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Friday Forecast - Can City emerge as heroes against the Villains?
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Episode 62, Daily Manchester City -
Jools and Jack get into everything Villa v City and discuss the other Premier League fixtures too
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Transcript
Introduction to the Daily Manchester City Podcast
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Manchester City Podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. I'm Jules Jordan-Provet and today we're here for another Forecast Friday, looking ahead to City's crucial game at Aston Villa lunchtime on Saturday and then also to the other fixtures around the world's greatest league this weekend.
00:00:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Joining me to do just that is Jack Ward. Hi Jack.
00:00:29
Jack
How you doing, you OK?
00:00:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, good. and Feeling optimistic. but
00:00:34
Jack
Yeah, I mean, you know what? That's all we've got to be. We've got to be optimistic, because if we're not, then God knows Keelan isn't. God knows the rest of our family aren't. So we have to keep up that optimism. So we've got something to enjoy.
00:00:45
Jack
I mean, come on, it's Christmas time. We've got to enjoy something.
Can Manchester City Overcome Their Poor Performance?
00:00:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
i've I've been predicting City to get out of this slam pretty much every match so far, and and that's not happened. So what I'll do today is I'll predict City to get battered, to just re rebalance the Chi, you know?
00:00:59
Jack
Yeah,
00:01:02
Jack
ah yeah maybe all the reverse card.
00:01:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Yeah, maybe, maybe I shouldn't have made that public either. But to get into the match itself, there's a lot of parallels to be drawn between the two sides at the moment, both recently experiencing long windless runs after great starts to the season. We know all about cities, one win and eight in the Premier League, but Villa recently had exactly the same run, but two home wins against Brentford and Southampton turned things around. But just like City, last time out, Villa fell to an agonising late Derby Day defeat against Nottingham Forest.
00:01:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Coincidentally, the only team City have beaten in their own long run. Obviously, the three points here would be massive. City are currently fifth on 27 points, nine away from leaders Liverpool having played a game more, but perhaps even more frightening is the hungry pack of teams all nestled below.
00:01:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
eagerly awaiting to pounce on the European places Manchester United are in 13th but are just five points away highlighting just how tight it is in the mid table and the top seven this year it also means a couple of weeks could change everything so let's hope it's for the better for pep side so what are you looking for in response from what was a terrible loss last time out Jack
00:02:13
Jack
You know, I'm looking, I'm looking to see the see that professionalism back in the squad. I'd like to see us professionally dispatch a team and maintain control of the game. And that's been been the theme of our bad runner form recently is lack of control.
00:02:28
Jack
you know whether it's in games where we've gone up a few goals and just capitulated completely it's that lack of control or it's been games where we've been dominated from the outset and we've had no control from minute one I'm thinking the Spurs game and but particularly that final game when we was in control of a game for 75-80 minutes and completely capitulated lost control similar to the Derby the other week so What I'm looking forward to, or I'm hoping that we see a bit more of, is that professionalism. These are seasoned professionals in in football. we you know We're fielding, I think it's the fourth average oldest squad in the Premier League at the moment, and yes, that comes with a lack of length. It also comes with a mindset that you'd hope these players on the pitch can control and maintain a game which we haven't seen recently. So I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing some of that back.
00:03:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, just put the medals on the table with this group of players, you know, like ah ah teams were killed for this level of experience, but it seems to be a bit of a hindrance at the moment. For the time remains undefeated in sport, as always.
00:03:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:03:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
So just for bit more depth on City's run, i've I've definitely repeated myself over the last few weeks, but just to get the stats. As clear as day, that's one win in all 11 competitions for City losing eight of those, which is as many as in the last 106 games combined. I just want to get your take on that stature.
00:03:57
Jack
I mean, it's it's definitely not a character. I mean, this isn't the city that we we know and used to. So whether I'm like worried that this is the culmination of a squad completely tired out coming to the point, I don't think so. I think there's a lot of extraneous variables and factors that are attributed into this form, and I don't think that all these players are complete duds and it's it's the end of it. It's not going to get any better. I do think it's going to get better and I do think these players have a lot more to show than they have been showing recently. But having mean said that, something needs to change, something needs to happen for us to get out of this rut. I'm not necessarily sure I have the answers anymore. I thought we all did. We clearly don't. It's not getting any better at the moment and it
00:04:42
Jack
something drastic just needs to change.
