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S2 - E1: Man Utd Crossover, a battle of the new signings
14 Plays24 days ago
WE ARE BACK!!!!! What an opening game we have as we travel to Old Trafford to play Man Utd on Sunday afternoon. After a busy summer transfer market for both clubs we discuss how both teams have done in the market and who will perform well for their teams. We discuss a Man Utd X Arsenal starting 11 and more...
Host: Kieran
Guest: Tom, Jamie & Rodney
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Transcript
00:00:02
Speaker
Every club. Every day. The Global Sports Podcast Network. Hello everyone and welcome to this crossover episode between the Daily Manchester United and the Daily Arsenal podcast. It's our first crossover for both sides of the season and you're hearing me, Kieran, from the Daily Manchester United. We're at home, so we host the podcast. That's how it works. I don't make the rules, I just simply follow them.
00:00:27
Speaker
From the Manchester United side, you've got myself, Kieran, and Tom alongside. Welcome along, Tom. Hello, Kieran. Hello to everyone. Yes, the Premier League is just around the corner now. Can United get off to the best of starts? Or are the Gooners going to come in and do what the Gooners tend to normally do?
00:00:41
Speaker
Let's see. Speaking of the Gooners, we've got Jamie from the Daily Arsenal. Hello, Jamie. Hello there, guys. Great to great to have us on. Cannot wait. Premier League football is well and truly back.
00:00:52
Speaker
Feels like it's been a long summer, but cannot wait. Absolutely. And we've got Rodney as well from the Daily Arsenal. Welcome along, Rodney. Hey, thank you guys for having me. Also excited to get the season started and yeah, optimistic for the future.
00:01:04
Speaker
Absolutely. Yeah, I'm optimistic for this episode as well. It's the first po crossover we've done for quite some time. So let's shake off up a little bit of the rust. by starting with our each individual reviews of pre-season so far for both sides. Now, on the Daily Manchester United, we've sort of touched on pre-season in the sort of lead up to the Premier League start. So I'll start with you, Rodney. How have you found pre-season so far? How's it been from an Arsenal point of view?
00:01:28
Speaker
Honestly, it's been a bit of a mixed bag, actually. Some of the results, I mean, I'm sure you're aware. We are unfortunately it took a loss to one of our greatest North London rivals during pre-season. And day yeah... That wasn't wasn't most ideal to watch. We had a bit of a mixed bag. But I say with our own preseason, there were some standout performances from individual players. And you could tell that we were experimenting. We had quite a decent transfer window, brought in quite a lot of players. And it's been nice to kind of see the differences in rotation.
00:01:53
Speaker
the enhancements, the score depth as well. And while the results have been a bit, if well, hit or miss or whatnot, we still had some nice little formations that we can try out. And our last game against Athletic, yeah, it was a nice little kind of positive going into the window or going into the air start of the season.
00:02:07
Speaker
So I'm thinking that, yeah, ultimately, bit of a mixed bag, but I'm excited and optimistic going forward. Jamie, are you going to echo those views from Rodney then, you know, the the optimism of a new season dawning?
00:02:18
Speaker
Yeah, definitely. i mean, going back to what Rodney was saying about, you know, our preseason has been very pick and mix. You know, it's literally been like a pick and mix. It's been really full of ups and downs. don't We don't talk about what happened against our neighbours. They're probably still crying as we speak. And, we're you know, Rodney's probably drinking their tears in that in that ah plastic water bottle of his. So... but But to be honest with you, I mean, i look at the window as a whole, right? And the one thing I really think we've done well on, or the one thing that Berta's really done, is come in and not only bring the players through, but also start looking ahead to the future, ty you know tying down the likes of Itho Waniere and Myles Lewis Skelly, to name um a few others as well.
00:03:10
Speaker
and I think the weekend's performance against Athletic Club, I think that starting XI kind of shows that this is the potential XI we could have going into Sunday.
00:03:24
Speaker
Yeah, and it's always nice to sort of have that starting 11, Tom. you've You've mentioned on other podcasts that maybe from a Manchester United point of view, we're not quite ready. Obviously, Carrington looks great, but none of that matters if if we're not ready with ah with a starting 11 we know going forward, which could make the combined 11 later on a little bit tricky.
00:03:42
Speaker
Yeah, well, I completely stand by that because we have this reputation where we can start the season in a rather more rusty kind of manner. We had that last season where we only just scraped over the line on the...
00:03:54
Speaker
Friday night against Fulham in the first game when Xerxes scored the winning goal and then but the next two games against Brighton and course for our biggest rivals Liverpool um which pretty much set the tone for the whole season Now, I'm not saying we're going to take the thrash Arsenal and then get the better of Burnley and Fulham in our opening games before the international break, but if we could just get the performances right and then the results will soon start to set to the squad, which can only ease the pressure on Ruben Amarim.
