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Episode 275: The SOUTH COAST DERBY PREVIEW SHOW!
111 Plays1 day ago
Southampton – It's the big one, the preview of the biggest game of the season for all saints fans. The Derby is here and we are ready. We talk about scores, lineups and wigs!
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Transcript
Introduction and Event Overview
00:00:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Southampton, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network. My name is Greg Elliott and as always today, I'm joined by my good friend and wonderful co-host, Zach Ingo Finch.
00:00:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
How doing mate? You alright?
00:00:28
Zak
Mate, it's almost here.
00:00:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is almost here, the big one. And the news that everyone's talking about is a wig, can you believe it?
00:00:40
Zak
Oh, dear. Are we just going
Controversy and Safety Measures
00:00:41
Zak
to get... right Yeah, right. I don't what my opinions on all of this are, but it's kind of crazy that that is the the turn, right?
00:00:52
Zak
Like, that's the thing that
00:00:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
going to be the ah's gonna be the straw that breaks the camel's back. is the That's it, look.
00:00:57
Zak
but Yeah, that that that's the thing that seems to have dialed up the heat a little bit more than we expected. You've got accusations being flung around by both sides. Look, it's just being on the pitch on Sunday that we't have to worry about this anymore until the next time we do it.
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do I condone the actions? No. Should I find it funny? No. Do I find it funny anyway because it's John Westwood? Yeah, a little bit.
00:01:27
Zak
Oh, it's just... Look, we live in a we live a strange world, Greg.
00:01:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Indeed.
00:01:33
Zak
if
00:01:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
But look.
00:01:34
Zak
That's about all I can say. We're a sports podcast. And sometimes it even bleeds into the sport. So, you know, hopefully we Sunday, right? like that's where ah That's kind of where I'm at. But it is it's bizarre that such a turn happens over a week, basically.
00:01:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
exciting there. The excitement's building. The club's been putting out statements left, right and centre about how careful everyone's got to be getting to the game. Like, oh, don't don't bring your flares. We wouldn't want that for the cameras at all.
00:02:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
At all. we don't want that. You you can't bring them in the ground. You can't bring them in the ground. That's the message.
00:02:18
Zak
It's, yeah, it's it's difficult, right? because i understand from a police perspective what they need to do to try and make sure. Like, they can't just be like, all right, guys, we're just going to open up the little gap here and let you have at it.
00:02:32
Zak
Like, I understand. And obviously, it's like, what, like, of the most heavily policed games. They've spent at least 200 grand on this one fixture alone. It's going to be absolutely ridiculous. It's going to be a nightmare to get there. It's going to be...
00:02:43
Zak
And I think that you're... We were talking about this off-air, and I think you you're right. I think there's... If tensions boil over, it's going to be how restricted everyone is and how everything's going to be sort of like, no, no, step back from there, and and the people's tensions rising more from that than anything else. But...
00:03:01
Zak
It's what they expect.
South Coast Derby Significance
00:03:02
Zak
It's the South Coast Derby, right? Like there is there is more to this than just just the football. A lot of people think it's just the football. There's a lot of people that have ah emotions significantly stronger than others. There's going to be people experiencing it in completely different ways.
00:03:17
Zak
Overweight, mate, it's going to be hopefully a cracking game of football and then it's going to end up being in a draw or something really boring. and I don't want predict that, but I'm just talking, historically, we've discussed how Derby games, not just with us, but like across the board, people go into them think they're going to be incredible.
00:03:32
Zak
And then you get what? Like a a Celtic Rangers 0-0. And we've just got hope that that isn't what we do.
00:03:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
look
00:03:38
Zak
And we we go in on Sunday and we get a comprehensive win I think we all want. and we we need to do the too cool england thing right that's what we need to do have a couple of games that are done think everyone writes you off and then go and like you know go and win an absolutely ob amazing game
00:03:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd take a 5-0 to be fair. That would...
00:03:57
Zak
yeah if you write up yours that sounds that sounds me like the sort of thing you're predicting the end of the episode anyway
00:04:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
i don't I don't know. I don't know about that. we We'll see for sure. But look, it he is exciting. i mean, I wouldn't want to be a steward on a day like Sunday. Tensions are going to be high, I'm sure. It's going to be good. It's going to be exciting.
