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Episode 413: Matchday Preview: HUGE GAME AT WREXHAM!
75 Plays1 day ago
Southampton – Not too much time to celebrate that win at the weekend, focus switches back to the Championship and a real 6 pointer. Massively important in the charge for promotion!
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Transcript
Introduction and Co-host Greeting
00:00:13
DailySaintsPod
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Saints pod. My name is Greg and as always stay joined by my good friend, a wonderful co-host, Zach. How doing mate? You alright?
00:00:24
Zak
Yeah, mate.
Recent Win and Upcoming Challenge
00:00:25
Zak
Still pretty buzzing from Saturday, to be honest. I think we're all going to live off that high for a little bit, regardless of today.
00:00:28
DailySaintsPod
yeah
00:00:32
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, it's it's hard not to be, but I mean, now the players have have a big challenge in my estimation because from that big celebratory win, we've got to keep SwitchDom, we've got to refocus, we've got to get back to it.
00:00:47
Zak
We really do. Because...
00:00:48
DailySaintsPod
A
Significance of Upcoming Game
00:00:49
DailySaintsPod
huge game in the context of the championship season as we take on Wrexler in what could only really be described as a as a promotion six-pointer, right?
00:01:00
Zak
Well, yeah, we've they they got a draw the other day that's slightly edged us out of the top six. Obviously, we've got a game in hand, but currently it means that they are in sat in a promotion spot and we're not.
00:01:12
Zak
So we need to...
00:01:13
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, I mean, look, it's a game in hand that comes in the midst of you know the fixture congestion off the back of our success, right? We've got... all of the all of the games midweek. Now, every midweek slot between now and end of the season is full. We've got nothing else left.
00:01:33
DailySaintsPod
Can't postpone
Season Focus: Match Previews and Reviews
00:01:34
DailySaintsPod
anything. Can't do have anything weird, mate. It's just the thinking about the podcast is going to be the easiest thing for the rest of the season because it's just going to be match preview, match review, one spare episode.
00:01:49
DailySaintsPod
That's it. That's all we've got for the rest of the season.
00:01:51
Zak
Yeah, which you'll be delighted to to hear, I'm sure.
00:01:55
DailySaintsPod
But, sir yeah, I don't know. it's It's big. It's a big game. And, I don't know.
Player Fitness Discussion
00:02:02
DailySaintsPod
Look, we're going to have the benefit of two essential first-team players coming in fresh, right?
00:02:09
DailySaintsPod
Because Downs and Matski had to miss out on that semi-final due to...
00:02:09
Zak
Yep, this is true.
00:02:15
DailySaintsPod
suspension and I don't know I don't know Stevens will be fit enough to participate in this one you kind of feel like if he was going to be fit enough he would have played on Saturday but maybe maybe three days is enough healing and enough training to get there I don't know
00:02:30
Zak
Yeah, it's a bit of a weird one, right? Because we knew, you know, you didn't even realise you picked up an injury in open training, right?
00:02:38
DailySaintsPod
yeah
00:02:38
Zak
So it's less than ideal, but I think I'm happy with anyone to, like, step in. Kwasi obviously came on very, very, very late. in the Arsenal game but he's had he had some fun international experience away with pretty short like wins across wins and nearly all the games and then obviously Wood had an exceptional day out against Arsenal so you know if if he is unable to play as in Stevens obviously she I'd expect him to be there if not I'm kind happy with anyone that goes into that space to be honest
00:03:03
DailySaintsPod
yeah
00:03:08
DailySaintsPod
Kind of a genius play from Wood to wipe and in out and injure the captain to get himself into the first team, right? Yeah.
00:03:15
Zak
You could call it that potentially, but you know, it's all it is.
00:03:18
DailySaintsPod
don't think I don't think that there there is any of that to it. It is funny to joke about, though, in hindsight. Yeah, what did I don't mate. It's a tale of two thought paths for me because actually the mentality and focus of this squad in recent memory has just been excellent.
Crucial Season Phase and Playoff Aspirations
00:03:37
DailySaintsPod
And so far be it from me to criticise or concern, but...
00:03:38
Zak
Hmm.