00:04:24
Speaker
So it's going to be absolutely vital for Amarim to get off to the best of starts. If the performances are great, that will speak the bigger volumes. I know our rivals will maybe look at that differently, but for us that pay attention more closely to our performances than other clubs would do,
00:04:39
Speaker
a you know that has to be the priority for Manchester United at the moment. Yeah, and it's weird you know coming into a season where I'm thrown around that it's the worst Manchester United performance in the modern Premier League era.
00:04:54
Speaker
ah The lowest points total, one of the lowest goals scored. We conceded quite a few goals. you know It was... one-point relegation form and it was quite terrifying being quite far down there, especially when we just you know't have no memory of being that far down for quite some time.
00:05:10
Speaker
So maybe a reality check is what the club needed. Whether we've heeded that warning is another question. um We'll move on. Well, we'll come to the transfer window later on, but I want to sort of look at the first five games of the season. Now, from an Arsenal point of view, I'll come to you, Rodney.
00:05:25
Speaker
and Obviously, heading to Old Trafford on the opening day on Sunday, half past four. You've got Leeds United at home, Liverpool away, Forest at home and City away. I mean, there are tougher first five fixtures out there, but what's your feeling heading towards it?
00:05:40
Speaker
Honestly, as soon as the fixture list came out, me and a lot of the other Arsenal boys shared the same sentiment. It was a very, very tough start to the season. And we needed to make sure that we had a solid preseason going in. Fitness levels needed to be high. Rotational options needed to be there because we knew that we were coming out the gate and going well straight into the frying pan. It was going to be very difficult. And so I'm looking at it right now and I'm thinking to myself,
00:06:00
Speaker
All right. as many points that we can pick up in these opening games as possible is going to be really ideal because there's a lot of tough fixes. Liverpool away, especially given the window they've had, very, very tough game. Also, every time we go to Old Trafford as well, regardless of the form that you were in, yeah we always seem to struggle.
00:06:14
Speaker
I'm thinking about last season, even the season before as well. Man United is never an easy game regardless when it's up Old Trafford too. So it's definitely going to be one where I really want to see the best starting XI that we can. And I really want to see our team just kind of come out the gate swinging because it's going to get difficult very early on.
00:06:29
Speaker
I'm going to take that as a compliment from from Rodney there, that we're a tough game. You'll never sing that. That's what I'm singing there. That's the tagline of this episode. Jamie, I'll obviously come to you as well. The first opening five games the season, how are you feeling towards it? I mean, if you get wins in all five of those, surely, surely a title is on the cards. Oh, A bit too early to say it. It's a bit too early to kind of bring up the T word at the minute.
00:06:54
Speaker
You know, I kind of banned that word last season towards like the halfway point of last season. But... going Going into the the the first five games, I actually wanted big teams early on.
00:07:10
Speaker
I'm quite pleased that we've got the likes of the Liverpools and the Citys, you know, and even even United at Old Trafford. You know, as Rodney says, going to Old Trafford is never easy. It is...
00:07:22
Speaker
you know, it's always that rivalry. I know there's not like a you know, it's not an actual derby, but there's so much history that this game is soaked in and it, Sunday's game is just going to add to that, to the history and the rivalry.
00:07:37
Speaker
But for me, yeah, I'm not complaining. We'd like to get the the difficult teams over and done with because, you know, again, we don't know what everyone's form is going to be like first five games of the season.
00:07:51
Speaker
So maybe for Arsenal, in a sense, this is a sign to... Also be tested with our resilience because obviously you look back at last season, injuries really did cost us. I also kind of mentioned about the mentality of the team during them injuries, not being the not maybe being the greatest. So I think this would be an ideal test because especially for Arteta as well, there's going to be a lot of pressure on him during the course of the season, depending on how results go for him.
00:08:22
Speaker
Yeah, and Tom, from ah from a Manchester United point of view, what do you make of Arsenal's first game? It's tough, but from my point of view, that there's a chance they could get all 15 if they really pull it pull it all together.
00:08:34
Speaker
Well, if they pull it together in the um and the opening five games, I can't see why they can't really call themselves like contenders. Because if they can withstand the pressure at that stage of the season, then they can withstand it all the way through.
00:08:47
Speaker
It's just being able to sustain it, because we know there's going to be batches of form from the likes of Liverpool and Man City at some point, because from from what I know with Liverpool...
00:08:58
Speaker
They can start the season brightly, which is what they did last season, and then they just crept over the line really, made sure they got the job done. With City, they're more like a mid-season um form side. I don't know that wasn't the case last season. the Mid-season form was what really hurt their chances. But in other seasons, they were usually good, put together a run of form.
00:09:17
Speaker
So if Arsenal can put together a run of form at this stage this season... and really set the benchmark and send big, big message out there to all of their rivals, then they're going to be a they going to be a very, very tough side to beat this season.
00:09:31
Speaker
It's just when it gets to the latter half the season where they usually struggle, that's going to be the enormous test. Yeah, well, let's see how it all pans out over the next 38 days is a long, long time. But the game's come thick and fast in the Premier League.
