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Daily Manchester City: Friday Forecast - Battle of the North West
9 Plays9 days ago
Episode 78 - After City's Champions League dispatching at the hands of Real Madrid, Jools and Lewis look ahead to the next massive fixture - as Arne Slot's league-leading Reds come to town.
We look back at how big this fixture has been in recent history and how City can slow the roll of the title favourites.
We also look at this weekend's other Premier League fixtures with some score predictions to boot.
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Transcript
Introduction to the Daily Manchester City Podcast
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to episode 78 of the Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. The only network giving you exclusive news and views on your Premier League team, the Premier League, women's and fantasy football.
00:00:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Every club, every day. I'm Jules Jordan-Probatt and I'm delighted to be joined by Greater Manchester's finest, Lewis Royal.
00:00:28
Lewis
Hi, what an honour to start the podcast with.
00:00:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hi Lewis.
00:00:33
Lewis
It's probably me in a better mood than I was midweek this week and hopefully it won't be as good as my mood on on Sunday evening, but I won't speak too soon.
00:00:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly.
Manchester City's Recent Week Review
00:00:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's been a massive week for Manchester City and it just keeps getting bigger. The four-time consecutive Premier League champions host current tabletoppers and favourites to relinquish City's grasp of the title, Liverpool.
00:00:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
City, of course, got dumped out of the Champions League in the midweek, as you mentioned there. by the reigning European champions, Real Madrid, included a masterful performance and hat-trick by one, Kylian Mbappe.
00:01:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, attention's now turned to Sunday afternoon, where one of modern football's greatest battles will commence as Arne Slot's side travelled to the cauldron of the Etihad, who are promises to be a mouth-watering clash of the Titans.
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
A lot of people thought February might define City's season, with games against Arsenal, Newcastle, two against Madrid, Liverpool and bogey team Spurs all on the docket. Bar the Newcastle game,
00:01:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
and just scraping over the line against Leighton Orient in the FA Cup. It's been a bit of an unmitigated disaster so far, especially the 5-1 loss at the Emirates. So, after crashing out of the Champions League, the only route back into Europe's Premier competition is via league position.
00:01:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
So how important is this match against Liverpool in rectifying what's been a crazy February and getting City back on track, Lewis?
Significance of the City-Liverpool Rivalry
00:01:55
Lewis
Yeah, it's absolutely it's massive in my opinion. I think that we know Liverpool are still for the title. I know they dropped two points last night to Villa. Villa could have won it towards the end. Liverpool had had chances in the in the final moments.
00:02:10
Lewis
But I think that in terms of the City of Liverpool rivalry, has been one of the biggest ones over the last decade or just a bit less than a decade. Arsenal fans want to join the party and say that they're our rival.
00:02:24
Lewis
They love being City's nemesis, but it's only been for two years and haven't any silverware. Whereas Liverpool can definitely back that up with the trophies they've won. And ultimately, the the players that they've produced that have have gone down, as especially this season with Mo Salah, ultimate icons of the Premier League.
00:02:43
Lewis
Well, for City, I do think that, you know, us and Liverpool have both played midweek, so Liverpool aren't just going to be fresh legs in comparison to us. But I think that, yeah, a win against Liverpool would be huge for our fan base, huge for Pep.
00:02:57
Lewis
And that, hopefully, would spur the end of our season to to secure top four, which is... what what we're going for now, as well as obviously we're still in the FA Cup, which could be bit of silverware, which would turn our season around. So, yeah.
00:03:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, like you say, I think this has been one of is definitely England's top rivalry since Pep has been there. The Pep and Klopp rivalry has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans all across the globe.
00:03:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
And City's record since 2016, when Pep arrived, is played 23, won 7, drawn lost which I think is the poorest record against any any team for City in that
Historical Matches and Rivalry Dynamics
00:03:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
period.
00:03:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
It shows how how close those battles with Liverpool have been. That also included significant losses in the 2018 Champions League quarterfinal and the 2022 FA Cup semis.
00:03:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
But huge wins as well, including the 5-0 Leroy Sane inspired hammering in 2017, 4-0 in 2020 when Liverpool had just won the title and even 4-1 at Anfield in 2021.
00:04:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Agundi won at the peak of his powers getting a brace in that one. Do any of those matches or any others over the last few years stand out to you, bring back any lasting memories?
00:04:12
Lewis
Yeah, the one specifically which we've spoken before in in a crossover with Liverpool when Leroy Sané made it 2-1 at the 80 yard to break Liverpool's crazy unbeaten streak of 25 or 26 matches, something like that.
00:04:25
Lewis
When it started off with edison John Stone sorry blasting the ball against he Edison's hands and then clearing off the line by less than an inch. It was something that that we've not seen since in those circumstances.
00:04:39
Lewis
And then obviously Aguero doing what he does best from the near post, opening the scoring for us. And then Firmino clapped back with a goal. but then Sané on the attack off the post and won us the game. And I think that ultimately, that the season where it was 99 points to 98 or something ridiculous like that?
00:04:59
Lewis
The second most points in the Premier League. and Well, the the second club to have the most points in the Premier League, Liverpool, with 98. Surely thought they would have won it. If it was any other season, except our Centurion season and that season, then they would have won it in the however many years of the Premier League. What is it? 32?