00:03:43
DailySaintsPod
it's It's easy to let special moments and jubilation kind of affect you in that way and almost take your eye off the ball sometimes, right? That's the the risk heading into, you not just this game that's important, but let's not forget we have another game this week that is equally as as close as a six-pointer when we take on Derby.
00:04:06
DailySaintsPod
So...
00:04:07
Zak
Yeah, exactly. It's going to be... says I guess this is the part that shows where the character is, right? And currently, everything they have is on merit and everything, all the belief we have them on them is earned.
00:04:19
Zak
But we are about to come into the crucial part, right?
00:04:25
DailySaintsPod
yeah.
00:04:25
Zak
I've joked around us getting in second. you know Obviously, that was what we love, is to just go straight up and have to worry about it. But realistically, we want to solidify our place in that you know, playoff places.
00:04:37
Zak
and And now we're in the part of the season where it matters. And, you know, we dropped our heads the last time this happened, right? And we tumbled down a little bit to the point where we still stayed in playoff places, but we missed out on automatics.
00:04:51
Zak
Whereas obviously this time round, we had a real bad struggle at the start the season. and We've slowly built our way back up. So it's just hoping that that momentum continues and that we'll be able to see it
00:05:00
DailySaintsPod
e
00:05:03
Zak
Yeah, see the fruits of the labor payoff, right?
00:05:06
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, well, it's often said that you want to cut if you're going to go into the playoffs, you want to come into the playoffs as the team in form. And by that calculation, we've kind of timed it perfectly.
00:05:17
DailySaintsPod
You're right. Second, not as distant as you might think, right? We have
Current Standings and Playoff Scenarios
00:05:22
DailySaintsPod
a game in hand on Millwall and Middlesbrough, who are both sat on 72 and 71 points. So it's nine points gap.
00:05:30
DailySaintsPod
nine points ja but with a game in hand. So, you know, if that game's a win, that's actually only six points. And, I mean, it's not... It's not completely impossible for for Ipswich, Hull, Middlesbrough and Millwall to all...
00:05:49
DailySaintsPod
drop points. they've been there's There's been draws from all of them and losses this week. Millwall were the only one to win on on Friday. it's It's fascinating.
00:06:03
DailySaintsPod
and and To be honest, the time of recording, obviously there's a whole Easter Monday of games to be played where more points can be dropped.
00:06:10
Zak
Yes, exactly that.
00:06:12
DailySaintsPod
you know We're recording it before they take place, but But, you know, it could actually, if we keep winning, I guess it's not out of the question. And that's that's crazy in itself.
00:06:26
DailySaintsPod
Man, the belief train runs high.
00:06:26
Zak
Yeah.
00:06:29
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:06:30
Zak
I think it's crazy that the the point of the season we've got up to, but one of the things I wanted to have look at, Greg, was the last time. Obviously, this is our second game against Rexham. Do you want to know who was in that squad in that game? Do you how we lined up?
00:06:45
DailySaintsPod
I remember Steven scored the winner.
00:06:47
Zak
Stephens did score the winner and another goal by Ryan Manning in the 90th minute to equalise.
00:06:52
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:06:53
Zak
But in that game, we started with Edwards, Stephens and Kwasi at the back and Bizzuno in goal. Right?
00:06:59
DailySaintsPod
Interesting. So no hardwood balance.
00:07:01
Zak
Nope. We had Wellington on the left-hand side and Sugawara on the right.
00:07:08
Zak
Charles and Downs in the middle. Robinson, Fraser and Armstrong.
Recap of Last Game Against Wrexham
00:07:15
Zak
Crazy, right?
00:07:16
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. i mean, look, a lot can change in a season.
00:07:19
DailySaintsPod
That's the thing, right?
00:07:19
Zak
oh yeah
00:07:19
DailySaintsPod
This was opening day of the season. So the the summer transfer window is still open. We've had a whole, you know, we had the whole kerfuffle with that and the whole January transfer window. And I mean, even then, Wrexham would have been thinking that playoffs this season is a bit of a push.
00:07:39
DailySaintsPod
So...
00:07:39
Zak
Yeah, 100%, I think at the time.
00:07:42
DailySaintsPod
It's, you know, they've had a spectacular season of their own. It's not that's not underwrite it, right? Like, they are where they are on the league through on merit.
