Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Daily Ipswich: Episode 107 - Crossover Thursday with Daily Aston Villa!
40 Plays18 days ago
For this week's Crossover Thursday Rob & James joined up with Craig Birtwistle from Daily Aston Villa to look ahead to Town's trip to Villa Park on Saturday. The lads discuss how both sides have fared in recent weeks, compare January transfer windows including Jaden Philogene's move from Villa to Ipswich and share their predictions for the game.
The Daily Ipswich Podcast, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, is the home of all your ITFC. Join us every weekday for the latest news, build-up and reaction in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
Host: Rob Binns
Guests: James Bennett & Craig Birtwistle
Zencastr
Built for quality - Designed for growth
A new era for creation is here.
The only complete audio + video platform to get best-in-class recording, intuitive editing, AI-powered growth features, and top-tier distribution tools — all in one place.
Get started for free!
We highly recommend it!
Global Sports Podcast Network
Creating the world’s first network of 30-minute daily podcasts for the world’s biggest sporting export, the English Premier League.
For advertising and sponsorship details or to learn more about the scale and demographics of our audience – email Ken Davies, VP Business & Development at:
ken.davies@globalsportspodcastnetwork.com
www.globalsportspodcastnetwork.com
Copyright | 2024 | Global Sports Podcast Network | All Rights Reserved
Recommended
Transcript
Podcast Introduction: Ipswich vs Aston Villa
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Ipswich and the Daily Aston Villa as it's crossover Thursday today. We are looking ahead to the visit of, but probably Ipswich's visit to to Villa Park at the weekend. I got there eventually in the end. I'm sort of, I'm in the blue corner today. I'm sort of, I'm also sitting in the middle field chucking the questions back and forth and say outright in the blue corner. We've got James, how you doing mate?
00:00:39
James
All good, thank you very much mate, how are you?
00:00:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do a very good mate, it's nice to... I mean, you don't share episodes very often on our podcast, so it's nice to get a couple of in close succession, so it's nice to see.
00:00:48
James
It is mate, very nice.
00:00:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
And in the claret and blue corner, we have from the daily Aston Villa, we have Craig. How you doing, mate?
00:00:58
Craig Birtwistle
doing well Paul, looking forward to the crossover.
00:01:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it should be should be a good one. We got a lot to come up. Well, obviously we'll talk in depth about both teams sort of last couple of weeks, January windows, because say we are too. two or the three most active clubs in January here here in this call today, with the exception of Manchester City, the only one we're missing on that in terms of transfer activity. So we'll cover all of that because, like I say, have been fairly significant squad changes from when we last met back in September or whenever it was. And then we'll go in later on. We'll link all that together. Obviously, we'll talk about what we say predicted lineups, any injury news we're aware of, and we'll give it our prediction for the game on
Aston Villa's Season Overview
00:01:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Saturday. but
00:01:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's start with Villa. So Craig, how's ah would you your sort of your season so far? I mean, you're still well in the fight for top four. An FA Cup fifth round clash, to say, were your heavy favorites to beat to make the quarterfinal. Champions League, top eight finish. You still haven't taken all off the back of incredible year last year. Are you still in dreamland?
00:02:00
Craig Birtwistle
We are. it's It's a funny one because it's a case of that I feel like it still could have been so much better. I feel like we've dropped some needless points. Like, for example, last time we played, we very much underestimated you and you gave us a really good performance to take a point off us.
00:02:20
Craig Birtwistle
so, and there's been other, other games where we've been in it, but not a full strength. So it's a case of, and I know you've got to allow for some, uh, continental hangovers, if you will, like, cause we seem to play terribly every time we play in Europe. And then we come back into the premier league of drop points recently against wolves. So, uh, once we get that balance, right? I feel it'll be much better because it's one of those seasons and.
00:02:47
Craig Birtwistle
from basically was it like fourth down to like 14th there's really not that many points involved in those positions so yes we are competing but we could have been clear and dry if we would have got some of those results that we didn't quite get because of continental hangover but it it just does sound a little bit from a villa fan that's saying that ah diamond shoes are too tight at the moment with We've constantly, the good things that are happening at the club. So yeah, so it's a mixed bag.