00:05:17
Lewis
two now, 33, something like that. So, yeah, I think that game for me is stands out as as a core memory versus Liverpool and it was ultimately remarkable.
00:05:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and it the the slightest difference could mean the title come the end of the season. Liverpool fans probably don't remember that that year too fondly, but yeah, an inch more over the line and it could have been a completely different story. But as it stands, Jurgen Klopp only has the one Premier League during Pep Guardiola's reign.
00:05:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Would you agree that Liverpool have still been the sternest test for Manchester City during that time though?
00:05:51
Lewis
Yeah, I think they definitely have. and I don't think anyone comes close, really. We've we've had that rivalry with Liverpool, which started ultimately as the Pep versus Klopp era.
00:06:03
Lewis
It's almost like you know Alex Ferguson, you've got Arsene Wenger and Mourinho a little battle going on in the noughties and into the 2010s. But then the latest rivalry going into the late 2010s and into the 2020s has been Pep versus Klopp.
00:06:20
Lewis
Like mentioned before, Arteta wants to get in on the party, but he just needs to stay humble. So, yeah, I think that it has been good test for us because no one else has really tested the incredible City side over the past five, six years, apart from Liverpool.
00:06:38
Lewis
So it certainly wasn't going to be United. But yeah, I think that it'll be it'll certainly be a rivalry that'll that'll go down Premier League history.
00:06:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. It's right at the top of the list for not only the the passion and intensity, but the quality and the standard of football. I think they were the two undoubtedly best teams in Europe at the time, really.
00:06:58
Lewis
Yeah.
00:07:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And the amount of goals and the and the quality of the football, yeah, it was it was a joy to watch. In more recent times, last season at the Etihad, Haaland became the quickest player to reach 50 goals, scoring in what turned out to be a one-all draw with Trent getting equaliser.
00:07:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
And this season, and in the reverse fixture, Liverpool comfortably won 2-0 thanks to strikes from Godi Kakbo and, of course, the on-fire Mo Salah. What makes these games with Liverpool so special then? Even as we're kind of getting, obviously, we're out of the Klopp era now, but it still feels like it's got that huge match feel.
00:07:41
Lewis
I think it's like you said, it we we both have, as two now massive English clubs, we know now Big Liverpool is a club, we both have the the utmost respect for one another. Arnie Slaughter obviously now come in, taken over Klopp, but he's almost carried that he's carrying that legacy on from the foundations that Klopp has built.
00:08:02
Lewis
Obviously, you're going to have respect for Pep, although he youlthough he's having his worst ever season. But I think that's what makes it. It's the atmosphere. when When they do come to the Etihad, it increases and compared to if you just play the likes of Fulham, for example.
00:08:19
Lewis
and But yeah, I do think that... over the re Over the recent years it is just has made it so remarkable, like you said, due to the quality of football that we have been playing. I mean, that game that I spoke about was it was probably two of the the best teams in the Premier League that we've seen over the last decade and it was so high quality.
00:08:39
Lewis
There was absolutely no room for error.
00:08:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ever, ever perhaps could be two of the best teams we've ever seen.
00:08:44
Lewis
Yeah. No room for error and you know
Liverpool's Impressive Season Under Arnie Slott
00:08:47
Lewis
everything had to be perfect. Every pass, every opportunity, every chance had to be taken to perfection and we saw how small the deficit was with that John Stones clearance.
00:08:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. After this short break, we'll come back and look a bit more in depth at the Liverpool team and who from City can stop what they have got cooking.
00:09:19
Lewis
Thank you.
00:09:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. And what's right for us is to discuss Liverpool, how good they've been this season.
00:10:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
They have been absolutely flying. you Lewis, you mentioned that they drew to Everton. Of course, they drew in that breathtaking Merseyside derby as well.
00:10:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But otherwise, Liverpool have been...
00:10:12
Lewis
Thank you.
00:10:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Amazing. And the standout team this season. Carabao Cup final against Newcastle to come. Comfortably topping the Champions League group stage. And the Reds are still sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League on 61 points.
00:10:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Eight clear of the surely the only realistic challenges at this point in Arsenal. Albeit the Gunners do have a game in hand. So the title race is definitely still on. So biases aside, how impressed have you been with Liverpool this season under Arne Slott?
00:10:42
Lewis
Yeah, I've been very impressed. I mean, we didn't know how Slott was going to do coming in, taking over such a there's an astounding and time at Liverpool that Klopp did have, but all good things come to an end.
00:10:54
Lewis
However, Arnie Slott is another good thing for Liverpool fans. i think they've talked to him immediately. i mean, from the start of this sea at the start of the season, and sorry, I didn't really have Liverpool challenging for the title. I did think it was going to be a two-off race again with with Arsenal and Man City.
00:11:10
Lewis
But, you know, he he so he started the season off so cool, so well, and he's also retained it and he's stayed consistent. Obviously, we mentioned two draws in the last two games, but they're both tough games. One at Goodison against the the noisy neighbours and then one at Aston Villa, which is never going to be easy with the quality that they have. So, yeah, I think certain players have definitely impressed me this season. Graven Birch has come out of his shell.
00:11:36
Lewis
and he he's almost ruled that midfield. He's shown why has signed for Liverpool. McAllister, I've always been a massive fan of, especially when he was at Brighton.