00:07:51
Zak
I told you, if they got managed to get everything to click together, they'll they'll have a good season. And they seem to have managed to do that right. And some of that's with, you know, some exceptional side-ins.
00:07:57
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:08:00
Zak
and Josh Windass, he scored in that game as well. But also part of that team, by the way, even more insane, Greg, was Matty Fernandes was still part of the team this season.
00:08:10
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:08:11
Zak
Damien Downs came on, Ryan Manning, and obviously who scored the winner. Cam Archer came on during that. And on the bench at that time, we still had Ben Morrison-Diaz. Matsuki was also on the bench for that game and never got to play. But it's just such a huge turnaround for, you know, we started the game off at the... I know watch i watched that whole game. i was in quackers of all places.
00:08:38
Zak
And it it was so frustrating, right? Because it was like, we felt like we should have done so much more. We barely got any shots off. We're dealing with a new system, a new manager.
00:08:48
Zak
You know, they we didn't really have to deal with anything from them. And one of their fewer shots that we actually had to, like, you know, with the they scored
Wrexham's Performance and Recent Results
00:08:57
Zak
with. And we, you know, managed to pull something out the bag last minute. But it was kind of like, oh, okay, well, if we can build on this belief. But it was like the warning signs...
00:09:06
Zak
of how the start of our season went we're in that game and it's we're going to come back up we're going to come into this next game with a completely different set of threats a completely different set of you know a completely different system we have a different manager Wrexham have a lot of similar but different right it's going to be they seem to have that belief that they didn't have probably back then so yeah it's going to be I think you know to steal one of your phrases fascinating mate to be honest
00:09:10
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, sure.
00:09:22
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:09:35
DailySaintsPod
Oh, it really is. And yeah, I mean, it's just, it's a real proper, important high stakes championship midweek fixture.
00:09:50
DailySaintsPod
It's just going to be a look. our profile is as high as it could possibly be at the moment, right? Fresh off of that win against Arsenal, flying high in the championship, you know, top of the form table, longest unbeaten streak in the championship.
00:09:58
Zak
Yeah.
00:10:09
DailySaintsPod
Wrexham, of course, you know, always the the talk of the championship with their Hollywood money and whether you love it or hate it, you know, their documentary and the way they've done things. And it's,
00:10:24
DailySaintsPod
bustable elements to be you know really really good game of football, really good night. look the Their home form and is is what has driven them to back-to-back-to-back promotions.
00:10:44
DailySaintsPod
right And it was it was shaky for them, even at home, for for some of the you know the start of the season.
00:10:45
Zak
Yes.
00:10:54
DailySaintsPod
But they've kind of turned it around. They beat Ipswich They beat Portsmouth. Obviously, they lost to Chelsea. But you know is that really a reflection of form?
00:11:07
DailySaintsPod
I don't know. They lost at home a big game to Hull, but did beat Swansea. Yeah, it's you're right. It's fascinating because they finding ways to get points and win games in games that you know, they're they're struggling with.
00:11:27
DailySaintsPod
And we at the moment just seem to be cruising. But the race course is not an easy place to go.
00:11:32
Zak
No,
00:11:33
DailySaintsPod
So you can't you can't underestimate it. It's going to be very interesting.
Potential Starting Lineups and Tactical Approach
00:11:39
DailySaintsPod
let's Let's move on into our predicted starting lineups. Because...
00:11:46
DailySaintsPod
you know, with all of the preparation for the Arsenal game and all of the scouting and unlocking and working out their systems, Tonda managed to achieve. How much do we think, you know, he's going to have been able to do the same for Wrexham?
00:12:01
DailySaintsPod
Obviously, you've off the back of an international break, at least some you would expect.
00:12:05
Zak
I think considering, you know, he basically gave his press conference for Exum the other day anyway.
00:12:11
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:12:11
Zak
i think that knowing how he has been with every other approach to every other game we've played, I think there'll be as much preparation that's gone into this as against Arsenal, right?
00:12:19
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:12:20
Zak
I don't think that he is treating any game as sort of complacency.
