So they're very fortunate that they conceded more goals. But they've gone through now. They're semi-finals.
00:14:57
Craig matthews
Then the next game will come. They'll go to the next game and then Hopefully they get to the final, if they do get to the final, or they should do, but you never know in football. So, yeah.
00:15:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Jadon Sancho seems to be ah doing quite well now at the moment. so He's got himself a few goals and assists this season, both in the Conference League and the Premier League. Things are starting to look up a little bit for him.
00:15:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Is that someone that you could expect Chelsea to want to keep their hands on at the end of the season?
00:15:25
Craig matthews
I think they should. think he needs a fresh move from United. It didn't work out for United. He went to Dortmund last season, did quite well, got into the Champions League final. It was very unfortunate to win that final, they had lot of chances. But I feel that he's stepping up now this season. come to Chelsea, he's stepping up. So I feel that he wants to move. I think if he moves to Chelsea, hopefully, he has to step up even more again next season because the competition replaces.
00:15:50
Craig matthews
So, he has to, you know,
00:15:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've been linked to Jamie Gittins as well from Dortmund. It's just greedy at this point. But in my opinion, they've got way too many wingers as it is. I mean, is is they've got way too many.
00:16:00
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:16:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's just, you know, Palmer plays on the right, Maduaker plays on the right. Tyreek George coming up on the left. Midrick, I think, is still on their cards. I can't remember what happened to him, what team he went on loan to.
00:16:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've lost count, but they do have an insane amount of wingers and they're trying to bring in Gittins. Why?
00:16:23
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:16:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
i don't understand this logic from Chelsea, um but I digress. After this short break here on Daily English Premier League Podcasts, ah we will be previewing some of the weekend's action.
00:16:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
But first, hear about where you can get your supplements from and what we use to record our podcasts here at GSPN.
Premier League Match Previews
00:17:00
Craig matthews
Thank
00:17:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, let's get into this weekend's action then. So, no 12.30 kickoff. I'm sure Jürgen Klopp will be furious to hear that. But, um... a great list of three o'clock kickoffs.
00:18:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Let's start off with Brentford versus Brighton, shall we? um It's an interesting one because Brighton, we know their quality. It's 10th versus 11th, Brighton 10th, Brentford 11th.
00:18:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Neither of them have won their last three. um So this will be interesting, but Brighton have got a bit of an injury crisis in their defense. um Just listen to this list of players. That's,
00:18:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
are injured. Adam Webster, Ferdi Cadilloglu, Jorginho Ruta, Igor, James Milner, Jason Steele, Joel Veltman, Kauro Mitoma, and Tarek Lamptey.
00:18:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Veltman and Mitoma could be back. I just take that one with a pinch of salt. But this is... if If Brighton want to challenge but for Europe, or Brentford still want to challenge for Europe, this is an absolute must-win for these two, surely.
00:19:01
Craig matthews
Definitely, I agree. but from ver think looks strong.
00:19:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, sorry, go on.
00:19:06
Craig matthews
Brentford looks strong. think if Brighton got all the injured, Brentford are at home. They're very good at home, so I think they could win that game. but
00:19:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Brentford are good at home. However, their last two at home was a 0-0 draw against Chelsea and a 1-0 loss at home to Villa. I mean, Villa are a good team, so, you know.
00:19:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
is what it is but their last win coming away at Bournemouth which is something that very few of us actually expected um they drew with you lot last time out of course won all in the Premier League it was Visa and Partey who scored in uh those two how do you think Brentford looked in that match and can what can they carry into this match against Brighton now
00:19:27
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:19:50
Craig matthews
I think they look they they might looked better in the second half. When they went 1-0 down, they didn't give up. They went off i went on the count and got a goal, got a corner. on They forced some errors from Arsenal and then they got a goal from a corner. So they're very good at... If they go 1-0 down, they don't give up. They're very good at chasing games and all that. They can score goals as well. They've got goals all over the pitch so they can score goals.
00:20:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Give me a prediction for that one. Come on. 2-1
00:20:20
Craig matthews
2-1 Brentford.
00:20:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brentford. He's going with the home advantage for that one. OK, up next, Crystal Palace against Bournemouth. Crystal Palace have been struggling themselves recently. ah Fresh off a 5-0 loss at Newcastle and a 5-2 loss at Manchester City. They are at home for this one.
00:20:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Their last home match, they won against Brighton, 2-1. And before that, a 1-0 draw with Southampton. Before that, a three ni win at Fulham. This is a very strange Crystal Palace side.
00:20:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
They haven't got too many injuries. You know, Decore is their only real one. Chetty Riyad as well. But Going head-to-head for this one, history would suggest Crystal Palace would come out on top. They've won six times against Bournemouth.
00:21:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
However, their last win at Bournemouth was in May 2023.
00:21:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is a bit unpredictable in itself. I mean, Bournemouth are a team that lost three in a row recently, all at home, ah against Ipswich, against Manchester City, against Brentford.
00:21:29
Craig matthews
and Definitely it's very hard to prove because Palace
00:21:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is a bit difficult to call this one, isn't it, Craig?
