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Daily Newcastle: Newcastle vs Chelsea Sunday Breakfast Champions League Play-Off Preview
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Iain hosts Kevin and Michael to assess how we are feeling before the biggest game of the season on Sunday, to consider whether there are likely to be any changes to the perennial unchanged line-up and to assess the inplications for CL Qualification given aa win, a draw or a loss to Chelsea on Sunday.
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Transcript
Introduction and Humor
00:00:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Newcastle. My name is Ian Mackay, I'm your host and with me tonight to discuss the Newcastle-Chelsea game on Sunday, the Champions League play-off as it's been billed in certain circles.
00:00:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've got another boys night going on, I'm joined by Rafa Benitez, no I'm joined by Michael Craveslaw. How are you doing Michael?
00:00:38
Michael
I'm not going to do the accent. Yeah, I'm doing very well. Thank you very much. How about you?
00:00:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
good. Yeah, please don't do the
Significance of the Match
00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
accent. I'm still hoping nobody spotted me called Sanchez Martinez and get all the Mexican names. So you doing a Spanish accent for Rafa would probably get us cancelled immediately.
00:00:55
Michael
Yeah, let's avoid that.
00:00:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Don't do it. And also, last but by no means least, sounding even more sexually husky than normal, Kevin Esther.
00:01:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
How are you, Kevin?
00:01:09
Kev NUFC
Oh, yeah. Yeah, I thought, to be fair, I thought you were going to say, speaking of being cancelled, the man who will get us cancelled, it's Kev.
00:01:10
Michael
oh god
00:01:19
Kev NUFC
I thought you were going to go, but yeah, I'll take the huskiness.
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's all right. i don't I don't record anything before we're doing the podcast, Kev, so you're probably safe. if If I did, you wouldn't be.
00:01:28
Kev NUFC
I'm just, just, nope.
00:01:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
It would have happened months ago. Anyway, boys, we're here to preview, in my view, the most important game of the season so far, including the Carabao Cup Finals.
Chelsea's Form and Newcastle's Strategy
00:01:42
Michael
Oh.
00:01:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
and when Newcastle turn up just after breakfast to play Chelsea at midday on Sunday.
00:01:43
Kev NUFC
It's a bold statement.
00:01:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
It almost feels a bit winner-takes-all on this game. we're We're level on point Chelsea in fourth and fifth.
00:01:55
Michael
Yeah.
00:01:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Level on goal difference, even.
00:01:59
Michael
Yep.
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
We are just ahead of them by virtue of having scored two or three more goals. So we couldn't be closer. And therefore, whoever wins this game is putting themselves...
00:02:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
well ahead of the others in terms of the Champions because of course we've only got six points each to go for after that.
00:02:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, I'm feeling, having watched Chelsea dismantle Liverpool last week, I'm feeling a lot more nervous than I thought I was going to be when we were hammering Ipswich and thinking that we were just going to stroll to Champions League qualification.
00:02:18
Michael
No, I'm
00:02:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
How are you feeling? Michael, I'll come to you first because it looks like you've dozed off.
00:02:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, doesn't
00:02:41
Michael
i'm good. ah ah Yeah, no, but I'm all good. um it's It's one of those, I still feel fine. um Chelsea, yes, they won against Liverpool. They won against a Liverpool side that resembled the big market on a Friday night.
00:02:55
Michael
ah Not disorientated, people couldn't stand, there were people filing, I had a lot.
00:02:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:03:00
Michael
What a sight. But the main thing for me, and I always like a good stat, in Newcastle, our top of the form table, we're class. In the away form table, Chelsea are 18th.
00:03:13
Michael
So at home, they've been brilliant. But away from home, they've been on par with, I think it was West Ham, who have been terrible, and the only teams worse than them have been Leicester and Southampton. So three points for the Mags on Sunday.
Lineup Suggestions and Tactical Surprises
00:03:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
on par with West Ham. The West Ham, that in their worst part of their season, came to St. James' Park and won 2-0. Is that what you're saying, Michael?
00:03:35
Michael
i mean, I wouldn't say the worst part that season. Pot has made them worse. ah But yes, that West Ham.
00:03:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. Yes, OK. Kev, are you as confident as Michael is? Because if you are, I feel like I'm going much more confident at the end of this podcast than I am starting it.
00:03:52
Kev NUFC
Yeah, I'm i'm pretty confident. I mean, if we're just going off what Michael said there in terms of how it works, um you know, Chelsea drew with Ipswich at home 2-2 and we batted them 3-0. So we're going to win by at least three goals.
00:04:03
Kev NUFC
that's Everybody knows that's how football works.
00:04:04
Michael
Easy.
00:04:05
Kev NUFC
ah Exactly.
00:04:06
Michael
Exactly.
00:04:07
Kev NUFC
m and But no, I think, I don't know, it's a tough one. I genuinely think, I think it was two huge games this weekend. I think Bournemouth against Villa is huge for us. If Bournemouth win that and we beat Chelsea, Chelsea and Forest, they'll have to play each other.
00:04:23
Michael
Yeah.
00:04:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:04:23
Kev NUFC
So I think if Bournemouth win and we win, I think we've got top five, definitely. Because like I say, Forest and Chelsea both can't win on the last game of a season and I think that'll be enough. But we need Bournemouth to win and us to win to see if we've definitely got it.
00:04:39
Kev NUFC
But we've just got to kind of focus on us and i'm I'm pretty confident to be fair. I know Chelsea aren't playing any of the first teamers tonight and the in the Intertotal Cup extended edition. um But... We are, I'm still confident.