00:12:26
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:12:27
Zak
And I think it's just going to be up to us to try and... break it down but i think that we'd have been fully prepared for it and i think that so long as you know the the fitness from the other night isn't too much of a drag then should be fine
00:12:36
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:12:43
DailySaintsPod
It probably helps knowing that you've got two players that you're almost definitely going to be bringing back into the starting lineup who are going to be able to completely focus their thoughts and physical attributes to this game
00:12:48
Zak
yes
00:12:54
Zak
and
00:12:56
DailySaintsPod
through through suspension and not through injury. They they don't have to worry about like physically resting up off the back of a knock. They're just... Not able to play in the game, but in the right physical place. So they can absorb the you know the detail that we know that Tonda loves to to try and impart on the players and get that in their heads, even in training before before Saturday. so Yeah, I mean, look, obviously, let's let's go through the whole team as we as we do. Obviously, Perrette starts a goal. It's not even a debate. It never will be.
00:13:32
DailySaintsPod
That man loves a clean sheet and has been a huge part of our transformation. And that's it. James Bree is equally as transformational, but most importantly, is also only right back. So is likely to be on the team sheet as well, right?
00:13:48
Zak
Yeah. Uh, I dunno how he keeps pushing through and doing it, but he is, so let's leave him to it.
00:13:53
DailySaintsPod
Harwood Bellis, once again, really growing into the season, really maturing as a player, was captain in on Saturday and obviously has an exceptional performance.
00:14:04
DailySaintsPod
Isn't freed up with Wood as his partnership to do the sort of tracking forward as he does if Stevens is his partner, but presumably...
00:14:17
DailySaintsPod
one of the first names on the team sheet, like exceptional, calm can't fault at moment, right?
00:14:23
Zak
Yeah, we've weve we've had our gripes, but currently we have none against him.
00:14:26
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:14:27
Zak
So as far as I'm concerned, if he's fit, he is playing good.
00:14:28
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:14:30
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. So then Wood or Stevens presumably depends on Stevens Fitness.
00:14:37
Zak
yeah if not i think wood's probably going to start uh and you know as much as i as i said in the last uh last recording i don't mind if it's him or quasi i just think that clearly quasi is lower down the pecking order currently than wood and also and what has had to deputize he has done it successfully which means that you know you know so then
00:14:40
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:14:57
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. Yeah, he was very good. Didn't put foot wrong in such an important game against Arsenal where, you know, the quality you're defending against is there for mistakes to be pounced on.
00:15:07
DailySaintsPod
So...
00:15:08
Zak
Especially where we used to struggle with set pieces massively. It was like the biggest concern. It's an ongoing joke that, you know, death taxes and us conceding against some sort of set piece.
00:15:19
Zak
And yet we were able to play the set piece specialists at their own game and beat them with, you know.
00:15:26
Zak
Yeah.
00:15:31
Zak
Well, well, well, for them, didn't it? so
00:15:32
DailySaintsPod
But yeah yeah, I'd be happy with Wood or or if Stevens is fit, I could see him coming back in. But we will see. Wellington has been in and about and seems to be coming back to fitness. Ryan Manning has played every minute under the sun since the dawn of time, as far as I can remember, at left back. So is this maybe where we see him swapped out or you sticking with him?
00:16:00
DailySaintsPod
Like, we've got a lot of games left is where I'm at.
00:16:04
Zak
Yeah, but I also think that he's been crucial in the running we've had recently. And I think we're nursing well and seeing back.
00:16:08
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:16:10
Zak
I wouldn't mind. I wouldn't be surprised if we see him at Derby. And we're obviously going to hope that, well, is I think Manning's suspended now for the f FA Cup, right?
00:16:19
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, i I don't know because it says the the rules, I looked it up on the website, is that after the quarterfinals, the yellow cards get wiped.
00:16:20
Zak
So...
00:16:31
DailySaintsPod
So I don't know if that means that his he doesn't serve a...
00:16:35
Zak
including or before.
00:16:36
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, I'm not clear whether that means he serves a suspension in the semifinal or it gets wiped as part of that like card amnesty. So...
00:16:46
Zak
way, it's going to mean that there's probably going to be at least some reliance on Wellington at some point and trying to get him back.
00:16:50
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:16:51
Zak
And as you said, he sitting he was in open training the other day, right? So he should be ready to come back soon.
00:16:55
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:16:56
Zak
But I'd imagine for the importance of this game, I wouldn't be surprised if Manning starts.