00:03:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so James, what have you saw from the outside looking in? How have you sort of ironed up Villa ah the course of the season?
Ipswich's Concerns About Facing Villa
00:03:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are you worried about this game?
00:03:29
James
Massively, of course I am. Villa are very, very, such a good side and like you said there Craig, it's a shame watching Villa after a Champions League game because they, ah for some reason, yeah like you said, who knows why, it might be You know, lack of experience, I guess, in building a team stronger for Europe. Obviously, that's clearly going to come because, yeah, very good side. Great manager, great squad. But, i' yeah, I'm absolutely worried for this weekend, and of course I am. And when we, because we did give you a game, obviously in the last game, 2-2, hell of a game as well, to be fair. But and is it going to be the same this weekend? Who knows? We'll get to that later on, I'm sure. But, yeah, I'm absolutely worried because Villa, strong team, strong team.
00:04:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Craig, would you say that consistency has been the
Villa's Inconsistency and Transfer Impact
00:04:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
problem this year? I mean, just looking at your last few results, obviously, you've had a win in the cup, win in the Champions League, with a loss and a draw in the last two Premier League games, has there been that inability to sort of put a run together that's been the problem?
00:04:31
Craig Birtwistle
Yeah, it's been consistency and the lack of strength in depth. For example, what we've struggled with all season was our right back position. We started the beginning season saying we weren't strong enough in the right back position with cash as our starter. And now it's been a case of that once cash is injured, cons has been shifting out to the right and I've always been a fan of not weakening a position to fix another problem. so But that's the counter that Unai's gone for most of the time. So he's made our centre back position weaker by shifting Kanza out to the right, by bringing in other people into that centre back position. We played Diego Carlos in there for a number of games, even though he's left footed, which froze off the balance of the back four. So, strength in depth was a big one, but that brings us to the January transfer window and
00:05:23
Craig Birtwistle
I honestly think if it was going to mark them out of 10 for the transfer window we have, I really think it's a 9 out of 10 for what we did. The players that we released, based on the players we brought in, I feel like every position got an upgrade, and now I'm actually confident after seeing our last game against Spurs in the Cup, and I know Spurs are on obviously a real bad runner form, but we saw the difference our bench could make when they came off that ah came off the bench. It's a real nice problem for Unai to have now, the fact that we have quality in positions to challenge players, like Leon Bailey, who's been, you use the word, inconsistent. He's the the king of inconsistency this year to the fact that like we need to have someone to push him
00:06:11
Craig Birtwistle
in order to get that position and unfortunately Philogene wasn't that person that you guys have seen know now now to push him in that position to get him out of his comfort zone but now he's looking at the likes of Asenio that can come off the bench and and harm him or it'll be dropped completely to be perfectly honest so I think the strength in depth is there now and we could really make a push for the last part of the season
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so you certainly had a busy window,
Villa's Signings and Club Progression
00:06:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
didn't you? It was the most thought first team personnel brought in in the league. So I think that they all we made five sign and same as us, but say one of ours was a youth team sign. And but you look at some of the names, I mean, I mean, yes, maybe their careers haven't had the path that you maybe thought they would have done a couple of years ago. And in the case of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, but they're still massive names. And that's so i mean how many how many champions leagues Asensio won, he was a key player in that It's a down era Madrid team, wasn't he? So he's clearly a player there. And obviously we've all seen it with Rashford, not in the last couple of years, but you know, he has got 20 goal seasons in him. So like getting in names like that must be, so how does that feel that like I said, you were battling relegation down to the championship only, only what two, or two years or so ago on under Gerard. Now you're signing the names like that.
00:07:29
Craig Birtwistle
Yeah, it's it's it's very surreal. It really is with the names that are coming off the bench this past week. Asensio came on and looked like a world beta as soon as he came on the field. And it really when those two came on, him and Rashford, the energy level of our team like went through the roof. It was as if like players like Rogers was like, wow, now this is someone I can play with.