00:11:48
Lewis
and Also in the World Cup for Argentina, really really liked McAllister. The way he threads passes, the way he also wins the ball back, and he's almost unpressible, sort of.
00:12:00
Lewis
He's one of them type players. And then you've got Their defence, how solid their defence is with Trent being linked to Madrid, obviously, as we know, but his delivery it just gets better and better each year. It's outstanding.
00:12:14
Lewis
And obviously, he's add he's had a bit of hard time for for the national team, but in terms of how how far club football goes, he's argued that he is the the best Premier League right-back of all time and he's still got a big career ahead of him at just, what, 27, is he, I think? So, yeah, and then obviously...
00:12:32
Lewis
The best defender in the world this season, Van Dijk. Definitely Agnew in the world, definitely in the league, the best centre-back. I think he's unsuchable. I think that in one-on-one situations, he's he's superb and he's he's one of them that makes the game look so easy. he' so He's just so relaxed on the ball and, I think he's superb. and With him in that back line, it is very hard to break Liverpool down. then with the attack they've got flourishing,
00:13:01
Lewis
it is They've got it at both ends really, so yeah it makes for a superb superb team
00:13:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I just want to pick up on Gravenberg. and He's been a revelation really, isn't he? There's only two players that have played every single game in the Premier League for Liverpool this season. One is Mo Salah, who we will come on to next, of course, the star man.
00:13:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
But Ryan Gravenberg has completely flipped the script on everything, I think. We mentioned in the season preview, and because he started and being played there as that kind of lone pivot, I said that I don't think he had the the right, like, la pausa, the right composure in the right moments, but he absolutely does. And not only that, he's six foot four and as fast as anyone.
00:13:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Great in the air, great on the ball, good passing, can dribble, can press resist. yeah Yeah, he has been the game changer for them, I think. And he has allowed someone like Mo Salah to do what he's done this year.
00:13:57
Lewis
Thank you.
00:14:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that a Scoring 24 goals and 15 assists after just 26 games in the Premier League, which is absolutely outrageous and on course to break the record for most goal contributions in the Premier League season.
00:14:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
The current tide record for most ever goal contributions in a 38 game Premier League season is Henri, who achieved 24 goals and 20 assists in 0-2-0-3, and Haaland, of course, who smashed in a record 36 goals alongside 8 assists in his inaugural campaign.
00:14:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
But this year, it's very much been Mo Salah. It's all been about Salah. He just cannot stop scoring, cannot stop assisting. So, Lewis, do you expect him to surpass those numbers and go on to break that record?
00:14:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And how does City stop him?
00:14:48
Lewis
Yeah, I definitely think if he stays at Liverpool, we know he's been rumoured to go to Saudi or or elsewhere, that he will and obliterate many many records because he's one of them players where he's compared to the likes of Hazard and Bale and them type of players. And I think that pure football inability and how gifted you are on the ball and in their prime, I think for me, Hazard is better than Salah. He looks more of a footballer, if that makes any sense, on the ball, his skills, the the way he dribbles.
00:15:22
Lewis
But it's deceiving when you watch Salah because he doesn't look like that superstar, like how messy dribbles with the ball, for example. Because he is going for the Ballon d'Or the end of this year, I'm sure. So he can that can be a comparison.
00:15:34
Lewis
But yeah you always gets the ball in the back of the net or he always finds finds that killer pass. And it's just... It's just unbelievable to watch and he's been so good, so consistent this season, both in the Premier League, in Europe and yeah, I hate Liverpool but I can't sing Salah's praises enough. I think that yeah, he'll definitely go down as a club legend, whether he leaves at the end of this season, whether he stays until he retires, which a lot of a lot of Liverpool fans would love I'm sure but
00:16:06
Lewis
yeah Like you said, 40 goals and assists this season in, what, 24 games? I mean, do the math, that's like one goal a game. I'm joking. Do the math, that's like nearly two goals a game, isn't it? So, yeah, I think that yeah he's just he's a he's a wondrous player to watch.
00:16:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Definitely. And how does City stop him?
00:16:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just cross your fingers and hope.
00:16:29
Lewis
We cross...
00:16:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:31
Lewis
Yeah, i was going to say we cross... We cross our fingers, look to the sky and hope for the best. But hopefully we'll be looking at his feet and and and trying to tackle the ball off him before he releases it or before he strikes it into the back of the net.
00:16:44
Lewis
Hopefully Edison can stay on his line and not get lobbed this game. We don't want to make it three in a row. Third time lucky, yeah, you can... Yeah, anyway, yeah, we've just got to try our best and I've not got much hope.
00:16:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Just on then what you said about Salah then, I think he's he's an efficiency over aesthetics type of player, isn't he? And ultimately, that is what wins you games. Everyone always talks about the Salah be Hazard debate, but it's not really a debate, is it?
00:17:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hazard might have more ability on the ball, but what what does that ability achieve? And Salah, every time he gets the ball, it's as if he's going to create a goal or score a goal every single time.
00:17:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Hazard could have been that guy, but he has never had the consistency or the numbers or possibly the influence at the European level.
Strategies for City's Success Against Liverpool
00:17:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hazard never really did it in the Champions League for Chelsea. So I think that debate is getting squashed more and more as the years go on, in my opinion.
00:17:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
So thinking of City, what a City going to have to do to get the job done against the league leaders?