00:04:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you are going down to the game, remember your ID. It's come out from the club that they're going to be doing. Spot check and ID checks to make sure you are the person who bought the ticket. And...
00:04:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah just save yourself the hassle, take the driving license, you know? Just...
00:04:37
Zak
Yes.
00:04:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
so Don't give them an excuse. Just make it as easy for yourself as you can. This is where I'm at.
00:04:43
Zak
Yeah. Like any concert, that it just makes significantly more difficult to just check notes attend a tender game you've paid for. Yeah.
00:04:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Last time that they did proper, like, stop and search, outside the ground. I i don't remember what game it was, but it was on a like Tuesday night, and I was late getting into the ground because of it. So just you know be be prepared. I don't think anyone's not going to be getting there early anyway, let's be honest. It's going to be a day, but but man, it's it's
Media and Fan Expectations
00:05:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
exciting. All of the build-up, oh it's it's all all my newsfeed is filled with is
00:05:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
all of the non-Saints and all of the non-Pompy media outlets just bigging up how big of a derby it is. It's just exciting. there's There's a proper buzz about the place. It's going to be good. I'm just so excited.
00:05:40
Zak
Right, so just to upset you a little bit more, Greg, and I know we'll get into the actual actual stuff, but you know how this is pretty much our preamble, right? Like everyone who's aware with how we do things. How do you feel about the fact that ah ah not a single Salabton player is in the top 15 of the EAFC sports ratings?
00:05:59
Zak
Do you know that? Or have I just informed you of that?
00:06:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
well What do you mean? Like the top 15 players?
00:06:04
Zak
So top 15 players of the championship are not Southampton players.
00:06:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
the Top 15 players of the championship?
00:06:08
Zak
But one of them is a Birmingham player.
00:06:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
We don't even make that up.
00:06:12
Zak
Yeah, man.
00:06:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
That is surprising. ah That is the first time I hear it, but that is a bit surprising because we've got a hell of a championship squad.
00:06:15
Zak
yeah
00:06:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh...
00:06:22
Zak
Yeah, it's, it's a lot of the responses to are just like not a single Southampton player is gold. That's ridiculous. Uh, you know, blah, bla blah, blah, blah. There's lots of, so, so feels like we're being, being very much written off. There's a lot of people that are saying, you know, there's an expectation that we should win.
00:06:40
Zak
There are some that are running into this with the most confidence they've ever had. Um, so before we actually get into squad collections and then later on goal predictions, mate, uh, you know off of that piece of bad news and the fact that I'm still convinced that like Alex McCarthy's going to start how how do you feel going into this game mate how confident do you feel because obviously we've got a pretty much partly a brand new squad and are they going to shove them into a derby straight away or are we going to see you know I'm thinking back to the last derby mate like looking back here I can't believe Yoshida started but that seemed enough as it is
00:07:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I... I'm still feeling pretty confident. I just think that it is going to be an occasion.
00:07:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just think that we're going to be prepared enough to show up for it. I just think think it's going to be known to the players how important it is, and it's just they're just going to make it work. I like the pragmatism of Will Steele, and that he's actively come out and said that sometimes, in especially in a derby, tactics go out the window. It's just about win.
00:07:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know he said in the presser that they've had X players come in and stress the importance. And I just think, I just think pound for pound, we we should be comfortably beating them, occasion or not.
00:07:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I just think that that's going to, that's just the way it's going to play out. I just think, I don't see it happening in any other way. You know, I think there are going to be uneasy moments, for sure, because it's it's a Saints game.
00:08:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, if you don't enjoy being uncomfortable, you probably shouldn't be a Saints fan. it's just It's just part of the DNA.
00:08:18
Zak
there
00:08:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's part and parcel. It is what it is. it's It's going to be uneasy moments, but I just think we it we should have enough to get through it and and upon reflection should look comfortable.
00:08:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
How about
00:08:34
Zak
Yeah, no no, I agree. it's
00:08:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
you? You tend to be the more balanced head. how How are you feeling?