00:09:48
Speaker
We're going to take a quick break. When we come back from the break, we're going to be talking about the transfer windows, but reviewing each other's and perhaps each other's chances in, well, what we hope as Man United fans as a top half finish this season. and I'm crossing all of my fingers. Cross yours too. Unless you're an Arsenal fan, you won't be doing that. We'll be back after this.
00:10:07
Speaker
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00:10:11
Speaker
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Speaker
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00:10:45
Speaker
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00:10:58
Speaker
sports podcast network Tom, I'll come to you first of all. um From a Manchester United point of view, how have you think oh how have you seen Arsenal's transfer window come in? I mean, let's just review it. Martin Zubimendi being brought in, Victor Giocarej, Noni Maduweke, Christian Mosquera, Christian Norgard and Kepa Aretha Balaga.
00:11:19
Speaker
you know On a review of a Manchester United point of view, how good has that transfer window been and how bad maybe? I think Arsenal fans should be very happy with it. I mean, Kepa Ariza Balaga, i know he was a former around Chelsea player and he you know some may not have rated him that well, but...
00:11:34
Speaker
He's a good backup for Raya, should they need him. You know, he's primarily proven in my point of view. he had that spell at Bournemouth, I think, as well did, Kepo, and I thought he was all right. ah With the others, Martin Zubemendy, I think he's quality. safe I think he's kind of a ah good replacement, really, for Thomas Pardsey.
00:11:49
Speaker
No more words need to be added to that. ah Christian Norgard as well. um Cheap as well, he got um from Brentford. Nene Maduweki from Chelsea. I thought he was quality at Chelsea, to be honest with you, but I think he was hit by um injuries.
00:12:03
Speaker
ah during his time, and Arsenal took the opportunity to go and get him. But of course, the big one is Victor Jokeres. yeah That is... i mean, we were linked him for some time, and if you remember, he was rather...
00:12:18
Speaker
he was rather straightforward and direct about where he wanted to go to. Like, he always wanted to go to Arsenal, to be honest with you, but I think there were certain circumstances that may have...
00:12:31
Speaker
prevented him or convinced him to maybe not go to Arsenal to begin with. ah don't know what yeah I don't know what Rodney and um Jamie think about it. You may have to remind me on this. Well, i'll let I'll let Jamie jump in with that. I mean, I'm pretty jealous that you got Giochareg over the line, even if it du did maybe just a little bit of carrot dangling for Giochareg to make his way to Arsenal.
00:12:52
Speaker
I mean, to be honest with you, I... a lot of the fan base. And I mean, the boys have spoken about it on our group chat. We, we've absolutely really enjoyed the fact that,
00:13:04
Speaker
Yes, this transfer saga had gone on for what seemed to be months and months and months, but um really do admire the the fact that, you know, he took a significant pay cut just to come to Arsenal. And I mean, if that isn't showing passion to try and push through a move, I dont i mean, I don't know what is.
00:13:22
Speaker
I mean, yes, he did end up... He ended up, obviously, saying to Sporting, like, look, I'm not going to be training, and then he gets fined on top of that and so on. But... With Jokeres, I'm not putting too much pressure on him this season.
00:13:36
Speaker
And it might sound really mad for me to say it, but you've got to give someone time. And I know a lot of a lot of Arsenal fans going to sit here and think, well, hold on a minute. This is a striker that has that is you know proven himself in the Champions League, has scored a handful of goals um in the Portuguese League. But in all fairness, i'm not I'm not really putting a lot of pressure on him.
00:14:01
Speaker
We'll see. We'll see. I'm going to put a lot of pressure on him, but i's right that's by the by. ah Rodney, I've said on the Manchester United podcast about how I feel like Jochores and now Zubomende, I have been really missing pieces of the puzzle for Arsenal.
00:14:17
Speaker
Are you in agreement of that? Are those two big signings that you can finally press on and really challenge for the yeah for the title? Yeah, absolutely. Like, I generally do feel that there were holes in our squad and I think this window's been really about covering them, you know, covering a lot of gap fillers in the squad, having depth for rotational options, but most importantly, bringing some much needed level raises into the team.
00:14:36
Speaker
And for Jokeres, the amount of seasons have gone by with Arsenal fans alike calling out, crying out for a dedicated out-and-out striker. Finally, we have him. Finally, we have our man as well.
00:14:47
Speaker
Is this game absolutely perfect? No, but we finally have it and we're really looking forward to seeing what he can do. I think Jokoros has weaknesses to his game, but similar to Echo Jamie's point, when you see a player who's taking pay cuts, his agent waving his fee, going on strike, absolutely pushing for a move, you can tell that he loves Arsenal. You can tell that he really wanted to put everything behind coming to a move. And regardless of what you think about his game and some of his weaknesses there, it's lovely to see that level of passion coming from a player. You immediately want to get behind him as a fan.