00:17:01
DailySaintsPod
Stays. Yeah. Okay. Fair enough. Moving then on up into the middle of the park. The presumption being that Downs comes straight back in.
00:17:09
Zak
Correct. i i just I'd assume so, considering obviously he probably wouldn't have been out if it wasn't for the fact that he had suspension at the end of the day.
00:17:11
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. Yeah.
00:17:16
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, definitely being an essential part of our championship run and always a a key player. Who, I don't know, the competition's real tough about how you play alongside him.
00:17:30
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:17:31
Zak
probably start Charles. You he came on as a sub the other day. think he's probably got it in him for this. Yander did play really well, though. I think he's kind of come back to...
00:17:38
DailySaintsPod
right So did Bragg, man. Bragg was my man of the match for Arsenal.
00:17:41
Zak
Bragg, Bragg. Yeah, but obviously...
00:17:42
DailySaintsPod
This is the thing, right?
00:17:43
Zak
obviously
00:17:43
DailySaintsPod
All three of those players have played so well that it's it's really hard to drop any of them from my list.
00:17:51
Zak
I think it's he he he's very similar to Downs, in my opinion. And I think that he would end up needing...
00:17:56
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:17:58
Zak
He would probably end up needing a rest more so than the rest of them, just because of his age.
00:18:02
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:18:03
Zak
So that's the only reason I think...
00:18:03
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:18:05
Zak
It's not that I think it's a form thing. If was a form thing, I think potentially him and Downs alongside each other with with the other two coming on, potentially later on. But yeah, I think obviously...
00:18:17
Zak
Charles had a specific role to play in the Arsenal game, clearly. I think he'll probably start Rex. That's just my feeling.
00:18:24
DailySaintsPod
Okay, look.
00:18:26
Zak
I'm not bothered who starts in that position. We've been through this before, right?
00:18:28
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. The other people position
00:18:29
Zak
like this is i'm guessing I'm guessing who. I'm not going to be upset by anybody that does.
00:18:34
DailySaintsPod
100% like the the enviable position that we've not had really in any position anywhere else on the park ever in my memory of you can take any of the five players we have available in this position and put them on the pitch and I'm absolutely 100% okay with it.
00:18:50
DailySaintsPod
Great. what What great time we are in.
00:18:52
Zak
Yes.
00:18:53
DailySaintsPod
Right. Moving further up the pitch.
Player Selection Considerations
00:18:56
DailySaintsPod
look Azaz is clearly an important part of all of our plans all the time I thought he was quietly excellent like in an under the radar way against Arsenal
00:19:02
Zak
yes
00:19:07
DailySaintsPod
but it went noticed by me. i thought he was very, very good. the The things he sees in a game a speed that no one else does is what impresses me.
00:19:18
DailySaintsPod
Some of the balls that he will find, and the passes he will make, are going to be huge for us, and I wouldn't expect him to be dropped in this instance. I suspect that he would be playing as many minutes as he physically can for the rest of the season.
00:19:35
DailySaintsPod
a
00:19:35
Zak
Yeah.
00:19:35
DailySaintsPod
Unless you disagree.
00:19:35
Zak
I can cut. There's not really else much else we can say there.
00:19:37
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, good. No, that's it.
00:19:43
DailySaintsPod
Matzki coming straight back in on the right, or does Fellows do enough to keep his place?
00:19:45
Zak
I... I think Fellows did really, really well. i and The only reason that I could see him being dropped for Matsky is just fitness. That is literally it.
00:19:54
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, just watching minutes.
00:19:55
Zak
Yeah. and He might come on later on. But, you know, I think i think he he performed at the level that I think we have been expecting him to perform at against Arsenal, right?
00:19:58
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:20:04
Zak
And he he created one of the goals. And as much as Shea Charles, you know, scored it, it was fellows that set up. And let's not forget that.
00:20:11
DailySaintsPod
yeah yeah fantastic yeah
00:20:12
Zak
So, and you know, and he had a few pops on his own. It's just a shame that, you know, can't score those. That's probably the one thing I will say with Matski is that when he has he has had more pops that he has scored as opposed fellows. So who knows? But I wouldn't be upset with either of them, really. I think it's quite nice that we have a we have that position now with more depth than we originally ever intended it to be.