00:07:54
Craig Birtwistle
and i just i saw from such a brief moment of time i think they were on the field like 20 minutes but a brief moment of time where they suddenly had these connections they knew what each other was doing i haven't been this excited about a player joining villa since paul merson and uh that's that's a while ago now do you know i mean so he's got that sort of level of ability a sensio that like just
00:08:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:08:20
Craig Birtwistle
transfixed the team it's it's superb to watch and when it comes to Rashford I agree with you you've got a potential 20 to 30 goal man season there and I feel like it's very little risk for Villa because at the end of the day he comes doesn't perform he sits on the bench if he comes in he relives his form Unai looks like a genius and captured his form back and Then it's up to Rashford, does he go back to United? Does he does he look for a bigger club? if he if feel that's quote unquote because I know he was after Barcelona in the beginning, but I actually don't even mind if he's using Villa as a stepping stone as long as he gets us what we need this season. And I honestly think, as I say, it's a win-win situation because
00:09:10
Craig Birtwistle
At the end of the day, when you feel welcome and you start playing well again, you might just convince him that this is the club for you as well. So we could have got a real bargain on our hands a play that's been out of form in recent years.
00:09:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, certainly say the quality is certainly there, isn't it? And we'll we'll talk about sort of predicted lineups later in the show. but So you've got so many options on there now that like like you said, the ones who, or the quality that's already there.
00:09:35
James
Yes.
00:09:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then this the fact that oh you said Rashford and the Centio coming off the bench. imagine So imagine saying that sort of five years or so ago and the peak of their power, as he said, they'd be both be coming off the bench for Rastam Villa in five years time.
00:09:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the, show us the unreal progress you've made under Emery, but that's coming in. that The big one going out was obviously John Duran out to Saudi Arabia. to It looked like for a while you might lose Watkins as well. was there any How does that whole situation work? Where were your where was your head during that? Do you think both
Transfer Window Success and Financials
00:10:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
are going to go? would Was there a preference for which one would go in that case?
00:10:17
Craig Birtwistle
I said, and I've said it a couple of times on our podcast, that I thought... If we were lucky to get to the summer and with both of them, it would be extremely lucky. And I expected in the summer that Uno was gonna have to make a choice whether it was one or the other anyway. I'm very disappointed in Duran for taking the money. And I know a lot of people have said the fact that like, yeah, he set up his family for life and everything. He was on 50K a year a week. it's eight Most of us are lucky to earn that in a year.
00:10:48
James
That's fun.
00:10:48
Craig Birtwistle
You know what I mean?
00:10:49
Craig Birtwistle
So it's a case of forty family up for life for me. And I feel like when people are throwing names around like Real Madrid being interested, surely as a young player, you can just hold off, be a bit more patient and wait for that.
00:11:04
Craig Birtwistle
big bid if for example when Jack left to go to Sydney I was actually not against that because he left for the right reasons he wanted to win Champions League wanted to win the Premier League he's ticked all those boxes and I think fair play to him you know I mean he wasn't gonna get that at the Villa come in coming and a hundred million financed our revolution, if you will, our change of our club. So, and now I was disappointed that Duran left, but with, as I say, that the transfer window of being a nine out of 10 for me, we've not only brought in players that are going to make a difference, but we've also ended with a profit. So come the end of the season, the PSR is going to really help us like push forward to even grow even more. And I, I,
00:11:48
Craig Birtwistle
For me, because I like the kid, I like John Duran, I really hope he can come back one day and still make the impact he will. But like, I'm a youth team coaches
John Duran's Controversial Move
00:11:57
Craig Birtwistle
trade. That's, that's what I do. And like, if, if, if I send a player from the NA team to the C team, he's not going to develop as much as he could have done. And I fear that for John Duran, if he spends a year in Saudi Arabia, it's okay for Ronaldo. He's on his retirement tour. You know what I mean? But John Duran,
00:12:16
Craig Birtwistle
well So at 21, I want him to progress. I want him to be that superstar that I think he could be. But if a year or two in Saudi Arabia is not enough when he's playing at basically championship levels at best in front of 200 fans, I don't think he's going to develop.
00:12:34
Craig Birtwistle
But to be that world star, he could have been if he stayed at a villa or he progressed to a better better club with better aspects like a Barcelona or whatever.
00:12:39
James
Yeah, that's great.
00:12:43
Craig Birtwistle
So, but the end of the day now, he's gone, he's dust. Forget his name now, we move on.