Manchester City's Leadership and Midfield Challenges
00:04:44
Jack
Whether it's a, you know what, I think we're missing, Jules, I think we're missing, you know, an ill-kind gun to one, locker room, team talk, a Fernandinho, December crisis meeting, a Vincent company slap on the back of the head. As much as we criticized Carl Walken, I do start to feel sorry for him at times.
00:05:02
Jack
you can kind of tell that we're not getting that kind of commanding voice and and you know hand on the shoulder in the dressing room that a proper captain should. Because these are the times where the biggest captains start to get really, really big. It's a wonder that Ruben Diaz doesn't have the arm band already. but You look at previous seasons, one thing I remember so vividly, I think it was, I can't remember the exact season, but our form is dipping drastically around December. We had that Fernandinho crisis meeting. He pulled everyone in, gave them all a slap on the back of their head, said, this is what we need to do. We need to do it now. We went on to win, I think 14, 15 games in a row to pick the title from Liverpool. So that's, I think, a massive catalyst that we probably are missing at the moment. and
00:05:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and you can't you can't replace that type of leadership. And a lot of this squad and aren't used to this type of scenario. you know Either they're too young, all they've known is winning, or all they've known is winning anyway, especially at City, under Pep Guardiola. So it's new territory and difficult territory for a lot of these players to dig themselves out of, especially the young players. But yeah, I mean, Gundogan is in that dressing room. so Hopefully him and Diaz can get everyone together and Walker, I think Walker does have a massive presence behind the scenes too, certainly more than he has on on the field of but at the moment. i' a City also have have
00:06:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Only one winning seven in the Premier League, losing five which in that time, which is as many as in the last 67 Premier League games, which is also outrageous. No team has less points per game since November in the Premier League, which is level in Southampton. Crazy to say. And no team in Europe's top five leagues have conceded more since November as well.
00:06:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
The next top scorer after Harland's 13 is Guardiola with four. After that, it's Carverchich with three. So I think goals have definitely been one of the main contributing factors, obviously, in in a team's poor run. what What do you need to see from the midfield to start supplementing Harland, Jack?
00:07:13
Jack
I think we need to see that control back in every area of the pitch, but particularly in the midfield, it just seems that they're either pushing up way too high and not contributing enough into its attack that's quite dynamic enough. It's not attacking and killing defences, it's just kind of passing around for the sake of passing around on the edge of the box. And then when we inevitably lose the ball, which happens quite a few times a game,
00:07:37
Jack
the press is all over the place and we've got these three formid fielders, however many they are in this si system that we're playing, scrounging around. They look a bit like headless chickens and that is, if anything, the most opposite to a pep team, to a city team that we've seen in recent years. is those players when we are on the back four on the break just look so uncomfortable they look like they don't really know what they're doing and and that's coming down to a a combination of things but ultimately what we need to see from that midfield is more composure more composure in the attack
00:08:12
Jack
which will translate to when we inevitably lose the ball and and get back. And I want to see some support from that forward line as well, not necessarily Harlan, but I want to see more defensive acumen from Jeremy Dokey when he starts, from Savvino when he starts. We see that all the time from Jack Grealish, and that's great. But when Jack Grealish doesn't have the attacking prowess that the others do, but he does have the defensive prowess, there's there's one player for one situation and one player for another situation. But what we need in reality is all of those players to be able to do both things.
00:08:42
Jack
and it helps the team massively. So I think it's it's not necessarily just a job down to the midfield, it's a team effort, but we definitely need to start seeing some composure back.
00:08:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and and some output as well. Jack Reelis has mentioned that it's ah ah anniversary of the last time he scored a goal coming up, and it's against Aston Villa, so hopefully it's written in the stars. Hopefully it's written in the stars.
00:09:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
and but just on that um and lack of gold scoring acumen city about the more shots in the league this season with two hundred and eighty two that have the lowest conversion rate with nine point nine percent which is the lowest since oh six oh seven for manchester city team And the last time City had lost five Premier League games by Christmas was the 2015-16 season, which was the last before Pep's arrival. If City lose to Villa, it would be the first time they've lost at least six Premier League games by Christmas since 08-09, which I think was the Sven Gornachsen year.