00:15:14
Speaker
So again, wholeheartedly has my support and looking forward to seeing what you can do when the season begins. I will miss Mourinho up top though. That was something different. Something hit different about him. mean, if Mourinho could bang him in, can you imagine what Jokoros can do? Oh, honestly. Honestly. Well, Jamie, i I'll come to you next because for Manchester United, you know, in apparently financial turmoil and yet spending nearly 200 million in this window so far, from an Arsenal point of view, how would you rate United's dealings so far?
00:15:43
Speaker
you know what? The one thing that has really, really bugged me this whole window, right, was ah there was an interview with with Sir Jim Radcliffe and he said something along the lines of, you know, in order for me to make them cutbacks, like United wouldn't have been functioning as a club and so on and so on. But hold on a minute. Where has this where is this secret stash of money come from for you to go out and buy and a brand new front three as yeah in other terms? Yeah.
00:16:11
Speaker
I'll tell you what, though, Brian Mbuemo, for me, is going to be one to watch this season. He you know he absolutely dominated at Brentford, and I just don't see how he cannot go in continuous form.
00:16:25
Speaker
Now, I know there's going to be a lot of questions, and there's going to be a lot of people saying, but hold on a minute, you know players that do go to United do kind of ruin their careers, and it doesn't really kind of flow well. Yeah.
00:16:36
Speaker
And then, say for example, i mean, i have to say, because I've actually got the Scotland shirt on, but McTominay is like oh an example of, you know, someone that, you know...
00:16:47
Speaker
don really he He does really well for country, but you know now that he's gone to Napoli, it's a different story. but um I think this time it'll be really interesting to see how players adapt now under Amarind's football because, again, you know not a lot of players from last season kind of adapted to his playing style, but now he's had a summer where he's brought through players...
00:17:09
Speaker
you know, he's, you know, you're starting to get rid of players that are not adapting to the style. It it will probably be, I'll be honest, i can see United not finishing like in the bottom half of the table. I mean, i'd be really shocked if by the end of the season, you guys were lurking in a similar position to last season.
00:17:27
Speaker
Yeah, i I hope so too, because I don't know how long I could have gone on with that season, to be honest with you. That did not feel like 38 games. Also, I was going to add as well, right, in a way, half the Premier League are also going to be participating in Europe.
00:17:42
Speaker
So to an extent, that that could bolster United in in some areas there. That's true. Yeah. Tom did mention about how yeah in on previous episodes that the fixtures are fewer and further between. So hopefully that's going to help us in terms of rotation.
00:17:58
Speaker
We don't have to worry about the European competition. um Rodney, i'll I'll come to you now because it's your turn to sort of have an investigation of the Manchester United transfer window. How do you think the Red Devils have done in the window?
00:18:10
Speaker
I mean, considering the funds are supposedly limited, I think, yeah, you've definitely revitalized one of the main weaknesses of United's game. And I think that was an attack. An entirely new front three is quite impressive. Not to mention some of the players who weren't exactly performing, you know, up to their top tier standards at United have already been laid off as well. It looks like Rashford's off at Barcelona right now. looks like Arnach is on his way out too. So i feel a lot of problematic characters and the new blood that's come in are quite exciting. I'm looking at that front three of Mbwemo.
00:18:38
Speaker
Cunha and now Benjamin Cheshko. And I'm thinking, wow, you know, that's definitely far more threatening than what you were running the season before. So in terms of how I'd rate your transfer window, I think there's more about the team that does need to be fixed and rectified. But from what you've done, you've taken a real danger spot, a real red zone.
00:18:52
Speaker
and you've rectified it as best as you can. So I think it's quite impressive. That must be a relief, Tom, to hear from two Arsenal fans that maybe it's not been a bad window after all. No, ah well, I mean, um I'm happy with the business that we've done.
00:19:05
Speaker
i mean, it may not be done in Duster just yet because we have been in talk somewhat with Brighton over Colours for Labour as well. i don't know how we've got the money to really go and do it, but it is a possibility that we could get him over the line if if we can help it, providing him we can get rid of the lights and Sancho, Garnet Show, Anthony and Malassia and possibly Hoyland as well.
00:19:28
Speaker
So, yeah, it may not be done in dust in terms of the transfer window because it closes on September 1st. So we've got three games to enjoy first, plus the league uptight at Grimsby and before the transfer window shuts. And you never know, we could get one or two more players over the line. And there's a thing or two with Donnarumma as well.
00:19:47
Speaker
Where is Donnarumma going to go? Because surely he's not going to spend the season on the sidelines. We know he's not going to be at PSG. where is he going to go I feel like he's going to go the wrong side of Manchester but that's by the by but even that makes sense Kieran because they've they signed James Trafford from Burnley yeah as a homegrown nation player he's only going to be on the bench isn't he come on and but that's Champions League that's forward thinking oh let's bring a homegrown nation back into the club And that's one slot filled for Champions League. Come on.
00:20:16
Speaker
So this it's, it's business. It's business, but there we go. I can't see him displacing Edison, but at the same time, I've, I've heard rumors about Edison, percent, percent, you're going to get a Tassarai.