00:08:43
Zak
Balanced is a word for it. I usually think like worst case scenario. I'm feeling good. I'm thinking that... I think that... I don't know how many debuts there are going to be, but it is really a chance for someone like, you know, if you've got a new player that comes in, comes on, scores two goals against like a rival that we've, you know...
00:09:02
Zak
a historical rival, one of the, my opinion, like biggest rivalries in English football. And, that is what they will always have as a like remembered, right? i'm I'm thinking back to Kuka Martina's goal against Arsenal and things like that, right? like That will be a standout moment for for those people.
00:09:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
The redefining moment.
00:09:22
Zak
Yeah, 100%.
00:09:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:22
Zak
I think there is a bit chance.
00:09:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:23
Zak
so I think it was Ricky Lambert that said, right, that like if your careers are in the toilet or your careers are sky high, you can redeem all of that by winning Sunday.
00:09:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:09:31
Zak
And and like we've we've talked about it before when we were doing like the championship fixtures and the build-ups and things. There are people that would take not getting promoted and being Pompey twice over over going up and not managing to beat them.
00:09:44
Zak
And if that isn't...
00:09:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
of of I've even heard it said by a Saints fan that they would take relegation as long as they beat Pompey twice. How
Team Preparation and Strategy
00:09:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
do you feel about that?
00:09:58
Zak
Yeah. I don't know if I quite agree with that, personally. Yeah. I think it's incredibly... I feel like if we're getting relegated and managing to beat Poppy twice, that means we're only managing to do two good things in the season, right?
00:10:12
Zak
You want to make sure that we're building for something more.
00:10:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
good opportunity it's a good opportunity to galvanise right though right and like properly unite the fans behind because because a win and a comfortable win like really you you'll see St Mary's become more of a happy noisy place at least for a while like
00:10:21
Zak
yeah
00:10:33
Zak
this this is this is what they this is what they've been wanting for ages, right? And this is one of the things that I think that there's always been a little bit of animosity towards, not not outwardly towards the fans, but I think that they know that we are a fan base that can turn quite quickly.
00:10:50
Zak
And understandably so. Like, we watched some tross the last couple of seasons.
00:10:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:10:55
Zak
Like, with that is that is why our expectations... It's not because we are that quick to turn on the team. It's just that... If there is an expectation that we're going to supposedly get likes promoted, everyone who's joined us has mentioned the word promotion, by the way.
00:11:08
Zak
If you go back to all of their interviews, it's one of the key reasons they're on board. They need to be able to prove that. To be able to beat our rivals that only came up last year into the championship after we were in the Premier League,
00:11:20
Zak
for a significant long period of time. Like we really need to make sure that the difference in golf is there because it at the moment, the league table says otherwise, maybe the first time in, i don't know, 10, 15 years.
00:11:33
Zak
However, that needs to be rectified. And like, this is a game that is an opportunity to do that. I don't know it just, it has so much meaning and is so important to so many people, right?
00:11:44
Zak
And there are people that are probably just seeing it as like an excuse to have a bit of a scrap, but there are other people that, you know, are completely understanding the sort of, you know, treating it more, maybe life and death than it should be. But like, it means so much to different people for different reasons and like across the ah across the motorway as well.
00:12:02
Zak
So we just need to make sure that,
00:12:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that that's the difference from their perspective, right? Because coming away from home with it being, you know, the difference in spend alone in the transfer window, but the difference in but trajectory and direction, right?
00:12:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, a lot of Pompey fans are going to be happy enough with a draw. Like, if they can take a point, that's almost a win. So that's not good enough for us, right? We need win.
00:12:31
Zak
they um i I don't believe that, if I'm totally honest. However, what I do believe is the fact that they are going to be able to turn to the reasons you've spouted, right?
00:12:41
Zak
So we have got a bigger squad.
00:12:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:44
Zak
We've got a better quality squad. We have more money. We have the big stadium. We have all of these different elements that, theoretically, on paper, should make us better. so to constantly swing back to your football's paid on grass instead of paper. and So all this on paper, which means that like if we beat them, they've got that to fall back on.