00:12:51
James
Fair play. yeah
00:12:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think that's fairly put, yeah. It makes a lot of sense, like you say, the fact to have, we look at the names, to have a window where you bring in so a Champions League finalist in Marlin.
00:13:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've already spoken about Rashford Asensio, Dizazian from Chelsea, you say, Andres Garcia as well, who can contribute towards that right back problem, so to do all of that and come away with a hefty profit, then that's some window that, isn't it?
00:13:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm saying, yeah, exactly.
00:13:18
James
window as well. Unbelievable. Bye.
00:13:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's very impressive work and so you can see it really kicking on on the pitch on the from as on what's left of the season but hopefully hopefully maybe good give it a delay this weekend and then maybe it can start next weekend. We've covered Villa there, we're going to have a quick break now here from one of one of the sponsors and then when we come back we'll be delving into the Ipswich side of things.
00:13:54
Craig Birtwistle
Thank you.
00:14:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are back for the second part of today's crossover Thursday.
Ipswich Town's Challenging Season
00:14:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
So James, I'm going to ask you now, obviously our listeners, or here would have heard these thoughts plenty of times, but for some daily Aston Villa listeners who are maybe hearing your voice for the first time, why don't you sort of give a quick summary on our season so far and what the atmosphere around the club's like?
00:14:35
James
Right, what a summer in our season, Jesus.
00:14:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
system
00:14:40
James
I don't know mate. Look, I mean, I think what we can safely say, genuinely, and I honestly think a lot of football fans just around will think this anyway, it's not like we're getting battered every week, we're playing well.
00:14:54
James
and we've definitely got it in us to stay up, I really do think, I still believe that, I really do believe that. and Because you know, you look at teams like, I don't know, well obviously Leicester at the minute and they've they've not got too much I don't think, I think we've got more on the locker than they do. I might be sticking my neck out here but I think we've got more on the locker than Wolves do as well to be completely honest. and But to some about season,
00:15:21
James
m Probably a little disappointing at the minute to let us be completely honest. Obviously, yeah, we're in relegation. A lot of people probably didn't expect that. But I just think with some of the results with how we've played,
00:15:35
James
ah ah think that's more of the disappointing thing especially from our last obviously. We're over it now we say with through gritted teeth but we're over the Southampton result now I think we've got to get through that because that was an absolute kick in the teeth and that was a bit of a stall on our season already I think. and But we've had some good results along the way as well and like I say we are playing some good football and we've made a couple of good signings as well, I believe in the January transfer window. I think Godfrey's a good signing, I do. I think that's a very good signing. Obviously I don't think it's quite a 9 out of 10, the same as Villadare Craig, because what a window you've had, absolutely fair play. But um yeah, I think we've still got enough Philogene, obviously. Craig, you probably know a little bit more about him anyway. But um in fairness, I'll ask you this yourself anyway,
Jaden Philogene's Potential at Ipswich
00:16:24
James
to be fair. what
00:16:26
James
because we obviously was looking at him last season for the in the summer transfer window from Hull and you matched the bid, brought him back. What is it you think didn't work about that move coming back to you because obviously we've then had the re-interest and he has come this time but there was obviously something that maybe didn't quite work going back to Villa, but I'm not too sure what it what could really be.
00:16:52
Craig Birtwistle
It's a tough one because if you watch him play when he played against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, when we beat Bayern Munich, he was phenomenal to the point where we were saying, okay, Bailey's not performing.
00:16:59
James
Yeah Yeah
00:17:03
Craig Birtwistle
Let's start for the G. And we said that multiple times on this podcast. And it just didn't happen then. And I think it's down to the fact that he's a right wing and not a right midfielder.
00:17:14
Craig Birtwistle
right or winger basically in general so and the issue was because we play more of a 4-4-2 I don't think it suited him I think he is with your 4-2-3-1 I think he's gonna into that position a lot better I think he's gonna
00:17:27
James
yeah
00:17:32
Craig Birtwistle
because he was in and out the team a lot as well I don't think he ever found his feet so I think it's like once he gets minutes behind him so I was like pleased that he went to a club like Ipswich where I expect him to get 60 minutes each week at at best at least you know I mean so I do think he has that potential to be a good Premier League winger
00:17:53
James
yeah
00:17:55
Craig Birtwistle
However, I just don't think he was given that opportunity. I think Bayley was considered the number one and when Bayley was struggling, Philadine wasn't really given the reins, but when he did as well, he didn't really take them and run as well. So it's, I do wish him the best and I think he's a good kid and I think he has a lot of potential. If you can find that played in a Bayern Munich, it gives which fans will love him.