00:20:28
Speaker
So who knows, who knows what will be going on at city? We'll take a stab at that. We'll also take a stab at, on the global sports podcast network, the world famous combined 11, or it's going to get spicy here because, uh, We'll try and shoehorn in a few United players and the Arsenal guys here will have absolutely none of it.
00:20:49
Speaker
We'll be back after this.
00:20:56
Speaker
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00:21:07
Speaker
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00:21:18
Speaker
So if you're ready to tell your story, make sure you check out the link in the description to learn more about Zencaster. And thank you to Zencaster for sponsoring us and for you for checking out Zencaster. Every club.
00:21:30
Speaker
Every day. The Global Sports Podcast Network. Okay, it's the big one now. And I suppose we should let the guests go first. Rodney, give us your goalkeeper.
00:21:43
Speaker
oh That's got be David Raya. I'm sorry.
00:21:48
Speaker
Right off bat. Just no explanation needed. Giving it to Raya. You know the score. You've seen the performances. Yeah. Jamie? Oh, straight off the bat. I was actually going to say, was going to say, careful, I'm only joking. I was going to go David Ryan.
00:22:06
Speaker
ah Yeah, David Ryder all day long. Some of that Real Madrid experience maybe you're in Kepa? No? Okay, never mind. No, no, no. Ryder all day long. Tom, I mean, Anana's out injured, but I feel like we're this is going one way for us. Well, i was tempted for Bunce just to throw Tom Heaton in there, just to make him feel a bit better once. I'm loving it. Yeah, well, but no, it's ah he's David Ryder.
00:22:29
Speaker
Yeah, yeah and I think that's four for four for David Raya. So that's probably the most easy position there. We're going to go for 4-2-3-1. I know you United normally play in this 3-4-2-1, but we thought just for the sake of Arsenal fans as well, being able to get some players into an actual side, into a formation they would more likely play, we think it was fair for the guests. so we'll go with the back four then. Jamie, I'll come to you first. Give us your back four if you if you' if you'd like. I thought were going to go position position. Oh, okay. Well, we go with left back to start with then.
00:23:04
Speaker
See, again, ah i'd like it I'd have to go miles loose, Skelly. Okay. Okay. I'm guessing, Rodney, are you on the same thinking, same wavelength?
00:23:17
Speaker
Yeah, pretty much. I trust Mars as well. But also, Calafiore showed decent signs in preseason. I said, yeah, if he can maintain his fitness as well, like going forward, he was looking quite impressive. But yeah, it's still going to be two Arsenal players. I'm still not having a look at anyone from United. Not at that part of the pitch, though. Yeah, further up, I've got some choices.
00:23:33
Speaker
and Interesting. Tom? um I'd love to see what Patrick Dorgue can do more offensively because we saw him during his Lingwick role, but I think it's going be Myles Skelly for now. No! I do look forward to see yeah what Dorgue can do, particularly in a game against Arsenal.
00:23:50
Speaker
You let me down, Tom. Yeah, well, yeah, I'm going to have to go with Lewis Skelly on this one. I don't think Dorgue's proven himself enough yet. I'm going to break the trend. I am going to go from Dorgu. I think he's a really exciting talent. and i so I agree with, you know, Lewis Malskelly will probably make the side in a combined XI, but I'm just going to put Dorgu in there because I can't be having all of this Arsenal domination. It's not that's not on and it's not fair.
00:24:11
Speaker
cur and Absolutely. Absolutely. Rodney, I'll come to you next. How about your two centre-halves? What are you thinking? ah The pairing, it's got to be my Saliba Gabriel pairing. I'm sorry. Absolute seasoned veterans. you know Very wonderful.
00:24:25
Speaker
Issues with Gabriel in fitness in preseason as well, but at the same time, I feel like he is coming back. But that's always going to be my favourite too. Favourite pairing in the middle for them. Yeah, without a doubt. Jamie, are you keeping up this 100% Arsenal record then? Yeah, it's got to. They're inseparable, aren't they?
00:24:41
Speaker
At least defensively. At least defensively. They are literally inseparable. o Yeah, i fear i fear you're right. What are you thinking, Tom? um I'm going have to go with the same, unfortunately.
00:24:52
Speaker
um yeah with I mean, I'd love to say Jorre, because Leni Jorre, I thought, has been phenomenal for us in pre-season. But I can't put him past Sliba or Gabriel. So he's going to be Sliba and in centre-half.
00:25:05
Speaker
Yeah, I think with Saliba and Gabriel, you've got absolute set-piece menaces. And whilst Arsenal you know were absolutely brilliant from set-pieces, sort of the first half of last season sort of tapered off towards the end. But Gabriel in the box is a menace.
00:25:19
Speaker
He always is. So there's always a goal-scoring threat there from him from a set-piece. And United ah were pretty poor at defending set-pieces. And that's been shown in pre-season as well, when half the team sort of switched off ah in one of the last games of pre-season. So reluctantly, i am going to have to put Gabriel and Saliba in there. They're a good partnership for that Arsenal side. And as you say, if Gabriel and Saliba can both stay fit, Arsenal have got a really good back line there.