00:13:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:04
Zak
If we just get beaten by Portsmouth, we don't really have that. We've got this squad. We've paid all this money. Oh, okay. They haven't quite gelled yet. But realistically, it's a damning indictment of the mentality of where the players will be at, right?
00:13:17
Zak
And ah it will be difficult to rebuild from that.
00:13:19
Zak
They'll have to. because that's just how it works. It's not the first time. It's not the last time that it potentially happened. and But yeah, i just think that there is a lot more on the line for us. So we really need to show that, right?
00:13:31
Zak
Like we almost got done over by Wrexham on day one, mate. Like that's, that's a problem. We need to be able to show that this isn't going to be the case going forward. But yeah, hopefully it'll pan out.
00:13:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Look, mate. All right, look. Let's get into the business end of the podcast. Let's have a look at our predicted lineups. But first, I'm breaking a message from our partners at Bynink.
00:14:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we are back. Wait, do you really think McCarthy's going to start a goal? Surely not.
00:14:45
Zak
He started the last Southgate derby in goal.
00:14:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:14:48
Zak
Yeah, but that's genuinely one of the reasons.
00:14:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Back when dinosaurs roamed the land, like...
00:14:53
Zak
But yeah, but I just think it's like, understands the level of occasion, level-headed enough. I just have a feeling. It could be Baz, but I just i don't know what it is.
00:15:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just...
00:15:02
Zak
I feel that he might be starting him.
00:15:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just don't think it makes any sense. You you solidified Baz as your first choice keeper. You stick him in goal. That's job done, right? It's... I... i I would be incredibly surprised to see McCarthy in the starting lineup.
00:15:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
We talked earlier in the week about how even down to like the team lineups, when that team sheet comes out, you're going to feel it around the ground.
00:15:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that moment alone might make or break. We'll still wear Southampton manager and whether he's going to get the backing of some people or not. Right. And if that lineup starts with Alex McCarthy,
00:15:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
What direction do you think that opinion sways?
00:15:43
Zak
but
00:15:46
Zak
Okay, so I can understand where you're coming from, right? You see the team sheet. What is this? Garbage. can't believe they're starting. Joe Erivo or whatever.
00:15:57
Zak
is ridiculous. McCarthy as well. and then and then And then we go on to like win 4-0. And then it's like, oh, we're all turns out we're all football managers. That's kind of where I'm at.
00:16:08
Zak
That's where I'm at.
00:16:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
nobody's ever saying that, like, that's not how it works, but that is 100% they got lucky, didn't they? There's never any acknowledgement of being wrong, it's gotta be...
00:16:16
Zak
Oh, no, I think i forgot.
00:16:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
but deep
00:16:18
Zak
That is where we're at as as as people now. It's that you're never allowed to be wrong. But I want my hands up. if If it ends up being Baz's happy days, I just have a weird feeling it's going to be McCarthy.
00:16:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just, I just don't see it.
00:16:31
Zak
if it If it isn't, then fine. Like, I'm wrong.
00:16:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just, just don't see it. Uh... Alright then. Back four or back five? That's the big question, right?
00:16:41
Zak
can we finally go for a back four? We need to win, right? We don't need to pass the ball around 60 minutes. And then, and and also the poll, to my knowledge, the whole point of the back four was to do with the personnel we had at the time, right?
00:16:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:52
Zak
We've got got all of the personnel in that we need, right? So why would we go with a back five again?
00:16:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it too big of a like like a risk, right? Like ah ah changing system for a game that is this important and this big?
00:17:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it just... Would that reflect poorly if it goes wrong?
00:17:10
Zak
No, because I think that some of those, I think some of the new players that are going to be coming in have not played that system anyway. so it's not really going to make much of a difference.
00:17:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:17:18
Zak
And I don't think that, I think the idea that we're not going to, we're only going to play players we've had up to this point seems ridiculous.
00:17:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right.
00:17:24
Zak
I don't know if they'll get starts or what. right I don't know. I feel like, again, starting at a derby is mad. We hoped all this business and nonsense would be done well before the closing of the window. But there's been two weeks. Not all of them have been you know but away. I know Azaz has, but Azaz has had a game.