00:20:34
Zak
because it's not really a place that I ever expected to see Matsuki play as well as he has. And obviously, Fellows was for so long having to play this kind of right wing-back position. He seems to flourish far more in that in the position he's being played in now.
00:20:44
DailySaintsPod
o
00:20:48
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:20:48
Zak
So yeah,
00:20:48
DailySaintsPod
He's a player that loves to dribble at players, so if you take away the need, or not necessarily the need to defend, but as much of the defensive responsibility as was burdened on him, it just frees him up to do what he does best.
00:21:00
Zak
Just it depends.
00:21:01
Zak
I'm sure that Tondo had a look at who Rexham are most likely to play and match them up accordingly.
00:21:06
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, but yeah, you're right. Either of those names on the starting line-up, no concerns. Yeah.
00:21:15
DailySaintsPod
another interesting decision on the left, right? Leo or Sammy?
00:21:19
Zak
I think...
00:21:20
DailySaintsPod
feel like if Leo's fit, he'll start, right?
00:21:20
Zak
I don't know... Yes, and I think that's the difficulty because it's like, has he been nursing an injury? Did he come back specifically for the Arsenal game? We still don't know what really he picked up other than sort of like, you know, he he went off, there was a scan.
00:21:39
Zak
We never got the results of the scan. but he was out for the whole of the international break because it was a break and then he kind of came back and we we we didn't expect it. You were talking about that big conspiracy theories.
00:21:50
Zak
I didn't believe you. You would turned out to kind of be right because he did come back to Arsenal and played absolutely phenomenally. Will he be able to get that gas back in the tank by Tuesday?
00:22:03
Zak
Maybe, maybe not. If not, do we see a dozy start there? Potentially. We know that these other he's obviously done some other wild and wacky things recently. You might end up seeing Azaz moved over and potentially Archer come in the middle if that is the case. But I don't know why, because I think a dozy is also the right to start if Sienza is out.
00:22:24
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly. i feel like if Leo is able to put in at least 45 minutes, Leo starts because it's Leo.
00:22:34
Zak
yep
00:22:34
DailySaintsPod
and And, you know, that's a credit that he has bought by how good he has been across the whole season. Yeah. That said, Sammy is exciting when he comes on and is, I think, playing a very good standard. Clearly benefits from being surrounded by a team full of confidence.
00:22:55
Zak
Yes.
00:22:55
DailySaintsPod
You know, got the assist for that crucial goal at West Brom. Just looks sharp when he comes on. And if he starts...
00:23:03
Zak
Doesn't look like he was out for as long as he was, I think is the most surprising thing to me.
00:23:05
DailySaintsPod
No, that was it. Yeah, most important part.
00:23:08
Zak
It almost feels like he was on loan and came back as opposed to hadn't played for like six months.
00:23:11
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:23:14
Zak
And that is that is a credit to him for keeping himself that well conditioned to be able to just slot straight back in and play very, very well, you know.
00:23:18
DailySaintsPod
Yeah,
00:23:21
DailySaintsPod
absolutely. And, uh, yeah, another one, mate, where honestly i be happy with either name. This is great.
00:23:30
Zak
Stuart or Laren? I don't mind.
00:23:31
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. That's it. Right. Yeah.
00:23:32
Zak
Both of them could do the job. Both of them could score.
00:23:35
DailySaintsPod
I would expect Laren, right.
00:23:35
Zak
I'd expect... Yeah, yeah I'd expect Laren because obviously he'll have a few days after because obviously they said that Stuart would probably end up starting due to Laren's international travel.
00:23:48
Zak
He'd have had a few days back now because he did look pretty tired against Arsenal obviously still did still did a bit of the job and obviously Stuart scored the other day so it's like...
00:23:52
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:23:57
Zak
but i don't mind.
00:23:57
DailySaintsPod
Happy day.
00:24:00
Zak
Genuinely don't. That's what's wonderful to know, isn't it?
00:24:03
DailySaintsPod
well great What great belief that
00:24:07
Zak
Yes. Agreed. From
Confidence in Team Selection and Performance
00:24:09
Zak
both of us. we it's It's worrying, though. Because now, in games like this, we've waffled quite a lot.
00:24:09
DailySaintsPod
we've managed to develop with our team that is not something that we've seen previously.