00:09:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
I believe. So times have changed drastically since then and that's the type of company, this type of run is on at the moment. And that will lead that will do for the end of
Aston Villa vs Manchester City Match Preview
00:09:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
part one. When we come back, we'll talk a bit more about Villa specifically and what we expect from them.
00:10:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Manchester City Podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. We're here for a forecast Friday, looking ahead to City vs Villa on Saturday, which should be a great game, but one that holds massive importance for both teams who have aspirations to be and remain at the top of the Premier League.
00:10:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
so What do you make of who i am re as a manager first of all and then what is done with this fella team as a big pictures at first.
00:10:56
Jack
Well, to be honest with you, I think I can't give enough praise to Unai Maria. I've been a massive fan of him since he left Arsenal for that first time, went and did some massive European success with, of course, Villarreal and these other teams. I think he's a fantastic manager. I think he's a brilliant cup manager, but I don't think any of us really expected him to galvanise this Aston Villa team like he has done in previous seasons.
00:11:21
Jack
I mean, all you have to do is take a look at their Champions League form to see how well they're doing and this year. I mean, the prem season for them hasn't been great. There's no beating around the bush there. They're one of the only teams comparable to us in terms of big teams not performing the way they should be. But that's changed a little bit recently and in the last few games. But I mean, their Champions League success is still fantastic. Of course, that home victory against Bayern Munich stands out to me. But they've just been really consistent. um And I do think they've had some some struggles with players not being available here and there. But their form in the Premier League doesn't translate to to to how they are as a team, how they can
00:12:00
Jack
attack you, how they can hurt you. It doesn't translate to how sturdy they can be at home. So I don't think either team's form really should be taken into account when you're looking at this fixture. However, we are going to talk about both of that form and because they're both pretty poor. But this Aston Villa team as a whole, and it's fantastic. It's so well set up. I'm a big fan of Unai Emery's style of play and what he's done with this Villa team. And I think there's a lot more to come and a lot more Villa fans should expect from him.
00:12:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think it's probably the best Villa team in my lifetime.
00:12:33
Jack
Yeah, I'd agree.
00:12:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think I think Villa came third in 1993, one of the first years of the Premier League. But since then, yeah yeah, this definitely has to be the best Aston Villa team. But even still, City have won 16 of the last 20 against Villa. and So there's not many better teams to play theoretically. and City have beaten Villa 30 times in the Premier League, which is the second most they've beaten any team, only Newcastle with once more.
00:13:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
So yeah Villa has historically been and a successful place for City to go but last season and this fixture City did lose 1-0 and that was the first time I'd seen City get outplayed in probably a couple of years to be honest.
00:13:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you remember much about that game last year Jack? Leon Bailey getting the goal.
00:13:22
Jack
like Yeah, it's funny you mention that because I was going to bring it up myself. That game, for me, was the catalyst of our form at the time. It was the first loss that we'd suffered, I think, in it in ah ah in a good run of form. We went on to drop a couple more points after that game. That game is the game that sticks out to me in recent memory under Pep Guardiola as the only time I've ever seen another team completely play us off the park at our very own game.
00:13:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:51
Jack
You were chasing shadows. We were literally, they passed, I think they finished the game with around 63% attendance filler, attendance possession, and something like that. They literally played us at our own game and played us off the park completely. And I remember coming away from that game going, I'm absolutely fine with that result because although we were ah ah pretty awful apart from the first five, 10 minutes, we got outplayed and deservedly so. Cause I was really, I was just more impressed with Villa at the time that than anything. It could have been five or six nil.
00:14:21
Jack
to them, we did well for it to to only be 1-0. I actually had expectations that we would go to Villa Park and and beat them, so it was a massive shock to me at the time, massive surprise, and fair play to them because that was the the game last season where I was like, I'm not annoyed about that result at all. We got completely outplayed, and Villa 100% deserved it, so not much more can be said. So it's not I wouldn't put it past them to be able to do the same thing to us again this season. and
00:14:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think they're closer to their level of fluidity than City were last season.
00:14:54
Jack
Yeah.
00:14:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I said on the crossover that that was the game that really solidified them as one of the best teams in the country last year, I think. I think and there's normally a team or two that's competing around Christmas time, which is when this game was last year as well.