00:17:38
Zak
Tienza hasn't been away. Yanda hasn't been away. They all had a chance to kind of... We don't exactly know... Really, we don't have a huge indicator as to who's going to play and who's going to play where. That's the other thing it. So...
00:17:50
Zak
so
00:17:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
The element of surprise.
00:17:53
Zak
Yeah, where I'm at is that it doesn't make a difference.
00:17:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Alright, let's go with the optimistic approach and let's stick with the back four. What centre-back pairing you happy with?
00:18:07
Zak
I'd say Jack Stephens, because he's our captain, our club captain, understands the occasion, knows what's going to go on.
00:18:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:18:15
Zak
And then...
00:18:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
on the team sheet, realistically speaking.
00:18:19
Zak
do you go Taylor Harwood-Bellis? You know, captors in England, a the international, probably one of our best centre-backs. I know that the pairing hasn't been the best in the Premier League, but I also think that
00:18:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's not exactly in form.
00:18:31
Zak
No, but I also think that he is understanding of this occasion and is very much...
00:18:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:18:36
Zak
The only problem I can see with that is him being... into I can literally picture the interview directly after because he would be the one that's willing to actually speak to the cameras. But I can't see who else you'd want to put there out of the other centre-backs we've got.
00:18:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:18:49
Zak
Like, do we want to put Ronnie Edwards there?
00:18:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I want Nathan Wood there.
00:18:51
Zak
Yeah? Okay.
00:18:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I want Nathan Wood. Yeah. I think that he has been one of our better centre-backs in the last couple of games.
00:18:53
Zak
Okay.
00:18:59
Zak
He's been more consistent, I'll give him that. And he's been a bit of a bruiser.
00:19:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:19:02
Zak
you know He took some like some blows and managed to kind of go through.
00:19:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:05
Zak
So I wouldn't i be happy i would be happy with either. I think Edwards and Kwasi are too green for the occasion, personally.
00:19:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I agree with that.
00:19:15
Zak
And I think that just not because I think bad of them, I just think that of of what we've seen of them so far, I think that putting them into that is... tough.
00:19:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I agree.
00:19:25
Zak
Especially with the defensive responsibility, because that is going to be massively important. So yeah, okay.
00:19:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, then full backs, Mads Ryslev sticking in.
00:19:34
Zak
Yep. Well, Bree's gone.
00:19:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:39
Zak
doubt that the new guy's going to start straight away. Well...
00:19:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:43
Zak
Yeah,
00:19:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ryan Manning on the left. Manning on the left. Walsh Lev on the right.
00:19:48
Zak
yeah because he's the only one, again, like we've got, we've got you know, our one a one back, alert we've got a one back up now for left and right, right? So is yeah, unless we decide to put Fraser right back, but I feel this isn't really the game for it.
00:19:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:02
Zak
100%.
00:20:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I agree. then, look moving into the midfield, you've got to presume that both Flynn Downs and Trey Charles going to be starting together. Unless there's some more like raw chicken or something going around the camp.
00:20:14
Zak
I really hope that he doesn't, like again, like at this point, I'm starting to worry he actually has some sort of gastrointestinal stuff.
00:20:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Please not.
00:20:21
Zak
And like, to be perfectly honest, you don't need to disclose any of that to your fan base for sure. But like, please just make sure that you're in a good enough position that when that game kicks off, that you can play because it's going to be, and I think again, like we've, we've been, and we've,
00:20:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
feel like if you're playing for Saints, even if you're feeling a bit dicky on the day, You just risk it and throw up on a Pompey player, right? Like, imagine... Like, we still talk about Jason Punchen.
00:20:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Imagine the legends that will be rewritten about puking on the pitch in a Pompey game. Like...
00:20:53
Zak
Yeah, but also, mate, I don't want to have to deal with... I don't want to have to, like... Would the player get carded for that? Like, with that how would that go down? Like, has this ever happened?
00:21:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
No idea, mate. Not a tweet.
00:21:07
Zak
And also, i could I can only think of the last time we had a player that that was unwell that tried to play through their illness, and that was Ryan Fraser under Martin, where tried, and it was just terrible, you're kind of looking back like, mate, come on.