00:17:51
Lewis
I think it's going to be tough. Obviously, we're at home for this game. Hopefully, the fans will be riled up for it. and and It will be a good atmosphere, like I mentioned, it has been in recent years. I think we've just got to get that first goal because it's it's a lot it's mentally for City this season. Like like me and Jack spoke on yesterday, when we went 1-0 down, I said whoever gets the first goal is going to win the game against Madrid.
00:18:14
Lewis
I think it's going to be something similar because You just see our heads drop, you see Pep get fuming and it's almost an added pressure to to impress the manager. And then obviously we've got our fans all there.
00:18:26
Lewis
That's going to add to the pressure and especially for new signings like Gonzalez, Kusadov, who aren't experienced in in massive fixtures like this, who haven't experienced this rivalry yet.
00:18:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:18:38
Lewis
It's going to be a big test and I do think that on the day, We're going to have to throw a lot of it. We're going to be very clinical in front of goal.
00:18:50
Lewis
And we're also going to have to retain the ball a lot because Liverpool are good at that, and they're all but they're also good at hitting pin teams on the counter, which this season we're we're not that good at. So, yeah, it is going to be a real tough challenge. But if we can take anything from the game, I will see that as a win for me.
00:19:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, he spoke about being clinical. Might have to do it without Erling Haaland, who of course wasn't there midweek. He could be back, but he also might not be. And if he isn't there, then a lot of that burden, I think, will be put on Omar Mahmouche, who didn't have his best game against Madrid in midweek. He looked a bit lost, but I think Madrid can do that to anyone. and Other than that, I think he's had an exhilarating start of life at the Etihad.
00:19:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And with Trent inevitably always looking to bomb forward and affect the game, surely this presents a huge opportunity for City's own Egyptian king to do some damage here.
00:19:45
Lewis
Yeah, I definitely think he'll be confident after scoring a hat-trick at the 8-yard. Coming out again there, like you said with Trent bombing on forward, it it gives him a chance to drive at players. I don't think that Madrid allowed him that opportunity whatsoever. I think that every time he tried to get the ball out of his feet and use his sharpness to accelerate away, he was he was immediately shut down. Obviously, Valverde was playing right back. We all know how good Valverde is. he He kept him quiet.
00:20:13
Lewis
As a number nine role, it's not where he played against Nugresol, But like you said, with Harland out, I think that it's just a case of him in getting some shots off. We've seen how our venomous he is in front of goal.
00:20:26
Lewis
And I mean, last night we didn't have a shot on target until Phil Foden took a pot shot from like 30 yards out in like the 70th, 75th minute. So it's just a case of testing Liverpool really, putting them on the back foot and making them nervous. You know, they've not had a win in two matches. It's up for grabs. So,
00:20:47
Lewis
It all depends on the day and hopefully we can come out firing and Mahmoud can show glimpses, if not the the full performance that he that he gave us from Nubisul with a goal or two.
00:20:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely looking to see some more bravery on the ball, I think. and Pep's obviously tried to change it up a few times and bringing in someone like Mamouche, who's so direct, I think is is testament to that. But yeah, I think if City don't get on the front foot and but and scare Liverpool, you know, let them know that they're there early is the as the adage is. But Otherwise, Liverpool would just control the game. And we've seen them do it to multiple teams this season. And we've seen multiple teams take it away from City. So, yeah, I think those early stages are going to be very important.
City's Defensive Challenges and Strategies
00:21:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is there anyone else you have the faith in to stand up and dig out a big performance here from City's perspective?
00:21:37
Lewis
Yeah, I want to see Gonzalez trying to control that midfield. We know it's hard on his own, but whoever's next to him, hope it's not. I wouldn't start Gundogan at all. i think that I'd probably start Kovacic next to him.
00:21:50
Lewis
He can do the dribbling, he can do the driving out defence and Gonzalez can sit there almost like a mini-Rodri as Petr referred to him as and sort of hold the fort down in midfield.
00:22:00
Lewis
Kucanov, I did think that he he played well against Madrid. I think that the commentary definitely from from Rio Ferdinand, for example, was was very biased towards his Ballon d'Or winner.
00:22:13
Lewis
But, yeah, I think he he kept him quiet, ultimately. We didn't hear about Vinny yesterday so much. Mbappe stole the headlines and you you know, Vinny's the one who was challenging Rodri for that Ballon d'Or and Uzbekistanian from the French League just kept him quiet, kept up with him on the wing and ultimately out-strengthed him on a few occasions. And I think that the inexperience he's had in Europe to go to the Bernabeu, the new Bernabeu stadium with an unbelievable atmosphere, probably one of the best in Europe, if not the best, is it's fantastic.
00:22:45
Lewis
And he's going to be up against the likes of Libby Diaz, Diogo Jota, Sabah Sly maybe coming out to that side on attack. so you know, hope you can he can impress and will fulfil me with confidence with all the injuries that we are getting in defence, with John Stones being injured again yesterday, that he can earn his place in the back line because He's better than Nunes defensively, it goes without saying.
00:23:09
Lewis
So, yeah, hopefully I do wish him well to tomorrow on Sunday. Yeah.
00:23:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, really, by those first five minutes, he's just looked better and better since, hasn't he? So, yeah, very promising, especially with how disastrous that that opening start to life at City was for him.