00:21:37
Craig matthews
They started very well against Man City last week, they went 2-0 off and then they capitulated in the second And then midweek they got battered 5-0 by Newcastle yesterday.
00:21:48
Craig matthews
it's very difficult to call one new one. depends on how Chris O'Fallis turns up. That's the problem.
00:21:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but that is that is a good point.
00:21:53
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:21:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
They do play quite defensive football, but they have so much quality going forward as well. I mean, Eber Eze. ah we've all seen how incredible he is. i be it I'll be interested to see if he stays in the summer.
00:22:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jean-Philippe Mateta, you know, their top scorer, 13 goals this season in the Premier League. And Santiago Munoz has been one of the right backs of the season. Four goals and four assists, which is not... ah for ah For such a defensive side, that's quite impressive. But you just watch his performances and his willing to get forward...
00:22:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:22:26
Craig matthews
I think
00:22:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
is inspiring. ah Palace still sitting in 12th, Bournemouth in 8th, starting to look like they may not challenge for Europe as they are six points ah behind Chelsea, who are on 6th, and Villa, who are in 7th. It's all seeming to fall apart a little bit for Iriola. What's your prediction for this one?
00:22:51
Craig matthews
it's gonna be a draw.
00:22:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
A draw. Okay. Score draw or we need a score prediction? 2-2.
00:22:58
Craig matthews
To to.
Everton's Revival Under Moyes
00:23:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, he's going for a high score.
00:23:00
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Everton versus Manchester City. Now, a few months ago, this wouldn't have been that interesting. You would have thought Everton are just going to get absolutely cooked again. But if you look at Everton in recent weeks, under David Moyes...
00:23:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
you'd see things are starting to go their way a little bit with the quality that they have. um Obviously, only one win out of the last five, but that win was a very impressive one against Nottingham Forest.
00:23:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
They held Arsenal to a 1-0 draw, ah lost at Anfield to Liverpool, and before that, a draw with West Ham, a draw of Wolves.
00:23:30
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:23:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But things are just starting starting to change a little bit for Everton. We're seeing Iliman and Jai. He's got seven goals this season, and... We don't know what kind of Manchester City will get. Phil Foden might still be a doubt.
00:23:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, Rodri's been out the entire season. But Haaland, Edison, Stones, Akanji, Ake, all doubts at the moment. What kind of match should we expect here at Goodison Park? This is going to be a very emotional time for Everton fans as well because it's one of their last matches there at that stadium.
00:24:14
Craig matthews
I thought Everton were going to low block against City. They'll just hit them on a counter attack because they've got good attacking players in their team, Everton. They've some good players. They've better off front. um Jack Harrison, Njai, they've got some decent players. They've got Decore, who's been scoring lot of their goals this season from midfield.
00:24:32
Craig matthews
So they've got a decent team.
00:24:36
Craig matthews
I fancy ah do I think Everton, if it goes to like 60-70 minutes and Man City haven't scored, I fancy Everton to get a sneaky 1-0 win, you know.
00:24:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:24:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and Man City haven't lost in the last five.
00:24:51
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:24:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's the thing. You know, they have been...
00:24:53
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:24:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
i mean, they conceded two against Palace, none against United, none against Leicester, one against Bournemouth, two against Brighton. So...
00:25:02
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:25:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
so Not the best defensive record, but they seem to... They they seem to still get over the line. ah
00:25:11
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:25:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is going to be a real test for Manchester City. They haven't got Haaland. um And, it again, it just really depends on what kind of Manchester City we'll see. Will they...
00:25:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go with Marmouche up front again. Will De Bruyne play?
00:25:26
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:25:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
We know he's leaving at the end of the season. James McAtee, will he play? Gundogan as well. I mean, he started on the left wing in their last match. So it ah Pep likes to bring the youngsters in.
00:25:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's played ah O'Reilly at left back, McAtee on the right wing, starting in their last match. So but what what what prediction, what scoreline would you go for?
00:25:49
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:25:56
Craig matthews
Well, know City need to get Champions League football in season. They're not in the top four. I think they're in the top four.
00:26:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah they are currently ah just fifth. Two points off the top for Forest are above them. But Forest have lost their last two games. We'll get into them late ah later.
00:26:17
Craig matthews
You know, I think Guardiola's going to want to get a Champions League football in this season. think they'll win 2-1. think the United City will win that game 2-1.
00:26:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I can see them maybe just pulling off. I think... I still think it will be a draw. But... but
00:26:30
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:26:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
it will just be like whether Everton can get to the end or not. so It's just, I'm still just amazed by this Everton transformation that we've seen.
00:26:35
Craig matthews
yeah
00:26:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
know ah Now going towards the bottom of the table, two very underwhelming seasons for these two sides.
West Ham's Battle Against Relegation
00:26:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
West Ham United against an already relegated Southampton. It must be so disheartening being a Southampton fan, having to watch all of these games, ah the earliest ever relegation in the Premier League um by date.
00:27:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But... West Ham have also lost three of their last five. 2-1 two one against Liverpool was the last one.