00:21:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think oh well yeah yeah no you're right who's joining them then are we going what 4-3-3 4-4-2 I think it's more likely to be 4-2-1-3 right so and Finn as the
00:21:20
Zak
Like, why did you play someone that sick? Like, that's ridiculous.
00:21:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
think it's more likely to be like ah full two one three right
00:21:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Shea and Finn as the two holding midfielders and maybe Azaz through the middle of the number 10?
00:21:44
Zak
That would make sense, right?
00:21:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:21:47
Zak
Like that's probably, you know, he's did okay while he's away as well. He's got some chemistry with Madden, had a game before us, probably replaced. Matty Fernandez was a bit more brighter in that last game, ah ah actually being a creative spark.
00:21:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:22:03
Zak
So then that kind of just leaves the front.
00:22:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:22:07
Zak
Who do we reckon is going to front?
00:22:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I want to see... oh it i don't know about heart and head, right? What i want to see up front, I think, is Tom Fellows and Adam Armstrong out wide with Archer through the middle.
00:22:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you want to swap out Armstrong for Stewart, I think I'll take that as well.
00:22:22
Zak
Okay.
00:22:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think Downs is going to be starting because he's still not quite back for international duty from what Still was saying the presser. And to be honest, I'd probably pick Stuart over Downs in that sort of, in those brackets we were talking about.
00:22:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I just...
00:22:43
Zak
I don't know how I feel about the fact that Stewart at the moment still can't hit a barn door. I know this would be an incredible game for him to get goal, but again, like it's not a game that we want to be missing open goals, you know what I mean?
00:22:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's probably why I i would stick Armstrong out wide.
00:22:54
Zak
say
00:22:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
where He seems to do better coming in from outside than through the middle. He doesn't have a lot of success through the middle, especially when isolated. So I think him with Archer through the middle and Feddo's playing wide as well, with Zaz behind them, I feel like that's there's a threat there.
00:23:14
Zak
you don't want to see Sienza all.
00:23:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but I don't think he'll start.
00:23:20
Zak
and Okay, okay, interesting.
00:23:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Same with Jay Robinson. I'm not sure it's the sort of game that you... i mean, maybe, because he is being good for us, but I don't know if... I don't know if it's the sort of game you play an 18-year-old in to start.
00:23:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is where I'm at.
00:23:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's...
00:23:35
Zak
Or, okay, if you're not playing an 18 year old, what a man in his 30s, would you not play Fraser?
00:23:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah. Yeah.
00:23:42
Zak
This is the problem. We've actually now got such a large selection of attacking players.
00:23:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:47
Zak
And bear in mind, I don't think Adozi's gonna go yet, mate.
00:23:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:23:50
Zak
You never know, he might appear out of the woodwork. Yeah,
00:23:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that would be a particularly strange inclusion based off of...
00:23:57
Zak
yeah especially after after all of the transfer.
00:23:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:59
Zak
but I need this big squad. No?
00:24:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. It would be... I don't... You know, I'm sure that we'll see him integrated back into the mix, but I don't think that it will be in this game in particular.
00:24:10
Zak
but That game.
00:24:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah. All right, mate. Look, lots lots of of choices, lots to ponder. But let's... have a little break and come back with the big one, the score prediction.
Predictions and Listener Engagement
00:24:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
first, a break in a message from our partners at Zencaster.
00:24:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform, and Zencaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and delivered efficiently.
00:24:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description and learn more about Zencaster. All right, mate. We are back. And as is tradition, going to throw you under the busss first.
00:24:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
How are you feeling? What are you thinking?
00:24:56
Zak
Oh, Greg, this is a difficult one, mate, because it's like... Right, what's my... 3-1. Let's go with 3-1.
00:25:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah?
00:25:05
Zak
They score.
00:25:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Where are the goals coming from?
00:25:06
Zak
Everyone goes ballistic. We silence them immediately. Let's go... Let's Let's go like an Armstrong hat-trick. Because like what a game to come back to, mate.