00:18:18
James
Yeah, absolutely fair play. Well, fingers crossed that we can absolutely get we can get the best out of him because, like I say, our window wasn't the worst, I'm i'm happy with the window and he's a very good sign and if if he can be any kind of difference moving forward, yeah, we'll absolutely take it, of course we will.
00:18:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so our window is very good. for so I think I said it at the end of the window so and I said it's the best way I can put it really is that my problem with our window wasn't the business we'd done.
00:18:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that was very good. It was the business we didn't do. There were some key positions that wasn't picked up.
00:18:52
James
Yeah.
00:18:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, you mentioned Craig, well, obviously in the summer, your Villa fans felt right back was an area of target and there wasn't really anything done about it. And we'd come into this window thinking we need a midfielder and we need a striker and then as as much as we did need another winger and and a centre-back option that that we went and got.
00:19:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we we were hardly even linked with midfielders and strikers.
00:19:17
James
or
00:19:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, you look at Saturday, with the example that we're 4-1 up against a championship team. George Hurst is running to race. And we bring Liam Dalapon.
00:19:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because we haven't got anybody else. like there's We're risking an injury to a key player for the second 10-minute cameo because we haven't got another striker option.
00:19:30
James
No one else.
00:19:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
so Is that, and so that's, that's a bit of a concern for us coming into it, James, but obviously that current result ended a run, a horrible runner form in that.
00:19:41
James
Clips him.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
i So we say we have been playing well, but it was three really poor performances in a row. And we broke that up with the commentary game, but obviously plenty of changes there. So do you think James, that we can sort of carry that into a bit, a bit of confidence maybe into the game this weekend?
00:20:05
James
I think, yeah, absolutely I do, because obviously... You look at, like you say, I'll pass three results. Fair enough, yeah, it's Man City and Liverpool, but, you know, there's only so many times you can have that as an excuse. I guess we're a Premier League team now. We still need to be putting in performances of a Premier League team and against them two, we didn't. Like we looked like a championship side who went up to the game. Fair enough, yeah, 6-0, 4-1, but that's because we weren't, we just didn't look up to it. And in Southampton, again, it wasn't good enough.
00:20:37
James
it it was a championship performance he was a bit ridiculous to be honest we're at home against the bottom club who were threatening to beat Darby's record which is mental and we just give them another win so Yeah we absolutely needed this hopefully we can take this momentum because commentary are a decent little side as well and i' obviously you can say you know this yeah still championship all of this all of that but Lampard's done a hell of a job there in the last few months and he's really got them looking like a playoff candidate so and the 4-1 win against them at their place. Yeah, it's a good win. And yeah, I'm hoping we can take the momentum. We should be able to take the momentum, but it's always tougher than against Villa. You know what I mean? So it's going to be a tough game, but i think we I think we can take some momentum and at least put in another good Premier League performance this weekend anyway.
00:21:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he hopes so. So it's not many games we score four goals, is there? I think they've been been in nearly a year since we last done it.
00:21:31
James
No, yeah.
00:21:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's nice to see a few goals, so there has been a problem. But just to wrap up this second part, I'll ask you Craig, there's a question I always like to ask when we do these crossovers. a sort of From your outside perspective, what do you think of Ipswich this year, and like has your sort of opinion on us as a club or maybe how we you think we might do this season.
Ipswich's Premier League Potential
00:21:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Has that changed since we went into the game at Portland Road all those months ago?
00:21:59
Craig Birtwistle
You know, it's it's funny when when you think of 20 Premier League teams, like I don't know if it's just because of my youth or anything, but I consider Ipswich a Premier League team.
00:22:10
Craig Birtwistle
Do you know what I mean? Like when you consider those 20 black teams that should be there year out, year out, I do consider Ipswich one of them.
00:22:11
James
Good day.