00:15:02
Jack
yeah
00:15:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think this win kept them in third or second, didn't it? And made made the rest of the country really stand up and take notice because it wasn't the same city that have been on this run. It was a flying city that Aston Villa outplayed. So, yeah, they've definitely they're definitely capable of turning up and beating the big boys. Emery has shown that. There's bound to be goals in this one. Both teams' defence has probably been the the reason it's been holding them back this season and only six teams have conceded more than Astavilla and only seven teams have conceded more than City and Astavilla's expected goals against is minus 5.5 which is the second worst in the league too so you can get at them they've had changes in centre back and changes at right back often as City have this season too I guess
00:16:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if you're a betting man, both teams to score is an absolute banker, I promise you. Especially when you consider the striking options that Aston Villa possess. Olly Watkins is always a threat, but there's only one man I'm afraid of at the moment, and that's John Duran. Talk to me about him, Jack. He is brilliant.
00:16:17
Jack
He's an absolute unicorn of a player. He reminds me of Ollie going to soul shower in terms of his impact off the bench. But when he's playing, the guy has an absolute rifle of a foot. I mean, he does not score normal goals. He refuses to. Every goal that you see from him, if you look at a compilation of his his best goals this season, or just any goal that he's scored this season,
00:16:39
Jack
They all wouldn't look out of place in a goal of the month or goal of the season contention. and But just going on a few of them and facts that you pointed out there, I mean, I can back that up in what you said, it it would be a banker for both teams to score. At home, Villa this season, 63% of their games have have resulted in both teams scoring and City's 75% of their away games have resulted in both teams to score.
00:17:04
Jack
So we are looking at both teams who are very capable of scoring goals themselves, but almost guaranteed to concede goals both home and away. I mean, both of our form recently and is pretty abysmal. If you had to guess where we are in the form table for the last six games, Jules, where would you place us?
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
by joint last, if not last.
00:17:28
Jack
yeah We are in the relegation zone, joint second bottom, Southampton at the bottom, picking up just 0.17 points per game in the like last six games. We are tied with Leicester on the exact same form, and picking up 0.67 points per game over the course of the last six. Hovering just above the relegation zone is Aston Villa though at 15th, picking up 1.17 points per game. and so When I mentioned that, you know, another team akin towards in terms of a big, big dog doing not so well, they are around about the same kind of form as us, but obviously they've got the home advantage and they have doing, I've been doing really well at home this season, and not as well as they have been in the past a couple of seasons, only picking up 50% home wins at the moment, but they are averaging 2.75 goal points per game at home. So they are.
00:18:23
Jack
bit of a force at Villa Park and we away we have just not been clicking in terms of what we should be been doing so it's gonna be an interesting game that's just let's just leave it up
00:18:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they're unbeaten at seven at Villa Park and that's been the springboard for them to turn not this season round because it did start well, but they did start to drop off and get towards about ninth or 10th place before they beat Brentford and Southampton at home. So hopefully City can stop that home run resurgence. Are there any other players other than John Duran that ah stand out to you for Villa? I've been particularly impressed with Yuri Tillemans this season. and I think He's played a deeper role than he normally would have and he's replaced Douglas Louise so well.
00:19:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been so impressed.
00:19:05
Jack
Yeah. I mean, if you think about that game last season, and a different John stood out to me. And that was, I was not expecting the the game that I expected from John McGinn last season. He was just a bit of a unicorn, really, in terms of what he's capable of. He's got so much energy in him in the midfield. You don't really expect that from a Scottish international. No disrespect to them. Because he was you looked like such a pet player. So I'm not even sure if he's available for this game. But all the players that have impressed me this season from Villa and was What?
00:19:36
Jack
I can't remember him. Owen Arner, through the sound from Everton, at the start of the season for about 63 million, and he started the season really well. I'm not too sure if he's been injured or something recently.
00:19:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah Yeah, he had an injury that kept him out for about a month but he's back in the squad now.
00:19:51
Jack
yeah Well, there you go. Cause he was, he was in, in the kind of news and the media popping up with a goal every other weekend. And then he kind of dropped off a bit. So I can accumulate that down to, you to the injury. But if he's back, then he's definitely going to be a threat. And of course you don't really need to mention anything about Ollie Watkins cause he kind of speaks for himself.
00:20:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Watkins and Donana mentioned they're both set piece threats as well and City have been significantly worse at defending and attacking set pieces this season.