00:25:43
Speaker
and Tom, I'll come to you. I'll switch it up. How about right back? I was thinking in between Matsurari, Ahmad. Is it Kivior who plays right back as well as Ben White? Or does Kivior play? No, it's Timber. drew into the book yeah um
00:26:03
Speaker
I'm going to finally break the trend and go for Matsurari. He's done it. He's done it. I knew he would. I knew he would. I'm going to agree with you, Tom. Masraou was one of our better better players last year. You know, not quite a wing back, not quite a centre back, but in the system, it just works. And yeah he I think he's a quality player in that United side.
00:26:22
Speaker
Rodney, what are you thinking about right back? ah It's interesting, you know, I like both you United players. I like Ahmad, I like Masraou, but I'm sorry for me. ah It's got to be Uri and Timber for me at the moment.
00:26:34
Speaker
Ben White's been fantastic this season, especially going forward too. But defensively, I trust Timber. So much composure on the ball as well and quite amazing going forward too. So in this game where it's again a game like Old Trapper going forward as well, i said, yeah, yeah. I'm right back.
00:26:47
Speaker
Uri and Timber is going to be my trusted, my trusted game, my trusted man. is Is he your trusted man, Jamie? do you know what? To be honest with you, right back was the headache for me because again, like you said, there was Ahmad, there's Masraoui for United, but then you've got the presence of Ben White, who again, really missed his overlapping runs last season. But since Timber, who was injured the season before, he's just come back and he's just he' just absolutely stormed it. So for me, I'm i'm going Uri and Timber.
00:27:15
Speaker
that But that right back spot is not easy though. Yeah, yeah. No, no, I agree. with the addition For that one, number four. Yeah, well, we're making progress then in United, so that's good. How about further up the pitch then? Jamie, I'll come to you for your holding midfield.
00:27:31
Speaker
Do you know what? For me, it's got to be Declan Rice. You know, the majority of last season, he he really had that position kind of held down to a tee.
00:27:42
Speaker
that Maybe the one or two games where I might have questioned his performances, but I'm going Declan Rice. Rodney? I mean, it's 4-2-3-1, right? So I said we'd get two.
00:27:54
Speaker
But i feel like, yeah, I i saw it in the athletic game, but I saw the pairing of the double pivot of Declan Rice and, of course, Martin Zubimendi. And think I think I'm have to give it to those two as well. I quite like Declan Rice's defensive work as well. and On the double pivot, we can actually maybe have some space for maybe some more of that number eight style aggressive runs going forward.
00:28:10
Speaker
But I quite like how they've paired up and kind of linked up in preseason. And I'm going to have to give it for that for the holding midfielders. Those two, another Arsenal pairing. Jamie, I'll let you complete your ah holding midfield then, unless it's, you know, Zubomendy. Yeah, I was going to put Zubomendy, to be fair.
00:28:28
Speaker
I mean, i can't I can't say, you know, no, but there you go. Tom, how's how's your holding midfield looking? Hopefully less Arsenal-like. Ugh. Oh no, that's not a good sign. Yeah, I know. Well, to be honest with you, central defence and midfield has been one of our weaknesses, whereas Arsenal seem to be more organised in that particular part of the pitch. So I'm going to have to agree with Jamie and Rodney and say Supermendium and Rice there.
00:28:53
Speaker
Wasn't Rice their captain last season? Or was it Odegaard? No, it's still Odegaard. It really should be Rice who's captain. I just don't rate Odegaard as a leader in the Morrissey. Not the first time we've heard that, but yeah. You're going to hear that from lot of Arsenal fans, that's for sure. But no, it's going to be Rice and Supermandy in defence midfield.
00:29:11
Speaker
Okay, right. I'm going to lead the front then for this ah front three, then starting with the attacking midfield, and I'm going to have no arguments. And this is absolutely the first slot here that United players got locked down.
00:29:24
Speaker
It's Bruno Fernandes. Captain Fernandes, the best player in the United side last season. Without him, we wouldn't be a Premier League club. It's as simple as that. and So I'm expecting no arguments, but I think I am going to get arguments, Jamie.
00:29:39
Speaker
you know what? In all fairness, I mean, i would, let's be honest, because we've we said it last season, Odegaard has not really, we've not really seen that Odegaard we saw from see from like two seasons ago, if we're going say that last season was last season. um So I'm going to, yeah, I'm going to say Bruno Fernandes.
00:30:02
Speaker
he stop We've done it, Tom. We've done it. We've got a player in the side from an Arsenal fan. Yes. I'm guessing you're putting Fernandes. Yeah, I'm 100% putting him in. Thank goodness. Yes. Oh, thank goodness. Was it 19 goals and 20 assists last season and a really weak Manchester United side?