00:22:16
Craig Birtwistle
I've got fond memories of a kid going to Villa Park, seeing Ipswich, for example. So yeah, I do consider them a Premier League team and I feel the season from an outsider looking in was more the case of, it started a lot of promise and then it kind of slipped away a little.
00:22:36
Craig Birtwistle
And like you've had some big results like, was it Arsenal you beat? No, new where was it?
00:22:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Chelsea.
00:22:43
Craig Birtwistle
Yeah, you beat Chelsea, that was it, yeah. So great with Logan's Chelsea and then like, as you say, you go and lose to Southampton. So it's like, it's where where do you fit? and i really hope that like you're the type of club that i want to stay up because i feel like You're that supporters club.
00:23:01
Craig Birtwistle
Do you know what I mean? It's nothing fancy. It's nothing. It's all about the supporters. It's all about that, that local town. so I do hope you stay up and you've got some quality players in your team.
00:23:13
Craig Birtwistle
Like I'm a big fan of the lap, uh, to zombie, uh, your right back as well. I think it does, does a shift. You know what I mean?
00:23:19
James
Yeah.
00:23:20
Craig Birtwistle
I don't know how you pronounce his name. Is it could just could just, uh, sentiment. Yeah. Uh, like he, yeah, I,
00:23:26
James
Yeah, I could use that.
00:23:29
Craig Birtwistle
I've watched him a few times, I feel he has a good control of the game. So I think you've got some players that you can definitely build around. And, it's one of those, like, we stayed up by the skin of our teeth that one year with the Sheffield United non-goal. and we, you know what I mean? And all you need is that little bit of look at times and it can help build you. You know what I mean? And then like look at teams, like there was a snapshot not too long ago, someone took up the league and it was like Villa, Brentford, Forrest, all in the line and a few others. And it was basically the championship table five years ago.
00:24:03
Craig Birtwistle
You know what I mean? So it is doable because everyone keeps saying about how the gap between the championship and the Premier League is growing. That's why for the first time ever, all three went down last season and it's potentially could happen again.
00:24:18
Craig Birtwistle
But like that shows me there is there is opportunities if your clubs run well. And I do think Ipswich is one of those clubs. And I do think you have potential for safety. It's certainly no guarantee. And if you can find that form where you have a bit more consistency, I think there's definitely a chance.
00:24:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that's interesting to say. I always love asking that question on these crossover episodes. But that wraps up the second part of today's episode. We're going to have another quick break for a message from one of our sponsors. And when we come back, we'll be talking about the game itself and how we see it plan out.
00:24:57
James
You're welcome.
00:25:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we are back for the final part of today's crossover Thursday between daily Aston Villa and daily Ipswich.
Match Expectations: Villa vs Ipswich
00:25:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we we spoke about how we both look coming into the game and it's a bit about seasons so far and everything. So and let's talk about the game itself. So I'll go to you first Craig, you know, Villa as the home team, do you expect them do you expect Villa to be the team who sort of set the pace of the game and hold the majority of the ball?
00:25:45
Craig Birtwistle
Yes, mainly because we didn't play in Europe this past week.
00:25:49
James
grand
00:25:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Haha.
00:25:53
Craig Birtwistle
We do stand a chance at that. The one thing I've been very critical of the Villa recently is the fact that we have this very methodological way of playing right and it's very slow, it's very fought out, it's very based.
00:26:08
Craig Birtwistle
But this past week against Tottenham, we actually started with pace, with vigour and we actually took it to Spurs. But then as soon as we got the goal, we went back in our showers again and we allowed Spurs to come back at us. And I think with the type of players we've got now, I would like a bit more of us putting the foot foot on the pedal and going for it.
00:26:30
Craig Birtwistle
not sitting back and waiting for those opportunities but take the game by the scruff of the neck if you will because I think we have the players to be able to do that. Unfortunately, I don't think that's a nice type of style, and I'm not going to be here here and criticize the king, if you know what I mean. and ah ah it's It's as simple as that. I would like to see a bit more of that from the team. And I feel the reason we've conceded so many goals is this approach as well. We really struggle with clean sheets.