00:20:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Pretty much everything's just been worse this season, isn't it?
00:20:23
Jack
yeah
00:20:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
But but City are still in the in the hand. It's still not the season, still not over. We are still going to be providing the the confidence and the optimism because someone's got to and I've not seen it anywhere else.
00:20:38
Jack
yes Listen, we've got to win this streak at some point. Why not away at Villa Park? Why not, man? Give us a Christmas treat. Why not?
00:20:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. Villa Park, amazing stadium. and So yeah, hopefully hopefully it'll be a standout game as well. And that'll do it for part two. And I'll look ahead to City versus
Premier League Weekend: What to Expect?
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Villa. When we come back, we will briefly summarise and give a prediction for the other Premier League games this weekend.
00:21:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Manchester City Podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. We're here for a forecast Friday and we're going to look ahead to some of the other Premier League fixtures. So we have, first of all, West Ham versus Brighton. All three of us predicted West Ham, say all three, sorry, the the three OG Daily Man City members, and me, Jack and Keelan, all predicted West Ham to have a great season off the back of New Manager and what we thought was some great transfer business.
00:22:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
They have struggled, but they're there and thereabouts. They're 14th in the best of the rest at the moment, below Man United and that tight group in the middle.
00:22:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
They have drawn and won the last two games, Jeff, but then lost two before that, won and drawn before that. It's been very inconsistent all year long from a West Ham point of view, where Brighton haven't won as many games as they'd have liked in recent times. They're down to ninth, win last in four, but overall they've definitely had a better start of the season, haven't they?
00:22:33
Jack
Yeah, they are. They're doing a little bit better as of recently. And and you see in the last game, I think it was West Ham when the true, drew was it a way to Bournemouth? And I think it was Paquetta that scored the penalty. Ultimately, Bournemouth went and equalized in the last minute. But Paquetta's celebration, he went over to Lopategi and kind of embraced him straight away. So it does sort of feel like all the players are trying to keep his job safe because they they are behind him. So I'm not too sure what's been happening, but I think that the pressure might be getting to Lopategi and it's nice to see the players coming around him so I'd like to think that West Ham are going to start doing a little bit better and recently. The game is obviously at West Ham at the London Stadium tomorrow so I am actually going to predict a West Ham win but I can't see Brighton not scoring so I'm going to go 2-1.
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
to one. Yeah, I like that. I think I'm going to go to all Brighton have had a few draws this season, especially when it should have, when it should have won. And most sort of them have been both teams to score as well. So we're definitely on a BTTS a little run today, I think.
00:23:34
Jack
Ashley as well, Brighton are the only team in their last six games who have 100% both teams to score rate out of the entire league. So there you go. You might be right on that one.
00:23:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Very nice. Nicely fought. Next up we have Ipswich versus Newcastle. Ipswich buoyed after their win last week. and and Newcastle similar. They're in 12th, also won their last game.
00:24:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
they're in that Newcastle or in that group I was talking about earlier where Bournemouth are in sixth on 25 points and Newcastle are in 12th on 23. That's crazy. and There's two points separating nearly half the entire division. and You'd expect Newcastle to have too much for an Ipswich team that have not won a single game at home and well in the Premier League for a number of years but they do have a togetherness don't they and they're causing problems for pretty much anyone that they play Jack.
00:24:29
Jack
yeah they are and it's funny you mentioned that because they are a bit of a weird team in that they're doing much better away than they are at home so you'd like to think that that home street has to come to an end at some point and I'm such a big fan of Karen McKenna and Ipswich I look at that team and and I see future Barclays men in a type of different area so for Liam de Lapp's sake of course every time you ask me what my prediction for an Ipswich game is going to be I'm going to predict them to win because why not so let's go for a at an exciting game, 3-2-2 Ipswitch.
00:24:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
nice still laugh gonna get one or two there as well i i can
00:25:03
Jack
as
00:25:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
asta and Next up we have Brentford vs Forrest. Brentford have the best home record in in the division and the worst home record. So luckily they are at home in this one against High Flying Nottingham Forrest, who I thought had gone off the boil.