00:23:26
Lewis
yeah
00:23:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
So i think it's even more impressive that he's been able to regain his composure and work his way into the team. and Yeah, I mean, you go to the Bernabeu, any team can concede three goals at the Bernabeu, can't they?
00:23:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
To one of the world's best players. So, yeah, i think I think he did do a good job against Finney, and it could have been a lot worse if he didn't. So, finally, let's get a score prediction from you. Back in the boys.
00:23:51
Lewis
Yeah, of course. We've got back the boys. I think it'll be quite cagey, but i mean we've seen how many goals get scored in City's matches this season. So I'll go you know i'll go with 4-3 City, big scoring affair, and hopefully i overly we'll be 3-2 down in the 86th minute and we pull it back and make a change from always conceding two in there and the final minutes.
00:24:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well,
00:24:16
Lewis
That would be nice.
00:24:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
maybe the trick is to get a lead of more than two. But then we've seen Feyenoord. That doesn't always work either, does it?
00:24:24
Lewis
No, it isn't.
00:24:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
so So, yeah, maybe we're just all out attack at this point. Go hell for leather. Concede it anyway, so who cares?
00:24:31
Lewis
Yeah, exactly.
00:24:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
and that And that is how you lose 7-0 to Liverpool at home.
00:24:36
Lewis
for fun i think
00:24:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to take another another short break.
Premier League Fixture Highlights
00:24:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
And when we come back, we're it going to look quickly at some of the other fixtures in the Premier League this weekend.
00:25:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. This match day ends with the biggest fixture that we've just ran through. Manchester City v Liverpool doesn't get any bigger than that.
00:25:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But of course, there's action all around the Premier League this weekend and we're going to quickly go through some of the other games and there's some real crackers in store as well. So first, on Friday night, we have Leicester versus Brentford.
00:25:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Leicester desperately need some more points in their relegation battle and Brentford have been a pretty good team this season, Lewis.
00:25:45
Lewis
Yeah, I mean, at the start, which is a blunder for me, I did have Brentford 17th or 18th, possibly going down with the loss of Tony. I thought that I've always just got an inkling that the time would come sooner rather than later, and they did go back down to the Championship. But, you know, they started the season off really well.
00:26:03
Lewis
and Home form, fantastic. Obviously, a away form, or is it the other way around? I'm not sure.
00:26:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, home for home forms being great for them.
00:26:09
Lewis
One of the two is...
00:26:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:12
Lewis
yeah struggling away away from home but you know, who did you say they played?
00:26:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Last last word, the King Power.
00:26:21
Lewis
Oh right, Leicester, yeah, yeah, yeah, thought it was. Yeah, every game for Leicester is a cup final, realistically. They were rumoured to have that point seduction at the start we which didn't happen so I think a lot of people maybe had them staying up. I know i know a lot of people fancied Ipswich out of the three promoted sides but You know, I want Leicester to do well.
00:26:43
Lewis
I don't just want all three promoted ties to go back down. Like I said before, it's it's increasing the gap in the Premier League between all the other leagues, especially or financially, ultimately. But in terms of a score prediction, Brentford-Leicester. Who's at home? Brentford.
00:27:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Leicester.
00:27:02
Lewis
Leicester at home. You know, I'll go with a 2-1 Leicester win for me. I'd like to see that happen and I can't say that I don't see happening.
00:27:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that would be a huge result for Leicester. and Depending on how Wolves do, that would take them out of the of the relegation zone. They're two points two points off at the moment.
00:27:19
Lewis
Yeah.
00:27:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wolves themselves have a very tricky game away high-flying Bournemouth. I think they've been... Well, obviously, Notts Forest, who we'll get to, have been the surprise package. But if there was a runners-up medal, it would definitely be Bournemouth, wouldn't it?
00:27:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
How would you see this one going?
00:27:37
Lewis
Wolves versus Bournemouth. Before this season, I'd see that as an as an unwatchable fixture and a crap game for the news, rule excuse my language. But yeah I think Bournemouth this season have shocked everyone under Areola. I think that they've been absolutely fantastic. i mean that they're attack we've We've spoken on them before and before we played them with Klaivert, Semenyo and the likes of Kyrkhez in left back. and ultimately outperforming his expectations at the start of the season.
00:28:10
Lewis
But I think that with Wolves, they they definitely looked a bit better over the last few weeks. They defeated Villa at home, didn't they? So I do think that, like I said, towards the start of the season, that they just had a dodgy start. know it's carried on, not the best. But I see them getting a result against Bournemouth. I'll probably go with a one-all draw.
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Back in the relegation, boys. Interesting.
00:28:33
Lewis
Of course.
00:28:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
i mean there's a there's's There's normally a point of the season, isn't there, when the teams at the top stop winning and the teams at the bottom start to pick up points. And you'd imagine out of those four teams that are down in the relegation battle, really, because there's another eight-point gap to West Ham in 16th, that Wolves have a lot more quality than the other three, especially with a player like Matthias Cunha, who's
00:28:56
Lewis
Yeah.
00:28:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
arguably on the verge of world class. The other three teams can't can't compete with someone that's that decisive. Speaking of a team that were in the relegation battle, but nowhere near it now, since David Moyes has taken over, Everton have been the form team in the Premier League.
00:29:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
and their own The only game they've not won in the last five was was that Merseyside derby at Liverpool, and even that felt like a win, especially for the fans. They're at home to arguably the least formed team in the league, Man United.