00:30:16
Speaker
Just the pivot. Made things happen. Was the reason we're still a Premier League club and yeah got to the eu Europa League final, but we won't talk about much today. They both lost that game as far as I'm concerned. there we go Rodney, um how about attacking midfield for you then? Yeah, you know, it's interesting because there are some options. You've got Odegaard, you could put Ethan Waniere up there as well, but I have to agree with you guys. It's unanimous. It's got to be Bruno Fernandes for me as well.
00:30:42
Speaker
Because again, I saw last season, I saw the performances he was putting in and Bruno, say what you will about him. He's someone who can make something out of nothing as well. Dribbling going forward, free kick taking as well. I've often seen Man United dead in the water and Bruno Fernandes on the break. He'll make something happen, completely change the game around. I trust him in the number 10 slot. I trust him as the attacking midfielder.
00:31:01
Speaker
I've got to say one of my favourite players for United. So yeah, that's the first... That's the first entry for me in the attacking signings here going in on this combined 11. It's got to be Bruno. I know. I think it's both of your first United players. So that's going well. I'm looking forward to Sunday then. ah Tom, let's restore some sanity here. How about the wingers?
00:31:21
Speaker
what do you what do What are you planning there?
00:31:25
Speaker
I think we've lost Tom for a second there. ah Jamie, I'll come to you then. How about your wingers? I mean, I'm going to try and shoehorn in a player, but I'll hear from you. Real headache, to be fair, because, again, i Saka's got to be there.
00:31:41
Speaker
He's star boy for a reason. So Saka's got to be there. But for me, it's again, that left side for Arsenal, we've been so we've, we've spoken about it so many times that left side for us has been of such a ah weak point.
00:32:01
Speaker
Um, um, And as much as I love Martinelli, i'm I'm more likely to go for someone like an Ahmad even. Ooh. Wow. Ahmad left wing. Okay. Because, look, we saw it.
00:32:15
Speaker
You guys saw saw what he'd done in the Manchester derby at at the Etihad. I mean, him on the left, I mean, it works. But it's, again, i just...
00:32:26
Speaker
It's such a headache. Who else could on the left? Who else could you have on the left from United? could put Kunia there, right? I mean, you could put Kunia there. yeah But then again and then again, I think back to Kunia last season as well. This guy, he cooked last season. Yeah, yeah.
00:32:42
Speaker
He did. i mean Do you know what? Yeah, you know what? For that, ah yeah, Kunia. He's got to be Kunia left. his e just His flair is just something else. So Saka and Cunha from you, Jamie. Rodney, I'm guessing Cunha is one of them. I can probably guess the other one.
00:32:59
Speaker
Yeah, yeah. I think I've got to echo Jamie as well. I said, you're not taking Starboy off the right wing slot as well. I love him, Buemo, but I'm still going to give it to Saka. However, agreed, left wing has been such a sore spot for Arsenal as well. Whether it's Leandro Trosser, whether it's Martinelli. I'm still hoping that maybe later in the window, we can actually upgrade and get a bit more of a marquee signing on that left-hand side.
00:33:18
Speaker
And for now, if it's going to be Cunha going from that number 10 into a left-wing role, I think, yeah, given the performances I've seen from him in the wall shirt, yeah, going to have him on my left side. so Yeah. I mean, i am thinking of the wings. I mean, look, just to make sure I shoehorn in the player I want, I'm going to have sacker on the left.
00:33:35
Speaker
which I know it's a weakness, yeah but it allows me to put Ahmad on the right wing. And Ahmad is just enough you know one of our best players. yeah he's yeah He's just the guy. And if it wasn't for an injury you know towards the the winter last season, we we could have maybe looked a bit brighter during that festive period. It was not festive for United fans.
00:33:55
Speaker
In the slightest. I see Tom is back now. He messaged me saying, clearly clearly that we didn't like his choices and we kicked him. No, um the wingers then, Tom, if you can give us your wings.
00:34:10
Speaker
think I've got to put Saka in there. think Saka deserves the right to be put in there. Ahmad
00:34:22
Speaker
Yeah, you know what? um going to put Ahmed in. I think Ahmed could go on the left-hand side, whereas Saka could go on his usual spot. See, the Arsenal guys, Tom Osdry away, picked Cunha on the left wing.
00:34:34
Speaker
but Was that something you could consider? Yeah, I would have considered that, actually, yeah. Yeah, I'll put him in there instead of Ahmad. He's done it. He's done it. all Well, I'm going to keep Ahmad in because I like Ahmad. I do also like Ahmad, but yeah. He's great.
00:34:50
Speaker
He's great. I love him. Okay, and I think I can probably guess where this is going for Stryker. But Tom, i'm going to come to you first, maybe to buck the trend.
00:35:01
Speaker
Stryker? Yes. I think it's going to have to be... Do I go Jokeres or do go Seska? only got to go Jokeres on this one. I thought you were going to buck the trend and you didn't um because I'm going to go Giocares as well.
00:35:14
Speaker
I think for for Arsenal, that is, if if he can get firing all the cylinders, that's the missing piece. Arsenal have been desperately crying out for for the last two or three seasons. and um Rodney?