00:25:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
As I've mentioned, it's very tight and they've lost two in a row up until a few weeks ago, where they've now won three of the last four, including wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa. Can't go wrong there. So they're in fourth at the moment on 28 points, one ahead of mansett of Man City, which is crazy when you think City beat Forest a couple of weeks ago. and We all thought that was going to be the catalyst for city season. And if anything, it's been a big catalyst for forest. How impressed have you been with them this season, Jack?
00:25:50
Jack
I mean, I've just been so impressed, and and what's what impressed me most about Forest is that I did not expect this from Nuno Espero-Sansos. I'd kind of written him off personally as a manager in the top flight Premier League, so for him to come back to this Forest side and and be doing so well with it, they've got so many players to like, Oleana, Ryan Yates in midfield, I do think they've got a lot of players, but like you touched upon briefly then, Brentford's home record has probably been one of the most impressive things for me about this season.
00:26:16
Jack
So I'm actually going to say that Brentford will have enough ah to shut up shop against them and maybe get a k nicked goal in there. So I'm going to go for a 1-0 Brentford win actually.
00:26:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think there might be a couple more goals, as but only only Chelsea and Spurs have scored more goals than Brentford in the Premier League this season. Forests are tight defensively, but away from home they do play a little bit more expansively sometimes. But yeah, I'm going to agree with you and go for a Brentford win, but I think, again, both teams to score. Maybe I just want a good match of the day, you know.
00:26:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
thats that's whats
00:26:47
Jack
I'm trying to guess what your ache might have been placed on and and I have a feeling that it's both teams to score for every single fixture this weekend.
00:26:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
i'm not I'm not a gambling man. But if you were, if if you were then both teams just go absolutely. and this This one might not be that the case, though. A repeat of the game midweek played Carabao Cap, which actually was 3-2, so did have a lot of goals between Palace and Arsenal. Crystal Palace have turned their form around pretty drastically over the last few weeks. They're unbeaten in 5 in the Premier League.
00:27:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
They played really well against Man City, of course, as we're as we all are aware. They won last time out. They've beaten Ipswich in recent weeks too. ah ah allegation Fellow relegation strugglers. So yeah, things are definitely looking looking looking up for Oliver Glazner on his side at the moment.
00:27:40
Jack
Yeah, I mean, it was only about a matter of time before it started to click again. So I have no worries about Oliver Glazner at Palace. I feel like he will start to get this Palace team ticking and moving on again. And actually, in the last six games, Palace have picked up more more points per game away than they have done at home.
00:27:57
Jack
So I wouldn't put it past Palace to go to the Emirates and and to try and do something. But I do think that Arsenal are really starting to click on now that they've got
00:28:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
it It is a cellhurst. It is a cellhurst.
00:28:07
Jack
was still hit Oh, well there you go.
00:28:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:28:09
Jack
and Well, even more so reason to feel like that Palace might not be able to do what they need to do against Arsenal. So, and know what, I wouldn't put it past the draw, but for for the reality's sake, what I do think will happen, I think Arsenal will probably have too much for them.
00:28:24
Jack
So I'm going to say, in a way, win for Arsenal, have a round 2-1.
00:28:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
and that would keep Arsenal interested at the top of the prem. They're third, six points away from Liverpool, four points away from Chelsea. did win four in a row up until the last week where they've drawn twice in a row but Arsenal seem to have turned things round from what what what was an equally sticky start to City. and Next we have Everton versus Chelsea.
00:28:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Sean Dyche is doing truly Sean Dyche things with Everton at the moment. They collected a bunch of clean sheets. that they've two Two clean sheets in a row so far and four in the last five games. That is remarkable Sean Dyche in. But he solidified the team yet again. they It did look like they might not have and have enough and have firepower and have goals in the team.
00:29:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
but and they do look solid enough defensively to get points over the board it seems like very good draw against Arsenal last time out too but Chelsea are a different prospect altogether they are on absolute fire they have won six in a row in in the Premier League I believe that
00:29:38
Jack
I've wins one draw.
00:29:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Five wins, one draw. They've scored the most in the Premier League with 37 and 16 as well. They keep smashing teams in the conference league, even with the second team, basically. It's actually going to have too much for Everton here, Jack.
00:29:56
Jack
Yeah, I will give Sean Nice the credit he deserves his defensive record recently has been fantastic. And for that reason, I'm going to say I'm going to keep it tight. But I do think, I mean, they haven't played anyone quite like Chelsea this season.