00:29:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
that Only one point separates the two teams. Everton are above United, but you'd have to say Everton are favourites going into this one.
00:29:36
Lewis
Yeah, I think just an early score prediction, I'd probably go 4-0 to Everton. And I'm not even taking the mic with that. I think that, you know, a good ascended...
00:29:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was 4-0 United in the reverse fixture, and I think it was Amarim's first home game or something like that.
00:29:55
Lewis
Yeah, now I recall that, yeah, it was his first home game. I think that the tables can turn very easily. They've overtook United on the table now, haven't they? They're up to 14th. United sitting in 15th. So, and latest it's a bottom half of the table clash between the 1999 treble winners and Everton.
00:30:17
Lewis
So, yeah, I think that with Everton's form, there's a is a heightened suspense at Goodison now. We're coming to the last few games that will ever take place from from Everton at such a historic stadium as is the new one is is being used now by the youth teams and and we've seen how good and promising that looks and I think that every game from now on at home is going to just be, like I said, it's going to be heightened, the atmosphere is going to be electric and against the United team, we've now lost Ahmad to the end of the season, they're probably going to have to start Casemiro in midfield, it it's not going to be great and in my opinion,
00:30:59
Lewis
Everton are going to continue that their amazing form and yeah i think they're going to dominate United and I would love to see them obliterate them scoreline-wise.
00:31:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it's probably the first time in a few seasons that Everton have got to this point and are not really in a relegation battle anymore, which is just crazy because a month ago they were.
00:31:16
Lewis
yeah
00:31:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I cannot overstate the job that David Moyes has done. The fans and the club are in harmony again. Yeah, like you say, so much can change so quickly in football. and uh and goodison park is going to be absolutely rocking even more so now that the nervousness of that relegation battle has pretty much gone as well so yeah i do not envy amaran taking united there and in in uh in pursuit of very valuable three points for him because he might go at the end of the season you can't just keep losing it's like there's got there's a line surely
00:31:52
Lewis
Hello.
00:31:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, anyway, next we'll move on to Ipswich versus Spurs. Ipswich, of course, won the reverse fixture at the new White Hart Lane. Pretty, and the start of the awful form for Andrew Postacoglu's side.
00:32:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've won the last two, though, and they've gotten themselves up to 12th. and But still, only one point ahead of Man United in 15th, three ahead of West Ham in 16th. So they're not out out of the dirt yet.
00:32:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Seven points away from Brighton in the top half. This might be as good as it gets for Spurs this season, but you'd surely still think they've got enough to beat Ipswich now that they're now that a lot of the injuries have come back as well.
00:32:37
Lewis
Yeah, it sort of opposes the Everton aspect because is you look at mid-table teams who aren't really fighting for anything. They're not fighting to stay up. They're not fighting for Europe.
00:32:49
Lewis
They're just sort of of of just there in the middle of the table. But Everton have that pride. and because they have been in the relegation battle of the last few seasons, because they've got Moyes back and because you know things are looking up with a new stadium. But I don't think the Spurs players almost have that pride because they're looked at as such a like an embarrassment of a club realistically. That is what what they are viewed as with and having such an empty cabinet.
00:33:17
Lewis
But it's always nice to see for me and other Big Six fans See the likes of Tottenham and United struggling, you know I'd hope that they don't win another game to the end of the season and and both have to fight for relegation.
00:33:31
Lewis
I think it's a little too late for that, but you know like you said, Ipswich beat them 2-1 at their place and Liam de Lappatrick is talking to me in my head. So I'm actually going to go with with an Ipswich 3-2 win and get them out of the relegation zone and make it make it a bit more interesting and put pressure on Wolves again.
00:33:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I mean, if ever if all of them win, then they're going to still be in the relegation zone, aren't they? But, but yeah yeah, there's no reason why Ipswich can't do them again, to be honest.
00:33:56
Lewis
Yeah.
00:34:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liam De Laff looks mustard. He looks really good. Next, we have Southampton versus Brighton. South Coast. wouldn't say Derby, but they're both down there, aren't they?
00:34:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Brighton won their last match, but went off the boil after what was a really promising start for new manager Herzl. they've They've suffered a load of draws this year. They've drawn 10 games. They've only lost six, which only Arsenal Liverpool have lost fewer than them, but they just can't get over the line enough.
00:34:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
and you'd You'd have thought that they'd have been on the fringes of Europe come the start of the season. They are just about still hanging on there. Southampton, of course, the complete opposite.
00:34:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Looks like there's no hope. I do think they've improved under their new manager, to be fair. do think they're in more games and they're creating more chances. conceding less chances, but they just don't have the quality in the squad and it's too little too late, isn't it?
00:35:03
Lewis
I think people have written off just on Brighton. I think they've written them off from Europe. But, I mean, looking at the table, there's still only four points off Newcastle who are apparently having an amazing season. So, I know they went through a rough patch. But, yeah, I wouldn't write them off too soon. They have just beat Chelsea back-to-back. I know Chelsea are struggling. Now down to sixth.
00:35:26
Lewis
But, I mean, the quality that they have with Matoma, I mean, and his touch for that goal he scored against Chelsea was just sublime.