00:27:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Drew 2 against Bournemouth. Lost 1-0 at Wolves. Drew 1-0 with West Ham at home. and then before sorry ah drew on all with eton at home sorry And then before that, losing home ah to newcastle it's but What's your thoughts on Graham Potter so far ah with West Ham? Do you think it was a good appointment?
00:27:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Do you see them playing better football? Or do you just not understand it?
00:27:43
Craig matthews
I thought that they're not really playing like great football. They had to sack their old manager because he was struggling. He was not doing well for them at all. I'll look at it. He struggled for them. Some of the signings they brought in as well have not really lived up to the money they've got for Deca and Rice. Some of them didn't really spend it. think one of the suckers who were signing for them, that's about it. All the rest of them have been failed to make an impact well it's about to say al needs that not so
00:28:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Apart from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, to be fair, he's been brilliant.
00:28:17
Craig matthews
yeah i and i i did say oneak love website we the signing for leia but rest of them um not lived up to the village
00:28:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
What I don't get... i understand that he's had these issues off the pitch, Paquetar. ah Full goals all season. That is just bewildering.
00:28:34
Craig matthews
yeah
00:28:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
like he he When when when i was watching Paquetard last season, I was just thinking, this guy's too good for this club. He is playing, he is carrying West Ham at the moment.
00:28:48
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:28:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And when you look at their midfield three, Paquetard, Ward-Prowse, Carl Soler, that screams quality.
00:28:53
Craig matthews
a
00:28:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
When you look at their entire club, it screams quality.
00:28:55
Craig matthews
Of course.
00:28:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kudus and Bowen up front.
00:29:00
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:29:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it just really... Something's not worked for West Ham. I mean, they play three at the back and three midfield.
00:29:07
Craig matthews
and yeah
00:29:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it seems very defensive. They've got the two wingbacks who push up. is I can't get my head around like how... how how you can think Potter would be the one to change it Because he he was very good at Brighton, underwhelming at Chelsea.
00:29:25
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:29:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that's fair to say, um regardless of whether that's his fault or the club's fault.
00:29:28
Craig matthews
yeah
00:29:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I just, I look at this West Ham side and I'm just seeing great players and they're 17th. They've had an awful season. If they want to really push forward and they want to think about Europe again, obviously they've had their recent ah success in Europe.
00:29:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
They cannot do it under Potter. Is that the man to convert a club from 17th top eight, that like top 10, let alone top eight?
00:30:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah but but With their quality, they should be up there, but it is what it is. But against Southampton, surely, surely they're going to get a win on this one.
00:30:12
Craig matthews
They need a win because they're near the bottom of the table. They need to get some points on the table now for the end of the season. There's a lot of confidence and everything. They need to win that game.
00:30:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think they will?
00:30:25
Craig matthews
Well, they have to. honestly,
00:30:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, they they do.
00:30:29
Craig matthews
they have to. I think they have to win.
00:30:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
they They absolutely do. um I think the quality difference is going to be the difference between these two sides. I mean, in my opinion, Southampton have got the ability to play some decent football.
00:30:39
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:30:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And they have done against some big teams. ah But, yeah, I just think West Ham at home, surely, surely. I'm going to 1-0.
00:30:53
Craig matthews
short yeah
00:30:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's going to be a very boring match. and a lot of mistakes. I honestly think there will be a goal in this match that comes from a terrible mistake in defense. That's my early prediction.
00:31:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:31:06
Craig matthews
i agree
00:31:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. Right. Moving on. Aston Villa against Newcastle. These are two of the best sides in the Premier League at the moment. Aston Villa tired from midweek, obviously ah battling PSG and the Champions League. And it went right to the wire.
00:31:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Very unlucky not to not not to get anything from that. ah They also get got a 3-0 win at Southampton, ah boosting their chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League. They currently sit ah above.
00:31:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, that's right. Above Manchester City. Oh, no. No, sorry. Wrong team. Wrong team. Ignore me. ah They currently sit above.
00:31:49
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:31:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ignore me. That was Newcastle. That's the other team I'm talking about. ah No, they currently sit in seventh. So they're still close to the top four. ah Three points off. As for Newcastle, leapfrogging Nottingham Forest. I was thinking about that um with their game in hand midweek. So they'll be tired as well.
00:32:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the late kickoff on a Saturday night. I would just like to say, why are they playing on the Saturday? Why they not playing on a Sunday or Monday? It makes no sense to me. They've both played midweek football and you want them to play on a Saturday.
00:32:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, this is this is poor from the Premier League and the FA, surely.
00:32:27
Craig matthews
TV money, it's TV money, it? That's why it sends the TV rights. All that's it's too much.
00:32:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
But sure ah what I don't get is they had this.
00:32:32
Craig matthews
It's too much. Honestly, it's too much.
00:32:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
they They had the information that this match was going to be happening weeks in advance.
00:32:39
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:32:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Why would they not just change it?
00:32:41
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:32:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't get it. Anyway, um regardless, two tired teams having to play 90 minutes. um I mean, Villa will just be pleased that it didn't have to go ah to extra time against PSG for this match, obviously in hindsight, but maybe not during the match.