00:30:08
Jack
No team has better form in the Premier League over the last six games than Chelsea. They are top of the form table, picking up 2.67 points per game. and and Doing really well away as well, picking up 2.3 points per game away. So for Sean Dices' credit, I will say they'll keep it nice and condensed, but I can't see anything other than a Chelsea win, so I'll go 1-0.
00:30:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
one of the Charles. Next up we have Man United versus Bournemouth. United obviously got a massive win in the Derby last time out. They'd lost two before that but they're still in 13th and they're playing Bournemouth who were in great forms great form themselves. As you mentioned they got that late draw against West Ham last time out but they'd won the three in a row before that. We watched them so smash City off the park about about a month and a bit ago as well.
00:30:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
and this This should be a close one, I imagine, with two teams that are trying to play football in the right way.
00:31:03
Jack
Yeah, I completely agree. And Bournemouth score a lot of goals away from home. and You know, if you look at this, that's the season. and And United, unfortunately for them, concede quite a lot of goals at home. And this is at Old Trafford. This will be Amorim's second game at home, I think, because, yeah, of course, the the last cup game was at Tottenham's ground. So second game at home for Amorim, I think he can catalyst it and and and make it a big win for them. But I also want' won't put it past Bournemouth to be scoring a couple goals and making it tricky for them. So in fact, actually, I'm going to go for a two-wall draw, you know, ah ah a nice little Desmond.
00:31:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nice little Desmond. And Bournemouth have crapped up to 6th in the league, so Iraola has done some great work there.
00:31:45
Jack
Also, just on that as well, you know I was talking about that Villa game last season as a game that I wasn't upset about at all because I was really impressed with Villa. The Bournemouth gave away and and the vitality this season to start our, well, kind of kickstart our bad run. I had the same feeling. I was really impressed with Bournemouth, so I would not put it past their aiolo to do the same against the other United club.
00:32:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, what well put. Yeah, I think and with with the club and the the squad that he's had, they are there punching. Well, I mean, let me reword that. We all look at their squad now as a bunch of talented, excited players.
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But when Gary O'Neill had them and Scott Parker had them, they weren't they were destined to for the drop.
00:32:22
Jack
is
00:32:26
Jack
Yeah, he's probably back to all of them definitely.
00:32:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, absolutely. and Punching them much above the sum of the parts, I think. Next up we have Fulham versus Southampton, Fulham another one having a very good inconsistent but strong season, they're in eighth in that pack I keep going on about, they one point below Bournemouth, only three points below City, up against Southampton who of course are stinking the gaff up this season, and Russell Martin has just been sacked even though he's been there
00:32:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
giving tips to all the other top managers around the world, apparently, that couldn't save Southampton, who have rocked up with a table. One win in 16 games, just five points. Does the run change here? Is it new manager bounce or anything like that?
00:33:16
Jack
ah A Fulham doing well this season, really. I didn't notice to mention it. It's not like everyone reminds me every week about my...
00:33:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I left you off for about a month.
00:33:23
Jack
the No, literally nothing more to say on this one. I can't see anything other than a Fulham win. No new manager bounce is going to hit with Southampton. Unfortunately, I just can't see the source. So full, nice, comprehensive victory for Marco Silva's men. 2-3, Neil. I can see that.
00:33:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just want to give a shout out to Southampton midweek. They give Liverpool a hell of a go, to be honest. Cameron Archer finally scored. I think he's had about 10 offside goals in the last month or so. There's a bowler in there. There really is, I think. Hopefully for Southampton fans, this can light a spark for them. They they yeah they did well against Liverpool. I watched that game.
00:34:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
So just wanted to make a note on that. Next up we have two relegation candidates. What is undoubtedly a six-pointer. We have Leicester at the King Power at home against Wolves who also just sacked their manager Gary O'Neill.
00:34:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wolves have lost four in a row. After what it looked like, they were starting to turn things around. Rude Vanisteri won his first his first game ah game ah as Leicester boss, but since then has gone winless in the last two. this yeah This doesn't get more of a six-pointer, does it, Jack?