00:25:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:25:18
Zak
He's our hero for for multiple reasons during the chat last championship season. Scores the goal at Wembley. Has a bit of a duff season. Has a bit of duff at the beginning of the season. Comes in against Pompey.
00:25:30
Zak
Realises the weight of the occasion. Scores three goals.
00:25:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nice. We alluded to it earlier in the week, mate, but that was the result that happened in my dream. So...
00:25:39
Zak
but Oh yeah, no, I forgot.
00:25:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
why
00:25:40
Zak
Yeah, we won't talk about my dream result. like My dream result was not a positive one. I was getting really angry. I don't even remember what I was doing. I've got it written down somewhere. It's nuts. But yeah, no, no this is my My dream result will not come to pass, I promise.
00:25:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. Right, mate. I've got to do my best here to to use my head and keep myself grounded and remain logical.
00:26:03
Zak
No, you don't.
00:26:06
Zak
That's my job.
00:26:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
not I've got to set this prediction in reality. I don't want it to come back and bite me. And so I'm thinking a very sensible win.
00:26:19
Zak
Of course, that's very, very incredibly sensible, mate.
00:26:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:26:22
Zak
but Where are four goals coming from at St Mary's? Come on, come on, mate.
00:26:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Two from Cameron Archer, a Ryan Manning free kick, and Armstrong's going to score an absolute worldie where he puts two of them on their arse and then curls it top bins.
00:26:27
Zak
Right?
00:26:37
Zak
And I'm guessing with Bozzuino in goal, yeah?
00:26:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. Bizzouna in goal. Clean sheet. An absolute peach. it's fine because our defence going to be so solid. He probably you only has to make two saves the entire game. just, just the vibes. It's going to be nothing but good vibes all the way through Sunday. We can come home after the game, have our roast dinner. Everyone's happy. Bish, bash, bosh.
00:26:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
What more is there to say?
00:27:02
Zak
don't know, I'm just trying to figure out what we do if it's not that. Either way, I guess we'll be here to talk about it.
00:27:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Click it up. but That's, that's it. That's the, the bet. That's the nap. Four nil win. Cameron Archbrace, that's the one for me. Flynn Downs to get a yellow to get the price up on the bet builder.
00:27:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's got to be done.
00:27:22
Zak
but obviously, Shane Charles and Flynn down to get yellow, mate. What doing?
00:27:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, if if you if you do choose to gamble responsibly on the game, I would say in general, booking points over is the safe bet, right? It's got to be. It's a derby.
00:27:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I haven't seen what referee they've put in charge of the game, and I actively dread looking it up, but... But man, I just think they've got a tough game on their hands. even Even though a lot of the players are not local, they're still... What an occasion to have to but to officiate. They're going to come under criticism one way or the other, right?
00:28:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've not heard...
00:28:01
Zak
Yeah.
00:28:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's Matthew Donahue who I've not heard of, so it might be a good thing to have not heard of him.
00:28:06
Zak
It's either a good thing or this is when you remember or figure out who he is and then get mad at him forever. So either way, I think that you probably would have been briefed that he's going to be yeah in charge of quite a tough occasion, right?
00:28:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you would you would have thought so. You would think that looking at the games that are going on this weekend, they'd have gone, this one probably needs a good referee and a firm hand. Like, let's keep this one under control.
00:28:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't think it's any secret to anyone what the occasion is. Certainly not to us. But look, that is all we've got time for today. Zach, thank you very much for joining me and and waffling about this game.
00:28:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:47
Zak
Well, see next
00:28:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah ah so excited thank you everyone for listening let us know your score predictions in the comments or on the socials we are on all of them we are on Facebook X Blue Sky TikTok Instagram YouTube absolutely everywhere hit us up let us know your score prediction how many do you think we're going to win by That's all we need to know. We love hearing from you. Like Zach says, so we will be back on Monday morning to discuss it, whatever the outcome.
00:29:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we're going to be in good moods because it's going to be like a decisive victory.
00:29:18
Zak
Thank you.
00:29:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I can feel it. And it's going to be great. And I cannot wait for Monday's episode. We hope you'll have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy the football we're on. And we will see you on Monday.