00:27:00
Craig Birtwistle
the last time we played I came in with very high hopes and Ipswich basically knocked us down to earth you had a real good performance obviously it's a little bit different going away from home so I do expect us to win and but I did expect us to win last time as well with us struggling to keep clean sheets though I would go with a 2-1 win to the villa
00:27:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So James, obviously, do you agree with the point about, say, Villa will
Ipswich's Away Game Advantage
00:27:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
set the standard? But then also, does that play into our hands? Because there's no hiding. We've been a better away team than we have a home team this season.
00:27:34
James
with Yeah, well, it's exactly that. I think think i mean Craig's absolutely right. they're They're obviously going to control the game. They're going to give it to us, obviously, Villa at home. But what we do have in our locker for this season, we are we have been, annoyingly, we have been better away from home. i So I think that might play in into us a bit. We'll have a few chances on the counter, 100%, because that seems to be our were forte at the minute, scoring anyway.
00:28:04
Craig Birtwistle
It's our thoughts, I think.
00:28:04
James
it's it yeah yeah but i think i think it'll be it's gonna be it's gonna be a really really tough game to be honest because i think like in fairness like craig said as well no champions league they're gonna be fresh they're gonna be up for it these new signings as well are gonna be up for it because it's the first premier league game that's that's so different from an fa cup game you know i mean i know they played spares but it said it's Premier League and if Rashford plays he's going to want to make a difference in that game because it's Premier League. Asensio is going to want to make his mark on that game. If De Sasse plays he's going to want to show Chelsea what they're missing as well. It's going to be a really big struggle I think but like I say we are very good on the road, we look good on the road, we look strong, we look more comfortable at the minute on the road so
00:28:58
James
And we're gonna go for a nipswitch win? No I don't think so, I'll be completely honest. I'll... I'll stick my neck out and say I think we might nick a draw. I think it might be a 2-2 again. But if I go with my head, probably 2-1, but I'll go with my heart.
00:29:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
since
00:29:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. So dilemma, we have to do a lot on this podcast, isn't it? That we have sit down and do these predictions and you you want to say that you want to be positive every week.
00:29:20
James
Exactly.
00:29:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
We tried it for a while.
00:29:25
James
exactly
00:29:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
I tried it on him. I tried it for a run at two or three games. And the first of that was, I said, we'd beat Newcastle and we would see in the first 30 seconds and lost four nil. So it didn't last very long, that ah ah positivity element.
00:29:38
James
Yeah. I do think we'll stop there.
00:29:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But to to wrap up today's show then.
00:29:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
its a Yeah.
00:29:42
James
I do think we'll stop.
00:29:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hope we do. We don't get many, though especially recently.
00:29:46
James
Yeah.
00:29:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
But to wrap up then, let's talk lineups. So the problem with these, with Ipswich as a club, is that we're not very public on the old injury news.
00:29:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
So for all we know, we could say someone's going to play. And it turns out they got a knock against Coventry. But James, I'll go you first.
00:30:03
James
we
00:30:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
How are you sort of, are you expecting with the lineup, really, that My fellow jeans, the main talking point, isn't it? Back to his old club. Will he start and just give us a quick run through what your best guess at the 11 would be?
00:30:19
James
My best guess, to be honest, so I'll just start. Yeah, I'll start with keeper, obviously. Palmer has to start. I mean, he hed made some good saves against Coventry and Slick is not quite good enough, I don't think, yet to give a go, especially against Villa.
00:30:32
James
Muirich can do one at the minute. And Walton is obviously injured, so it's got to be Palmer.
00:30:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
for
00:30:37
James
He's been brought in to replace Muirich, which is ridiculous anyway, but we move on from there. Yeah, got my power starting and then at the back, obviously Davis has to be im very good left back, he's unbelievable really, we're a big fan. At the back, where it's sent her back, I mean Greaves and I mean it's going to be, I'll share you know, I reckon to be honest, they then them two are looking quite strong now to be honest.
00:31:06
James
yeah which I'm really happy with, because at the start of the season, O'Shea, I mean Richard, the another fellow on our podcast, he was not a fan of O'Shea at all, but he's slowly coming around and I think he's he's starting to look a bit better, so that's that's always good. Antoine Zabe, he's the Rolls Royce at the back there, is he's unbelievable, it's got it's got to be him.