00:34:35
Jack
complete an utter six-pointer if you'll ever see it in the Premier League and I think this is gonna be a really exciting game actually because both teams have been so so open at the back in the last six games obviously Wolves haven't won a game for for in fact lost four in a row now and but two wins coming before then unless they're at home although they are Not so bad to me winning 25% of their last six games at home. They are conceding an awful lot of goals, more than their scoring actually. And they've actually conceded, well it's both teams to score at Leicester for the last six games in 88% of their games. So I can see this being you know a 5-6 goal thriller.
00:35:17
Jack
You asked me, I'm not actually sure who who it's going to go in favor of, but the sake of for the sake of their new manager bounce, I think they do want to get behind Rude. I'm going to say it's going to be a Leicester City 3-2 win.
00:35:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going to go Wolves 3-2 then because I agree with you but i agree with your points but I don't think there's much to pick between these two sides.
00:35:32
Jack
yeah I can see it going either way. yeah
00:35:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah definitely and We've probably saved the best till last. This is the the fixture of the weekend. Spurs vs Liverpool has brought us some great games over the past few years.
00:35:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Spurs obviously not doing as well this season. They're currently 10th. with 23 points, where and everyone has been talking about their inconsistency. They've won seven and lost seven, drawn two out of the 16 games they've played, so it doesn't get more inconsistent than that. And just being up against it, two in recent weeks. They did win last time out, and I can't of remember how they got on in the cup in midweek, actually.
00:36:12
Jack
yeah it was against united they won four
00:36:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh we hey yeah yeah, they won 4-3, didn't they? They were 3-0 up as well.
00:36:17
Jack
you
00:36:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
So yeah, we all know Spurs can power teams away. and They've got 36 goals in the league this year, only Chelsea have got more. They've actually only conceded 19 too, so their goal difference is the third best in the league as well.
00:36:30
Jack
It's the games where they're winning, they're winning four or five nil and the games that they're losing, they're not creating anything and they're winning and losing like nil, like one nil and stuff like that. So, I mean, this, this fixture is literally the best team in the league versus the most exciting team in the league because Spurs are kind of win one week, massive win, lose the next week, awful loss. So.
00:36:55
Jack
Because they're at home and they do score over two goals a game at home, I'm going to say the controversial opinion, the contrarian in me is going to say, I hope that Liverpool lose. I really do. So I'm going to predict an exciting 3-1 win for Tottenham. I'm going to say that this is going to be their best performance of the season under Anj and the consistency starts from there.
00:37:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Damn, that's a big claim.
00:37:19
Jack
oh child
00:37:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
um um I am worried though because if that is the case then they're gonna finish above city at that rate aren't they?
00:37:28
Jack
I'm not even finishing above city at this rate, yeah.
00:37:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
So yeah, maybe it is more beneficial for Liverpool to win, but I don't know. It depends what the goals are this year. i't I don't, I maybe am naive that the Premier League isn't out isn't out yet until until it's more than 12 points like on the new year.
00:37:39
Jack
thats
00:37:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's my like mental line in the sand, 12 points after Christmas.
00:37:48
Jack
your but and lots one on yeah Quite an optimistic gap that you're leaving there.
00:37:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:37:54
Jack
I mean, I feel feel like a lot of people have already clocked out of the title race.
00:37:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Liverpool are going to run out of steam like they did last year.
00:38:01
Jack
What can they do against Tottenham in the weekend?
00:38:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Tottenham creates so many chances. and they know they're goingnna They're going to put a ah lot of pressure on Liverpool's backline. but Even though Liverpool have drawn the last two games, it would be remiss of us not to mention just how bloody brilliant they've been all season long and in the Champions League.
00:38:18
Jack
and
00:38:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
and rotating a lot of their players as well. They look like the real deal. So maybe I'm saying it in hope more than anything that they'll run out of steam because they've got all the makings of a title winning team, it seems like.
00:38:33
Jack
Yeah.
00:38:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'd expect them to be no no lower than second come the end of the year, whatever happens. And that will that will conclude our roundup of fixtures in the Premier League this week. We've also, of course, looked at City's huge game against Aston Villa. I think it'll be a great game. Hopefully, City get the win. I've been Jules Jordan-Probat, and thanks, Jack, for joining as always. And thank you for listening. yeah Keep up to date with everything surrounding City's coverage of the Villa match, and we'll have
00:39:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Everything as usual crossover Thursday wildcard Wednesday. So stay in tune for that We've been a daily Manchester City podcast on the global sports podcast network. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day