00:33:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But anyway, um obviously, Newcastle getting an incredible win against Crystal Palace. 5-0 on Wednesday night, just before ah the Arsenal game. So you would have missed that one.
00:33:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
But um five different scorers. Granted, one of them was an own goal. This is a very impressive showing for Newcastle.
00:33:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you can't really say that there's a favorite going into this, can you?
00:33:31
Craig matthews
it's hard It's hard to predict the score for this one because both teams are in good form. Since Villa have done their transfer of business in January, they brought in some good recruitment. They brought in Rashford, brought in Asensio, they brought in Daniel Marlon from Dortmund.
00:33:45
Craig matthews
So they've done some good, I think they've brought the left back as well, they've done some good business.
00:33:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:33:51
Craig matthews
would say it's hard to predict the scoreline for that game.
00:33:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
so this this is that This is where it stands for Aston Villa. They are currently five points off, sorry, three points off top four.
00:34:06
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:34:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
These are their last matches. Newcastle at home, Manchester City away, Crystal Palace away, Fulham at home, Bournemouth away, Spurs at home, Man United away.
00:34:23
Craig matthews
yeah
00:34:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is Newcastle. They are currently in the top four by four points. And these are their matches that they have got for the rest of the season. Hold on, I'm just pulling them up. um Here we go.
00:34:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
So Newcastle, they are going to be playing Villa away.
00:34:44
Craig matthews
yeah
00:34:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ipswich at home.
00:34:46
Craig matthews
know
00:34:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brighton away. Chelsea at home. Arsenal away. Everton at home.
00:34:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's it. So when you look when you listen to those fixtures, this is a must win for these two teams in both of their situations.
00:35:05
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:35:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Villa's pursuit to get into the top four or just to get into Europe for next season. And Newcastle's hope to stay in the top four.
00:35:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Bearing in mind, Newcastle have won their last five games in the Premier League.
Newcastle's Top Four Ambitions
00:35:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're in the best form of the of any team in the season, including Liverpool.
00:35:22
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:35:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you think Newcastle will continue this form? Will they do enough to get into the top four? I mean, surely they'd want to because they were very unfairly knocked out of the Champions League last year.
00:35:43
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:35:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is huge for them.
00:35:46
Craig matthews
thought Nukov, if they can keep Isak fit, Grumarez, Isak and them guys fit, I think they have a good, great chance of getting top four. Them players, they keep them fit. I think the biggest difference, especially Isak, if can stay fit to now and end the season, to Nani, all their top players, I think they could definitely get top four.
00:36:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll be very interested to see if Newcastle can hold on to Isak if they, I mean, if they get into the Champions League, they'll have much more say in what happens to Isak because they'll be allowed to spend more.
00:36:13
Craig matthews
here hmm
00:36:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I'm just i' just looking at this Newcastle midfield. Joe Linton, Tonali, Gimoresh. That is absolutely insane. That's probably one of the one of the best midfields in the Premier League.
00:36:28
Craig matthews
i agree and um you know united last week united
00:36:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe right now, right now, in current form, that's the best midfield three. Especially Tenali. I mean, his he is just... That goal he scored, can't remember who it was against. but It was like last week.
00:36:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that... Apparently he didn't mean it. now I don't believe that for a second. I think he's trolling.
00:36:45
Craig matthews
I don't believe that either.
00:36:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, the way he hit that with vigour and...
00:36:47
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:36:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jacob Murphy scored a similar one against Crystal Palace. He had a great performance, and that's someone that we just did not expect to be good enough for Newcastle this season, but he's had a proper turnaround.
00:36:59
Craig matthews
You know
00:37:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going to have to ask you the difficult question. What's your prediction for this match? Villa versus Newcastle. I think that's the best match of this weekend.
00:37:11
Craig matthews
what? I fancy Newcastle. If Newcastle got home, what way?
00:37:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Villa at home.
00:37:19
Craig matthews
I'll fancy Newcastle to win.
00:37:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
continue their good form Villa have won their last four by the way Southampton 3-0 they just beat Forest as well 2-1
00:37:26
Craig matthews
They might have Champions League handbook.
00:37:31
Craig matthews
um Champions League handbook, I would say.
00:37:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah you make a good point it's so hard um what do I think i i don't even know what I think I want to say draw but like I think it's going to be like a 3-all draw or something you can see that happening
00:37:36
Craig matthews
It's a hard one to predict. It's hard one to predict, but... hard. Yeah.
00:37:46
Craig matthews
yeah
00:37:49
Craig matthews
Yes, there's going to goals in this game. That's the best game
00:37:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, there has to be. So that that is that your pick of the weekend? That's the best match of the weekend, surely.
00:37:59
Craig matthews
of the week, 100%. I'm going to watch that game as well. That's going to be the best game for watch.
00:38:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, God. get yeah get Write it down, 5.30 Saturday night. What a match as well. Okay, so that's Saturday done. ah Just heading into ah the Sunday fixtures. Yeah.
00:38:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, there's a couple of good ones in here. We've got a West London derby on our hands. Fulham versus Chelsea. Obviously, Chelsea will be absolutely knackered. ah Let's be honest. They're not going to be knackered.