00:24:14
DailySaintsPod
It's crazy, isn't it?
00:24:18
Zak
I'm not going lie, we've waffled a bit. We've waffled quite a bit about momentum and the importance of this and the other. And then, i'll talking about the team sheet, almost feels like we've just named all of the players in our squadron.
00:24:30
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, just any of them can play. It's fine. High belief, whatever.
00:24:32
Zak
Who will Don't mind. Whoever decides to pick.
00:24:34
DailySaintsPod
Doesn't matter. Any of them. In Condor, we trust.
00:24:37
Zak
right
00:24:37
DailySaintsPod
Whatever 11 he names. Look, if he wants to play Mark Kitman up front, go for gold. I believe it'll work.
00:24:45
Zak
Maybe we see Romeo at some point this season.
00:24:48
DailySaintsPod
Maybe. right
00:24:48
Zak
We'll all go, oh, okay, maybe we won't.
00:24:49
Zak
Who knows? But yeah, I think that's just a testament to what a good time we're having where we're not having to get annoyed at personnel decisions that end up going wrong.
00:25:00
Zak
Because as far as we're concerned, all the personnel at the moment that are left at the club are are doing their best. And that is all we ever asked, as you point it out constantly.
00:25:08
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, 100%.
Historical Match Data and Predictions Against Wrexham
00:25:10
DailySaintsPod
Right, mate, before I ask you for your prediction on how you think it's going to go, as always, i'm going to throw it over to my stats website, who are going to break it down with their wealth of historical data.
00:25:25
DailySaintsPod
Head-to-head, historically, they have one match for Wrexham versus Saints, and it was this season.
00:25:26
Zak
Yes.
00:25:33
DailySaintsPod
So it's not going to be a particularly lengthy analysis. In fact, the entire summary which normally goes on and on and on about what are good bets and what our bad bets, says.
00:25:47
DailySaintsPod
this is This is the entire length of it. Wrexham versus Southampton, game week 41. A near-even market with a clear banner. This one will probably deliver both goals at a brisk pace, but the edge probably goes to the home advantage of Wrexham.
00:26:03
DailySaintsPod
More than the odds suggest. that's That's it. That's the entire thing. No...
00:26:09
Zak
what What it's saying is there is a football match taking place and we are going to give the advantage to the home team because that's usually the team that has the but but higher advantage.
00:26:14
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:26:17
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. Look, if you look at the rest of the stats, all of the things it likes to look at and present, they're pretty even, right?
00:26:19
Zak
Perfect. What summary.
00:26:27
DailySaintsPod
Like, we have... so We score on average 1.7 goals a match. They score on average 1.8. We so concede They concede Like, it's...
00:26:40
DailySaintsPod
its Marginal, it's close. It's going to be tough for us. Our current form is obviously exceptional. In the league, we're talking about four wins and draw.
00:26:53
DailySaintsPod
Their form, wins, three wins. two losses and a draw. So you know, its it's one of those things.
00:27:04
DailySaintsPod
It's going to come down to what happens on the night. Like we say, lots of variables, lots of mentality and focus to the potential to slip up, tough place to go.
00:27:15
DailySaintsPod
With
Potential Game Outcomes Discussion
00:27:15
DailySaintsPod
all of that mitigation out of the way, Zach, how are you feeling? What do you think is going to happen? Yeah.
00:27:21
Zak
I think it might end up being three two and I think it's going to be a really hard thought hardfor battle and then we're going to want it just a little bit more last minute Right. As much as would be the dream for them to get back to back to back to back to back to back promotions, I don't know if that's necessarily going to be the case. But with us, it's, you know, I still think that they're going to fight and it's going to be tit for tat. And then eventually we score a winner last minute. That's what I've kind of feel.
00:27:47
Zak
So yeah, 3-2.
00:27:47
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:27:48
Zak
don't know why.
00:27:50
DailySaintsPod
who Where are those girls coming from?
00:27:52
Zak
I don't really know anymore. I really struggle to guess where we come from because we score from all over the park. So one one from a striker, one from Shea Charles, and why not like a winner from from Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
00:28:07
Zak
Sorry, did I get you there?