00:35:26
Speaker
um No price for guessing who you've got up top. It's a difficult one because I think, honestly, in the Arsenal group chat as well, people know that the Jokor-Sheshko debate was one in which, yeah, I was actually a huge Sheshko fan. I feel that maybe not immediately as he starts, but I do feel that in maybe about 18 months or so, a season and a half, I think that boy is bags of potential. And again, that frame, that first touch, that link-up play as well, I think he's really a player to watch. However, i need someone with a great instinct in front of goal and someone who's going to hit the ground running. And I feel that he's further along in his career right now. So currently... i'm going to give it to Jokeres. Although if you ask me about this in a year's time, it could be a very different answer. But right now I'm picking Victor. Number 14, it's got to be the guy up top for now.
00:36:04
Speaker
It's a big number to live up to as well, isn't it? Yeah, it is. Jamie, round off our combined 11. Yeah, hold on. Just give me a second. ah he's done that He's done the Jokeres celebration. Yeah, you'll be seeing that on Sunday, hopefully. Yeah.
00:36:24
Speaker
So you're gone Sesco then, Jamie. I'll put that down. Oh, no, no, not Benjamin Tesco. No, no, no, no, no. Oh, that's not a political. Not Benjamin Tesco. No, no, no, no. He might try and drop us a little, you know, he might try, he's going to try and drop the meal deal in, but no, I'm not. We're, you know, Saliba and Gabriel are saying, no, we don't want your meal deal.
00:36:44
Speaker
<unk> We'll pocket your meal deal. We'll pocket the meal deal. We'll pocket it. But we'll be saying, let's go to big Sesco. Right, there you go. That's our combined 11s then. There's only really one more thing left to do, and that's to give us a score prediction. So we'll let the we'll let the guests go first. Rodney, give us your score. Manchester United versus Arsenal on Sunday at 4.30. You know what?
00:37:09
Speaker
Because Old Trafford is always a difficult place to go to, I'm not going to predict anything crazy. I think it's going to be 2-1 Arsenal. I think. Jamie? ah jamie you know what? I actually had the same prediction. I'm going to on Arsenal.
00:37:21
Speaker
um And do you know what goal score is? I'm going to go for Jokeres and I'm going to go for Saka. And for United, I will say Mbwemo.
00:37:32
Speaker
okay Okay, nice. um Tom, score predictions. 2-1 to Arsenal is a safe bet and I predicted it would be 2-1 on a particular game I'm playing at the moment so it's going to be Arsenal I think for me I don't expect United to get much out of it I'm going to butt the trend because all okay not okay contrary not it's nothing exciting I think it's be I think you know Arsenal versus Manchester United does normally deliver. And I think it's going to be a good game, I hope.
00:38:05
Speaker
And i think there's going to be plenty of chances, maybe at the United end, but who knows. But I just think 2-2, I wouldn't be surprised at all if we managed to get a point against Arsenal against the opening round of the season that be fantastic that would like progress but yeah hopefully my optimism doesn't fall on deaf ears you'll see well that brings us to an end of our first crossover episode of the season with the Daily Arsenal make sure you do check them out as well the Daily Arsenal podcast. They are well and truly back and well, they don't want to say the T word, but I will say them for them. Could they be title contenders this season? Watch on from their madness with Jochores up front.
00:38:44
Speaker
Should be an interesting one. Thank you to you lads. and you to you la ah for joining us today. Jamie and Rodney from the Daily Arsenal. big thank you as well to Tom from the Daily Manchester United. From me, Kieran, it's been great to have you. Hopefully you've enjoyed the first crossover of the season. Make sure you check out all of the social medias as well. It's GSPN Man United on Instagram, on TikTok, on Twitter andx and on Facebook.
00:39:07
Speaker
And Rodney, I'm guessing it's GSPN Gunners, isn't it? Is that right? GSPN Arsenal, actually. GSPN Arsenal. Okay, there you go. it guys Make sure you go and follow the Arsenal guys on all the social media as well. ah And if you are on the Daily Manchester United as well, you can watch the episodes on YouTube as well. It's GSPN Daily Man United podcast. It's so long, so you've got to remember it.
00:39:27
Speaker
ah Daily Arsenal, can we check you out on YouTube as well? Jeremy, what's our YouTube situation? I think we're to running now. you know what? We need to discuss that. We need to discuss that, actually. That's a good sign. I like it. Definitely got the Twitter. Definitely got the Instagram. I said, yeah, YouTube. And we've definitely got the TikTok as well. To be decided, yeah.
00:39:45
Speaker
All right. Well, keep an eye on them, then. If you see the GSPN Arsenal podcast, make sure you do subscribe to them as well so you don't miss any episodes going forward. From myself, Kieran, it's been a pleasure hosting this one. Hopefully, the opening game brings us three points.
00:40:00
Speaker
Well, I'm not so sure about that. In the meantime, take care of yourselves. We'll talk to you soon. Bye-bye.
00:40:11
Speaker
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