00:38:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
They walked it against... against... um legger in the conference league now they've got their sights set on fulham uh it's away but it's not a very long journey away uh just down the thames uh not down the thames what am i on about just ah in the same town basically it's a two minute drive uh so fulham against chelsea
00:38:50
Craig matthews
uh
00:38:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
I look at this game. I mean, Fulham have been unpredictable recently. um If you look at their recent form, they've got three losses and two wins ah in the last five games. One of those is wins coming against Liverpool, 3-2 at Craven Cottage.
00:39:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And they actually outplayed Liverpool in that game. Liverpool brought on like 10 strikers at the end, still couldn't get past their defence. Anthony Robinson has been a revelation for Fulham this season he's been given the captain's armband um I say that when Tom Cairney's not playing he's got the captain's armband on at the moment 10 assists this season for Anthony Robinson 8 for 8 for Muniz and Ryan Sessignon has actually started doing well on the right wing He's been a sort of left wing back his whole career, but he's been given a chance to the right hand side. He's been doing pretty well. He's got three goals ah recently and an assist.
00:39:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
This is a sort of, is this a transitional moment for Fulham?
00:39:56
Craig matthews
Yeah, I would say so. of I think that they've since our Silva's taken over on Fulham, they've done quite well. They kept them up last season, kept them up before. Fulham was a team that used to get to the Champions of the Premier League and then they'll get relegated and they'll come up and down.
00:40:12
Craig matthews
Another yo-yo team. It's kind of settled the team, of settled the club now getting to the Premier League. Got to have done one at FA Cup run, Dave.
00:40:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:40:20
Craig matthews
Just thought yeah, their building's off a special day, I would say.
00:40:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah I mean, we always talked about Fulham as a yo-yo team with Norwich City. They'd always swap places. But in recent years, Fulham have gone further up in estimations in the Premier League and stayed relatively mid-table. they're currently sitting at nine and Norwich City have gone further down into the championship. So ah that's kind of ended now. But we we look at Chelsea.
00:40:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
um it they They have had a bit of a rocky season. ah They started the season pretty well. We were all singing the praises of Enzo Maresca at one point for finally being the man to sort of relax Chelsea fans a bit and after all of these transfer frenzies and manager sacking after manager sacking.
00:41:07
Craig matthews
um,
00:41:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And They are probably favourites for the Conference League alongside Real Betis. Obviously, Anthony tearing the league apart there. ah But they' only won they've only lost one in their last five. They drew their last two, one against Ipswich, one against Brentford, and then they beat Spurs and before that, lost to Arsenal, before that, beat Leicester.
00:41:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think... Are Chelsea out of this blip now? um They have every right to believe they can qualify for the Champions League as well, only three points off.
00:41:41
Craig matthews
but They're not scoring enough goals, I would say. Their striker scored any goals since his comeback from the injury. and I that Colm Harman has had a bit of a different form. His form has not been great as it was last season. He scored an awful lot of goals last season.
00:41:56
Craig matthews
That's expected from players. You have one good season, next season you'll struggle. so
00:42:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:42:01
Craig matthews
um yeah
00:42:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, Palmer's been reintegrated into this team now. 14 goals and eight assists over the entire season. um I mean, they they they really shouldn't have drew against Ipswich.
00:42:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's pretty unforgivable ah in their pursuit of Champions League qualification race. So they still have a mistake in them. ah And, you know, Chelsea fans understandably very frustrated.
00:42:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But they're also saying it contributed to the team's poor performance, you know, rushing the goalkeeper. um Just one point behind Manchester City, however. So and that that there is still hope.
00:42:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But for this one, it's another unpredictable one. and That's just what the Premier League is now. You just can't predict these matches. But I'm going to ask you to.
00:42:49
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:42:54
Craig matthews
Fulham are at home, right?
00:42:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Put them at home, yeah. Craven Cottage.
00:42:59
Craig matthews
Chelsea don't turn up on a day. I see Fulham winning 2-1. Chelsea don't turn up. Chelsea put up on a base hit-trick last week. Fulham will beat them.
00:43:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, moving on to Ipswich versus Arsenal. And I would just like to mention, if Ipswich win and Liverpool win,
00:43:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liverpool have won the Premier League.
00:43:23
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:43:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that that let's let's get that elephant in the room out. So Ipswich are at home. Two o'clock kick-off. Both teams have their fair share of injuries. Obviously, Arsenal's Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus.
00:43:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jorginho is still a bit of a doubt because he's got a rib injury. Kai Havertz, Riccardo Califuri and Takahiro Tomiyasu. I mean, completely forgot about him.
00:43:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
But looking at Ipswich, Muric is out. Ogbene's out. Jadon Filagin's out. Calvin Phillips has still got a knock. Amari Hutchinson's still got a hamstring injury. Sammy Smoddix, I mean, that's a devastating one for Ipswich.
00:44:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah he's He's out until May. And Wes Burns, obviously, he's out until October. So definitely no chance of playing this weekend. um Obviously, Ipswich did well to get a draw against Chelsea in their defence. But Arsenal...