00:31:27
James
and if He's going to start in a minute. We've got a lot of options which is for the wingers, which is a nice problem to have. Absolutely. It's a great problem to have. But is it going to be Hutch? I don't know if it is because he's not looked great in previous weeks. But then because it's Villa, will it be Philogene? It's a tough one. It really is a tough one. I think McKenna's going to start Hutchinson again.
00:31:55
James
and maybe bring Phila Jean on later but I think he's going to start Hutch again. On the left I'd start Clarke because of how well he played against Coventry. I think he did well, so i'd give I'd give him a go.
00:32:08
James
and and what shes What's his name from Brighton and Cisco? was it
00:32:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
and say
00:32:15
James
but we yeah and she swallow yeah
00:32:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Caesar.
00:32:17
James
I'd start him through the middle, because his little cameo that he had on in our first game, very lively. so He looks a really, really good player, so I'd i'd have him. Of course, up top, the lap. He's got to be more as introduced. Has to be, for me.
00:32:35
James
yeah
00:32:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep, so i can't say I can't say I disagree too much on that one. What about from the Villa point of view Craig, do you think any of the new lads will be in from the start or do you want to run us through your best guess at the 11 we'll see at Villa Park?
Speculating Villa's Lineup
00:32:50
Craig Birtwistle
Yeah, Unai's very strict with what he does with his signings. He lets them embed into the club club a lot slower than a lot of other managers. I think he wants to give them the time to find their feet, understand the way we play. However, I do think his hand is going to be forced in our defense because it looks like we're still without Kanza, without without Maddy Kash.
00:33:18
Craig Birtwistle
So it looks like our back four will still be very makeshift. So I expect to see the world's number one in goal still, Emi Martins.
00:33:26
James
of
00:33:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm hmm.
00:33:28
Craig Birtwistle
I expect Garcia to continue right back in exchange for Maddy Cash. Bugatti was playing as centre-back in our game against Spurs, but I think it's probably time for Dassasi to actually make his debut. So I would expect him to go in there with a makeshift centre-back, which I'm very not pleased with playing there, but he's done a job at least, his Camara, because he's our best midfielder, but we're having to put him in centre-back at the moment. expect Luca Dean to continue at the left-back with Meghin, Tealemans and Rodgers making up at midfield three.
00:34:04
Craig Birtwistle
I think Asensio will start over Bailor just because the fans are going to want to see it. And then Jacob Ramsey on the left.
00:34:13
Craig Birtwistle
And I'm hearing that Watkins is going to be good for the weekend. I don't know if that's true or not. But if he is, after I imagine Watkins will start.
00:34:21
James
Oh, no.
00:34:23
Craig Birtwistle
If not, it'll be a male enough.
00:34:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so certainly say some good strength in there.
00:34:28
James
Oh, it's real.
00:34:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you're talking about some of the players who are coming out and you hear the names are coming in instead. Oh God, I'm putting a view for it's going to be an interesting game.
00:34:36
James
Yeah.
00:34:39
James
What is this?
00:34:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was a very entertaining watch last time around the Portland Road. So let's hope with nothing else, we get another entertaining one again. Craig's gone for a villa win.
00:34:48
James
Hmm.
00:34:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
James has gone for a draw. I want to go with James, but I think I'm going to have to go with Craig.
00:34:52
James
shit
00:34:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
sure I've tried this optimism thing. It didn't work. I'm hoping now if I go pessimistic that maybe it works the other way and that means we go and win because i've I don't know what else to try.
00:35:00
James
six
00:35:04
James
I'll try it, gotta try it mate.
00:35:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know what else to try at this point, but thank you lads for joining me on today's crossover episode. It's been a great laugh. It was very, very enjoyable as it as it was earlier in the season when we got together as well.
00:35:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
but That closes it in. Make sure you check out both podcasts, obviously Daily Ipswich, Daily Villa, whichever one you're a regular listener to, mate. Go check out the other one. It's going to be pretty much the exact same thing but for the other club.
00:35:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And so we won't meet again this season, but fingers crossed we will meet again next year as this season plays out.
00:35:31
James
this
00:35:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
that From me, Craig and James, thank you for listening and we will catch you on our respective podcasts tomorrow.
00:35:37
Craig Birtwistle
I hope so.