00:28:07
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. let's get drink That enjoyed that. Yeah. Yeah, sha charles bager a a striker scoring a goal, and what, a set piece, I'm guessing, if Harwood-Bellett is entering it in?
00:28:18
Zak
yeah but Yeah, like a last-minute corner, we managed to grab and Taylor Harbour-Bellis scores it. I'll be fine with that.
00:28:23
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, that'd be great. Nice, 3-2.
00:28:26
Zak
It creates a bit of drama, you know?
00:28:27
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, that's a high-scoring affair for a Tuesday night.
00:28:31
Zak
Yeah, why not? we did We like midweek game. Interesting.
00:28:34
DailySaintsPod
yeah Yeah, we do like a midweek game, something crazy. I'm going to go completely in the opposite direction, mate. I think that with with all of the hype and excitement after the Arsenal game, and, you know, Wrexham being and what they are, this is one of those games that on paper should be a very good game, and in reality is probably going to be a bit flat.
00:28:39
Zak
Interesting.
00:28:55
Zak
Yeah, i think it's going to be boring.
00:28:56
DailySaintsPod
Long Easter weekend, you know, lots of wind out of sails. Just, yeah, I think it's going to be a bit meh.
00:29:06
DailySaintsPod
A bit of a tough thought game. And I think 1-0 Saints. Just probably a goal in the like middle of the first half. It's when we seem to score well.
00:29:19
DailySaintsPod
Like somewhere between the 20th and 35th minute. just to be real specific and granular so when it goes wrong it's irrelevant anyway and yeah Azaz will score yeah yeah yeah it feels like as safe a safer bet as any yeah Azaz to score in the 28th minute 1-0 and that'll be clip of the year if that comes true yeah
00:29:36
Zak
Okay. I mean, it's like our top scorer, right, at this point, so... Sure.
00:29:53
Zak
and Yeah, at that point, we we should start selling like you know selling our our future tip books and everything.
00:29:57
DailySaintsPod
but look Yeah, I don't mate. I think we've got 413 episodes of backlog that proved that it would be a fluke
00:30:08
Zak
Oh, you're right. You have predicted like one correct score out of something like however many matches.
00:30:13
DailySaintsPod
I don't think I've ever got one right, honestly.
00:30:16
Zak
Oh, mate.
00:30:16
DailySaintsPod
I genuinely don't think I have. a
00:30:21
DailySaintsPod
But look, you write off a whole season of that because I kept predicting Saints to win in the Premier League, right?
00:30:26
Zak
Yeah, that was, that was your fault.
00:30:26
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:30:28
Zak
You're right. You would have predicted at least two wins. The scores were be incorrect, but the wins that we got against Edmonton and Ipswich, definitely you would have done.
00:30:35
DailySaintsPod
That's it.
00:30:36
Zak
good job.
00:30:37
DailySaintsPod
But yeah, look, I guess I hope you're more right. I'd love it to be a more entertaining game. I just, I don't know. Just just a feeling I've got. but
Engagement and Social Media Encouragement
00:30:46
Zak
Okay.
00:30:47
DailySaintsPod
But look, I look forward to to it however it plays out.
00:30:50
DailySaintsPod
And that's the joy of it. But look, that's all we've got time for in our preview today. So thank you everyone for listening. And as ever, thank you, Zach, for joining me.
00:31:01
Zak
Thank you, mate.
00:31:02
DailySaintsPod
Let us know your score predictions or how you think the game is going to play out in the comments or on the socials. We are Daily Saints Pod absolutely everywhere. X, Blue Sky, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook. YouTube, everywhere. Heels up. Let us know We love hearing from you. And I would love to hear if any of you are better at guessing than we are.
00:31:26
Zak
Probably.
00:31:28
DailySaintsPod
Regardless of how the game plays out, though, we will be here to talk about it afterwards. And we will do our best to do it with with joy, regardless of how it plays out. don't know. Always fun, those late night, midweek recordings, when it's all fresh and it's all raw.
00:31:48
Zak
Definitely a bit a different vibe to it, isn't it?
00:31:48
DailySaintsPod
a
00:31:50
Zak
so
00:31:51
DailySaintsPod
it's It's great. We love them. But until then, everybody, have a wonderful day. But most importantly, come on, you Saints!
00:32:00
Zak
Wey.