00:44:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
fans will be absolutely delighted with how they're doing against uh real madrid and the champions league they've got psg to look forward to but do you really care what happens in the premier for the rest of the season is it just like if you get top four top five whatever um you're happy with that and your focus is on the champions league is it that sort of feeling at the club
00:44:42
Craig matthews
I feel like that's what it is at the moment. Everyone's put an edge on one basket and I'll try win the Champions League. I would say, as a fan, I want to get us as high as the left. Solify, keep second place, try and stay second and try and keep that. Because other teams are not far behind us, so we can get a couple wins here and there just to solidify second place.
00:45:05
Craig matthews
I'm happy with that and just do well in the Champions League. That's what I thought I would want as a fan.
00:45:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I will say, though, Arsenal drew their last two Premier League games at home against Brentford and away at Everton. um
00:45:19
Craig matthews
I
00:45:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're away in this one as well. Is there a little bit of nerves going into this, especially considering the fact that you have your team has just got back from the capital of Spain as well? So there's a little bit of travel fatigue there as well.
00:45:35
Craig matthews
ah feel like has to rotate the squad on Sunday. Just rotate the players who didn't get in. It's like when he... Maybe players like Trossard, Sterling, players Gillis and Minis on Sunday. Just to, I know you can always bring on the play have a strong bench so players are injured.
00:45:50
Craig matthews
Players want to be rotating and rotating the squad if losing or need to get the win. So, I would do like that. wouldn't start seconding this game or Martinelli.
00:45:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wouldn't...
00:45:58
Craig matthews
would risk them.
00:45:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
wouldn't... Or maybe just off the...
00:46:00
Craig matthews
would risk them.
00:46:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe sub them off after 60 minutes sort of thing.
00:46:05
Craig matthews
Yeah, I wouldn't want to risk it. They had a hard game last night against Bayern Madrid. So I'm afraid I get interest at that tight pitch as well. So I wouldn't want to risk i wouldn't want to risk it.
00:46:16
Craig matthews
I risk them in the first half-hard, if needed. Yeah. Yeah.
00:46:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's one of those, I suppose.
Arsenal Balancing Europe and Premier League
00:46:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, Ipswich are a team that I think we're all going to miss from the Premier League. i mean, they're a proper club. I love Portman road as well. Just a fantastic atmosphere there and a proper old school football stadium as well.
00:46:28
Craig matthews
yeah
00:46:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um, just not enough fortune, not enough quality in that team.
00:46:34
Craig matthews
yeah
00:46:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've only won four times all season and they've had a lot of bad luck in their defense. Uh, you know, that game against Leicester comes to mind where they just got so many bad VAR decisions and Calvin Phillips got sent off. That was that that one immediately ah springs to memory.
00:46:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
um What are you hoping for in this match? Are you hoping ah for, you know, a good performance from non-starting players and to get the three points?
00:47:05
Craig matthews
ah yeah I I'll perform for non-spotting players and get the three points. Just go there, get the winner, go home and focus on the next game on Wednesday.
00:47:17
Craig matthews
think 2-0 or 3-1
00:47:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
You want a come a comfortable win, though? Like, 2-0? Is that what you're predicting?
00:47:23
Craig matthews
win, I'll be happy with a 2-0 or 3-0 win. I'll be happy that. ah free one win ah um i'll be happy with that
00:47:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
right. So, we'll move on to our last three matches. Manchester United at home against Wolves. I mean, United will be absolutely exhausted. I'm sure... I'm certain.
00:47:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You know, that Europa League game that we just discussed earlier...
00:47:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
120 minutes, seven six on I mean, I can't believe I'm saying that.
00:47:53
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm. Oh, no. Yeah.
00:47:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Two o'clock kickoff at Old Trafford. I mean, at least they don't have to travel. That's the only thing I can say in their defense. But Wolves, they're still on the same amount of points as West Ham. 35 points.
00:48:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Winning 10 this season, though. You wouldn't have thought that. and 10 wins, 5 draws, 17 losses for Wolves.
00:48:13
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:48:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they've won their last... four matches uh 4-2 at home against Spurs uh 2-1 at Ipswich 1-0 at home against West Ham and two one at Southampton now I ask you this is that a sort of indication that Wolves are probably going to win this game
00:48:19
Craig matthews
You
00:48:38
Craig matthews
you know, they've got Kunyad back as well from suspension. He scored last week. I think the Wolves got good team. got good team and I think they've finally got a good manager as well that's getting the best out that team as well. I know, disrespect to Gary O'Neill, thought he did a great job on Wolves last season. This season he kind of lost the dressing room a little bit towards the end of his tenure, lost the dressing room. But to be fair, I thought Wolves have got good team. I thought they could shock the Man Utd. think the Man would have a big shock if Man Utd is not on it.
00:49:07
Craig matthews
so yeah
00:49:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, I think we're all surprised by Jürgen Strand-Larsen as well. He's been in exceptional form. He's only the second Wolves player to score in four straight Premier League games.
00:49:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's a stat for you.