00:35:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh,
00:35:33
Lewis
It was it was nothing nothing we've seen for a while. It was Bergkamp-esque and it was it was honestly just, yeah, something else. And again, Southampton, I see them getting the job done definitely, continuing the little the little run that they're trying to start.
00:35:50
Lewis
I mean, Southampton... and I think a lot of people had them to come bottom this season. They've been absolutely atrocious. the one of them yo-yo teams, especially over the recent years of going up and down, getting all that money from from the Prem, using it to win the Championship, then going back up and not taking enough risks to ultimately try and stay up, which is what we've seen the likes of Brighton do and Brentford do so well.
00:36:18
Lewis
But yeah, you know I've got a soft spot for Derby. I went to uni there and they currently hold the Premier League record for having the lowest points with 11. So come on Brighton this weekend. The Southampton still sit on nine. There's still hope.
00:36:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah we Yeah, we both went to that university. So, yeah, I back that.
00:36:35
Lewis
i
00:36:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
I got a soft spot for Derby County too.
00:36:38
Lewis
short
00:36:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But next, we're going to talk about Derby County's arch rivals, Nottingham Forest, who were a great example of someone that spent a lot to maintain their position in the Premier League.
00:36:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
They went up really surprisingly. They were bottom of the table when Steve Cooper took over them when he got them promoted. So they didn't expect to go up the way they did. completely overhauled the squad spent about 150 million to do so now they've got Nuno in and they are reaping the rewards I mean I did not see this coming with Forrest I'm pretty sure I had them there or thereabouts to go down at the start of the year I just didn't see where the goals were coming from well there's a big old kiwi that's slapping me in the face right now because Chris just cannot stop scoring and
00:37:00
Lewis
You
00:37:20
Lewis
sure
00:37:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Comes up against his old side, Newcastle, who made the Carabao Cup final but have gone off the boil a little bit since then, losing in two. How do you see this one going? Forest lost their last game too, so they really need a result to consolidate our Champions League players.
00:37:39
Lewis
Yeah, I think this is a great game. It's a great Super Sunday this weekend for sure with but this game and obviously City-Liverpool later on in the day. It's got draw written all over it but you never know. If Forrest start off the way they have started some games this season with a Chris Wood early goal and then possibly another and another little penalty or something like that then and they could do it at St James' Park and I feel like Newcastle will get themselves reared up for for the big games against the big teams. And ultimately this season, Forest are a big team.
00:38:12
Lewis
And this is a huge game, especially where Europe's concerned. You know, if Newcastle win, they go three points behind Forest. And Forest's hopes of Champions League are slowly slithering away.
00:38:24
Lewis
Although they do still look likely. And like you said, they've got the quality. Chris Wood can't stop scoring. they've got Gibbs White, who is superb and and will be for England in the coming years, I'm sure. So... Yeah, it's it's a bit of a cagey affair. I don't think and i don't think either side are going to want to go into it taking massive amounts of risks.
00:38:43
Lewis
But I'd go with a draw, either a one one or a 2-2. or a two so
00:38:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it could be set up to suit Forest because i think Newcastle struggle with breaking down low blocks a lot of the time and I think Forest is probably the best in the league this year and the the danger they have in counter attack with the players you mentioned, Gibbs White, who I think is a fantastic player and should be in the England squad, absolutely. and He's been great for years.
00:39:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Alanga has kicked on as well. And Hudson-Odoi could probably do a bit more, but he's more consistent than he used to be. And he's always a danger as well. But Alanga is the one for me that I think has elevated his game a good couple of levels. And yeah, he's tearing defences apart at the moment.
00:39:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I agree, that will be a cracking game. Chronologically, I've gone a bit why haywire there because that's a Sunday game and there's two Saturdays left. But it's OK, everyone can deal with that.
00:39:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we have... and Oh no, there's three games left, sorry. Two London derbies, Arsenal versus West Ham. Arsenal's still in the hunt. They've been chasing Liverpool down and doing a pretty good job of it the last month or two.
00:39:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liverpool dropped points in two of the last three games while Arsenal have kept winning. Do they keep that momentum going against Graham Potter's side, Lewis?
00:40:01
Lewis
Yeah, definitely think they do. I mean, West Ham now sits 16th. I would like West Ham to win so they can go above United and when United lose to Everton this weekend. But, you know, I don't see it happening. I think Arsenal are definitely going to want to capitalise on Liverpool's four points lost in the last two games and go within five points, which is it's almost City-esque chasing down the the league leaders with coming into Coming into early spring, into March, with with not many games left, just 12 or 13 games to go. So, yeah, I think Liverpool is... I'd probably go with a 4-0, not Liverpool, sorry, Arsenal, to batter West Ham.
00:40:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
And just on Ethan Nguanieri, I think if you can come into a side for the best player in Bukayo Saka and the team keeps winning and you look like one of the best players, I mean, how high is his ceiling?
00:40:59
Lewis
Yeah, he's he's super. like once went to St George's Park doing a little a little job there and he was playing for England under 17s and could just see his quality. It looked effortless on the ball. He was playing centre mid that day, but I'm sure if he was playing off the right, it would have been a long, long day for for the left-back.
00:41:19
Lewis
So, yeah, think that his ceiling is so high and he's almost looking like he's going to be better than Saka is as he gets older, still at such a young age.