00:49:23
Craig matthews
Yeah. Yeah.
00:49:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's one to look out for for Manchester United and United will just be tired. i mean, there's no getting around it. 120 minutes in a tense match against Lyon.
00:49:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm actually thinking this could be bit of a drubbing. Wolves could really hurt Manchester United in this game.
00:49:46
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:49:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think this might even be like a sort of...
00:49:48
Craig matthews
ah
00:49:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
3-0 towards sort of thing. I mean, i this is going to get clipped and Manchester United are going to destroy them. But that's my early prediction. is is What's your prediction for this one? I'm here interested to hear from you.
00:50:03
Craig matthews
If Manate don't turn up on the day, they'll get battered by Wolves. think Wolves can go and get result against them because Manate has not really scored enough goals from striking because it's like Hodglin's been in four of They haven't scored lot goals.
00:50:17
Craig matthews
All they on is Bruno Financi getting them out, Garnaccio. Some of the goals that they scored, they haven't scored enough goals, to be honest. The front three haven't scored enough goals.
00:50:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. Nope. no
00:50:26
Craig matthews
I think goals will win new games and they haven't really done it a lot this season. So I fancy Wolves to win 3-0. Yeah.
00:50:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
3-0. Okay, I'm glad I'm not on my own for that one. Thanks for saying the same score as me in terms of solidarity.
00:50:37
Craig matthews
yeah
00:50:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. Okay, last two matches. Now, we spoke about this earlier. If Ipswich beat Arsenal, then Liverpool can win the league. They go to Leicester. 4.30 kickoff Sunday afternoon.
00:50:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's going to be a big Sunday in the Premier League. ah Leicester, obviously... Just a terrible, terrible season for them. They have... ah Before drawing against Brighton, you know, that's a pretty decent result.
00:51:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
They lost four in a row. 3-0 at home to Newcastle. 2-0 at Manchester City. 3-0 at home to Manchester United. And 1-0 at Chelsea. I mean, it's a difficult... few games for them.
00:51:19
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:51:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But 22 losses this season with a minus 45 goal difference, um only picking up 18 points all season. This has been horrific for Leicester.
00:51:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
is it And you can't even just call it the quality, can you, with Leicester? I mean, we'll give them credit. They got a 2-0 draw at Brighton. You know, that's a difficult place to go. um And they they managed to get a result.
00:51:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And i think we're all a bit surprised by that. um Just looking at Leicester this season... or i mean, they spent less than £10 million on agent fees during this season, placing them among the lowest spenders in the Premier League for such costs.
00:52:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I still look at their team, you know, Mavadidi, Elkanus, Sumare, Ndidi, Connor Cody, James Justin, these and Jamie Vardy, obviously, front. These are all players who are Premier League quality, but they just haven't been able to put it all together.
00:52:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And I look at their fixtures. I mean, they are about to go down. I don't know um off the top of my head how soon they could go down. ah But they go to Wolves after Liverpool at home against Southampton in the bottom of the table sort of fixture there.
00:52:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
this is ah This has got to be a Liverpool win every way that you slice it.
00:52:45
Craig matthews
I agree. If you guys don't win against Leicester, then something's wrong. Something is terribly wrong.
00:52:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I think
00:52:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah The thing is, with Liverpool, though, since that Carabao Cup final, obviously that was the last match ah before there was that break for internationals, think...
00:53:03
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:53:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just don't think Liverpool have been playing that well. um And I hate to say it. ah Obviously, we lost to Fulham the other day. um Scraped a 2-1 win against West Ham. I mean, 89th minute Van Dijkheader. Then he goes and signs his new contract.
00:53:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
So maybe there's a little bit of a morale boost around the club that we've... fought for a win now our captain's res re-signed for another couple of years then we go to Leicester surely I mean it all looks like it's going to go well but I mean I just look at the way Liverpool play and I just think god how are we this far clear at the top of the Premier League table when we're playing this awful football um you know there's just no sort of passion Salah's gone pretty quiet I think and
00:53:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
if you still look at our average across the season, it's 2.31 goals per match. ah
00:53:58
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:53:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
As a Liverpool fan, I'm just not that inspired at the moment. I know Van Dijk and Salah have re re-signed contracts. Conor Bradley's been doing well ah in terms of his personal performances.
00:54:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think he's got a bit of a chip on his shoulder, and especially if we are going to look at replacing Trent. I think we should just replace him with Bradley. My only worry with Bradley is the injuries.
00:54:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:54:22
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:54:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
We just need two more wins from our last six games to win the Premier League title. Surely, surely we get it here. I mean, I don't know about you, but I'm saying 2-1 Liverpool.
00:54:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, 2-0, 2-0, 2-0.
00:54:36
Craig matthews
I think Liverpool will definitely win against Leicester.
00:54:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:54:40
Craig matthews
Leicester will be in poor decision. I'm very disappointed in Leicester. I think when they came up on the Champions loss and thought they would well in the Premier League, I thought they went down the same time. They were very unlucky to go down when they went down, when they got relegated at the time.
00:54:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:54:52
Craig matthews
thought in the Premier League they'll come back rejuvenated and they'll come back solid and strong and do well. But I'm not... I think Liverpool will have to definitely win. But
00:55:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
i
00:55:06
Craig matthews
It's one of them games where it could be one of those.
00:55:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
I... I... I also think... ah I also think with this, if there's time for Leicester to feel inspired to perform, you know, just coming off a two-all draw at Brighton, they got a point there, very hard fought, are ending their losing ah streak, and now they've got Liverpool.
00:55:24
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:55:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
this is the time for them to do it. So maybe there is a little bit of element of surprise there that Leicester might be going for.
00:55:34
Craig matthews
Definitely.
00:55:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And also if, the you know, this game's on TV and, you know, Liverpool coming to town. This is a time as a player, it's like, oh, the world is watching me.
00:55:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can really do something. I can surprise people. I can, I mean, loads of agents will be watching this game. Maybe I can impress them. So, I don't want to underestimate Leicester, but I still think we'll get a 2-0 win.
00:56:01
Craig matthews
Same.
00:56:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think.
00:56:03
Craig matthews
I think you guys will win that game. It won't be an easy game. I don't think you're going win in the first half. They might stifle you for the first half. In the second half, you get your late goals and win the game, I would say.
00:56:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:56:14
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:56:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And our final match, obviously we'll cover this more on in depth on the Monday review ah here on Daily English, but we've got Spurs hosting Forest.
Spurs vs. Nottingham: A Battle for Europe
00:56:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Spurs obviously through to the europe Europa League semi-final.
00:56:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
This rich season has been a total write-off ah for them in the Premier League. I mean, this has just been horrendous from their standards.
00:56:38
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:56:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah They're hosting Forest now.
00:56:39
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:56:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Forest... I mean, you look at their head to head. Forrest have won twice. Spurs have won five times. And there has not been a draw between them in the Premier League ah or even the League Cup since 2014. The last time Spurs beat Forrest, it was 3-1. It was at home.
00:57:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah They're at home this time. And their goal scorers in that game were Murillo own goal, Mickey Van de Ven and Pedro Porro. Chris Wood scored for Forrest in that one as well.
00:57:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
and This was last season, but bear in mind. But you sort of just feel Forrest will go to Spurs and they'll get the job done, right? I mean, they need this win in order to secure their place in ah Europe next season.
00:57:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
By the way, imagine that. and Imagine Forrest and Newcastle, third and fourth in each the Champions League next season.
00:57:41
Craig matthews
they deserve it the pay but alderman care want to cop they deserve it they it they played well in the day um Forest have played well all season. They were relegated candidates again this season. They will probably get, they'll be struggling in the bottom half of the table.
00:57:55
Craig matthews
They surprised a lot teams this season. They've done very well. So, both teams have their, the way they are on the table. There's no, there's no fluke of where they are on the table. They, take they weren't played well.
00:58:06
Craig matthews
Chris Wood has scored a lot goals for them this season.
00:58:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-mm. Mm-mm.
00:58:08
Craig matthews
Elam has done well. Hard to know though they scored a good goal. So, goals, goals, goals, goals morgan gi is wise is a good player as well it wasn't mar's a good friend They've got Matt Selzen, good goalkeeper. They've got a good team. They've got a great team on Forest.
00:58:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but I look at Spurs as well. ah And, you know, they've lost three of their last four. They've lost 17 times this season. 17 times.
00:58:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not only that, they've conceded 49 goals in 32 games. I mean, that the that that is inexcusable for a club of Spurs level. I mean, they're sitting in 15th. Mind you, Forest have lost their last two.
00:58:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
They hosted Everton, they lost 1-0, and they went to Villa, lost 2-1 there.
00:58:55
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:58:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's an indication of maybe this is a good time to be playing Forest.
00:59:06
Craig matthews
Sorry.
00:59:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah, bleh.
00:59:07
Craig matthews
Yes, yes. I feel you're right, but feel like Forest have got a lot to play for now. and They're one of the champions they've fought in that season, so I think they'll go there and win.
00:59:18
Craig matthews
think Forest will go and win that game.
00:59:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i mean, this is a I mean, all season, this has been a good time to be playing Spurs and is the other side of the coin to that.
00:59:25
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:59:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Also, if Villa win and Forrest win, then Forrest could leapfrog Newcastle again. So it's I mean, it's a three points they need and it's probably a three points they get. I can see Forrest getting a nice win out of this one.
00:59:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
So that's all of the Premier League games. Obviously, our pick of the bunch will be Aston Villa against Newcastle. 5.30 kickoff. Scandalous that it's on a Saturday, but I digress. 5.30 kickoff ah on Saturday afternoon.
00:59:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And ah that is your Friday forecast. You have been listening to The Daily English as we just cross one hour of recording. ah Thank you very much, Craig, for joining me from Daily Arsenal and a massive thank you to Ishan for sending us over that very emotional but also very positive um voice note for this episode.
01:00:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah What a day it's been for Manchester United. Incredible. It's all hotting up in Europe at the moment for the English teams. Thank you very much. Join us for the next one. Hope you enjoy your weekend of football.