00:41:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
with
00:41:30
Lewis
But, yeah, i mean just I mean, to score against City, he's got that... For a player that young to have that trademark finish already, the finesse at the top left, you know, we've seen some of the best players have that finish.
00:41:41
Lewis
I mean, Salah's got it and... and look at look at where his career has taken him. So, yeah, I'm looking forward to to see where Ethan's career does take him.
00:41:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Definitely. And then we have Fulham versus Crystal Palace. think Fulham have been another one of those teams that have surpassed expectations this season. Even in a lot of the games that they haven't won, I've really felt that they were the better team.
00:42:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
They're defensively so sound. Marco Silva has always been known for being solid. And they've lost Joao Pelinha, but no one cares. Because Luka Susic has been fantastic for them, as has Sander Berger as well.
00:42:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, personally, i back them to get the job done against Palace, who themselves have had a resurgence over the last few months, completely steered themselves away from any relegation trouble that they were in at the start of the year.
00:42:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
and How do you see this one going?
00:42:34
Lewis
Yeah, I think Fulham will get the job done as well. We've seen Palace beat United over the recent weeks, Mateta is back now and they've still got that quality with Eze and you know Will Hughes has been doing quite well this season and Adam Wharton is also coming back from injury now. But Fulham, again, can still they can still push for Europe. that They're in eighth at the minute.
00:42:53
Lewis
I mean, Europa League for them would would be massive, you know a little... a little cottage on the side of the River Thames and they could be inviting the likes of, God knows, and AC Milan or someone like that down down there.
00:43:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, they're they're only five points away from City.
00:43:06
Lewis
in it
00:43:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
So is Champions League a step too far?
00:43:09
Lewis
Yeah.
00:43:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because they're they're there or thereabouts.
00:43:15
Lewis
Yeah, I think the quality in depth and depth of the squad, I think definitely if they do get Champions League, a lot of players will stay. Obviously, Anthony Robinson is definitely going to leave, in my opinion, bin. if not the best, one of the best left-backs or full-backs this season in the Premier League.
00:43:31
Lewis
I do think that that is that is too far of a stretch for them, in my opinion, but on the weekend, and I think they'll definitely definitely defeat Palace and you know close the gap on the likes of Chelsea and Bournemouth.
00:43:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and Chelsea are involved in the last game we're going look at. The last get yeah last game we're going to look at. I don't know why I needed to say that twice, but they are away to Aston Villa, who are on a bit of a sticky run of the Premier League. Of course, they've had a great season in Europe, making it through in the top eight in the group stage.
00:44:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
But they haven't won and in a month in the Premier League. and They did get that 2-0 draw with Liverpool last time out and they were a threat, although you would say Liverpool probably deserved it.
00:44:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Villa recruited really well in January. The big name, of course, is Marcus Rashford. But then you've got three-time Champions League winner Marco Asensio as well. And Champions League finalist from last season, Daniel Marlon.
00:44:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, yeah, that's about as good January transfer window as you could hope for. Rashford looks like he's settling in. Maybe not so sure about the other two at this early stage. Chelsea lost their last two games, both the Brighton, as you mentioned, and are starting to tail off a little bit after what looked like, well, there was title talks, wasn't there? All the players had to had to rubbish them. And since the title talks, they've kind of gone off the boil. So can Villa get back to winning ways here?
00:44:54
Lewis
Yeah, I think they can. It's just's a late kick-off on a Saturday. I think that always what I think, what you think will happen, does normally happen, especially with Brighton beating Chelsea last week. and think the same will happen here again. We've just seen how good Villa can be facing Liverpool. And like I said, they had chances to win it towards the end.
00:45:14
Lewis
I think Rashford is now coming out of his shell, which is great to see all United fans lose their head. Why couldn't he have done this for us as well? Because you didn't he didn't receive the same respect.
00:45:25
Lewis
And I think the Villa fans have i've already given that already.
00:45:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly.
00:45:28
Lewis
And yeah, you mentioned Asensio. I love players like that. The midfield maestros in Asensio. And I think He has started off well. I don't think he's been talked about for for a fair few years. I've not heard much about him on the grand scheme of things. But, yeah, with a few new signings in January, you know, and Villa, like you said, that they're still in the Champions League.
00:45:49
Lewis
I know they've dropped off a bit in the Premier League, but if they can get a European spot for next season, know, it's still Europe. It's still massive for Villa fans. And, I mean, they were in the Champions League.
00:46:02
Lewis
Winning a play-off final against Derby County, how many years ago? Three or four? So, yeah, I know they're a big club, but you've got to look at it like that. And it's a big positive for the club. Signing the likes of Rashford, who is a huge player.
00:46:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely. yeah Yeah, great point that is. If you'd have asked Villa fans a few years ago, would they take this situation right now? Yeah, of course they would. They'd snap your hand off.
00:46:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Marcus Rashford at Villa Park. You never would have thought it, but that is football and that is why we love it.
Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode
00:46:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that will about do for our Friday forecast today. Thank you all very much for listening.
00:46:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been Jules Jordan-Probert and thanks to Lewis for joining me. stay Stay tuned for all our coverage of that massive City vs Liverpool game on Sunday. We'll be bringing you reactions to that next week alongside City's next game, which is to bogey team Spurs. So we'll have lots of things preview in that one too.
00:47:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we we've been the Daily Manchester City podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day.
00:47:13
Lewis
Thank you.