00:04:50
Kev NUFC
I
Midfield Challenges and Defensive Strategy
00:04:51
Kev NUFC
hate the kickoff time, but I just think back to the the the greatest early kickoff in history and when we beat Spurs 6-1. So let's do it again.
00:04:57
Michael
yeah
00:04:58
Kev NUFC
Let's just blow them away in the first 20 minutes. Why not?
00:05:01
Michael
Oh, I imagine.
00:05:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
It does sound like a good idea. It does sound like that we could do that.
00:05:06
Kev NUFC
I hope they've thought of it.
00:05:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
and and And I think them ah think we were misfiring when we played at Brighton, though. So maybe we'll get in the second half to look where we might be able to tweak the line-up.
00:05:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
I have a fairly revolutionary plan to tweak the line-up, which will also avoid offending any of the wingers that might get left out if he just tries to pick two wingers to start.
00:05:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's a teaser and a half, isn't it?
00:05:34
Kev NUFC
Whoa.
00:05:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Right. ah So, we're all confident, which is great. I'm going to get straight into it.
00:05:34
Michael
Yeah.
00:05:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
what about What about a starting line? I watched that Brighton game and I was frustrated as hell, delighted to get a goal in the last minute. But having listened to how Brighton fans beforehand say,
00:05:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
how scared they were of Newcastle turning up and predicting the three goal loss at home. I was disappointed that we only came over with a point. So that hasn't filled me full of confidence. I'm not normally this nervous. and You don't see any problem with how we played in the Brighton game. know you were disappointed with them in the Brighton game, Michael. Do you think there's got to be changes?
00:06:25
Michael
I think it's one of those games where Brighton this season have nullified Gamares and Tornali numerous times. They did it again. And when you were looking for other players to stand up, they struggled.
00:06:37
Michael
But I think at home against Chelsea, get keeping Bruno and Tornali out of the game is going to be so much harder. And Chelsea, Izak always turns up against Chelsea. So...
00:06:48
Michael
They're going to be more worried about him, Jacob Murphy and Barnes, they're going to be sitting there not knowing exactly who to go for. And to be fair, we might even start Anthony Gordon, who's been on the bench for the last four five games.
00:07:02
Michael
Isn't it nice having £75-80 million player just sat on the bench? You could just go, maybe we'll start them this week. Chelsea are going to be terrified and they'll be playing Conference League again next season.
00:07:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
so Oh dear, well, but unless they win the Conference League, Michael, in which case they'll be in the Europa League, and it wouldn't matter what their league position is.
00:07:24
Michael
Yeah.
00:07:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Kevin, no problem with how we played against Brighton in terms of that hanging over into a lunchtime kick-off on Sunday.
00:07:30
Kev NUFC
I don't
00:07:34
Kev NUFC
i i don't think there was no problem from my end. I wasn't especially pleased we didn't win the game or play anywhere near how we could but I just think say it all the time and i'm I'm probably too positive about this and i don't know why but Brighton defended really well and we weren't at our best and we went to a place where we have a terrible record. We've lost so many points down there in the past and we still came with a point, albeit it was a penalty and it was a stupid handball, I get But I actually thought at times, again, we had we had two penalties rightfully ruled out by VAR.
00:08:05
Kev NUFC
But I think that shows you are applying some sort of pressure to the team if you're making them dive in at them in them moments where we're very close to the box and all that type of stuff.
00:08:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm-hmm.
00:08:13
Kev NUFC
You are causing a little bit of panic by running at them and getting the ball out wide and trying something. I thought we were okay. I didn't think we were as bad as... I read some stuff online, which i don't know why I keep doing this to myself. But um there were so many idiots just saying how terrible it was. You're never going to play. How many times do have say this?
00:08:30
Kev NUFC
the start of the season, I said it when there was a bit of a blip. You're never going to play a well every game in this league. Never going to happen. No team ever does it. We didn't play well, but I still thought we did enough to earn that point.
00:08:42
Kev NUFC
um And like I said, when were 1-0 down in the group chat, thought we looked more like we'd scored the next goal. And we did buy a penalty, but I'm not especially disappointed in them. I think, personally, in terms of team-wise, I don't think I would start Gordon. I thought Barnes, I've been his biggest critic this year. I'm well aware of that.
00:09:01
Kev NUFC
But I still think he's finally had a run of games now where he looks down, he's putting a ball in with his left, he was coming inside, trying to get the shot off. I know his end product wasn't quite there against Brighton, neither was anybody's.
Impact of Substitutes and Player Fitness
00:09:12
Kev NUFC
but I'd still stick with him. I think he's earned the right to stay in the team. and And I think Gordon, maybe if he comes on with half an hour left and gets a goal or an assist, that's when he gets back in the team. But I think got to earn it at this point. And I think Barnes has done well. He's done better than I expected him to do and since that since he came in just for the game before the final against West Ham. But no, I think unchanged if there's no injuries.
00:09:36
Kev NUFC
I think give Willock another go. I know we'll come to that in part two, but yeah,
00:09:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll do that part two. I'll tell you what, I've just put my finger actually on why I'm feeling nervous at this time of the year. And it's because, if you remember, we ended up without Europe because in that three-way battle with Man United and Chelsea last year, Chelsea won their last six or seven games to accelerate away from us.
00:09:55
Michael
Yeah.
00:10:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And even though we managed to get to the sixth place and it was some
00:10:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
act of God that allowed Manchester United to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final and pinched that place from us. um I don't know. It's still it's Chelsea and they have started to put a decent run of rules results together. know you're saying the bottom of the form table, Michael, at the waveform table.
00:10:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
But their last away game was ah was a win at Fulham. And it was a win at Fulham that they trailed in for a long time and came back at the end to win. So I was quite impressed.
00:10:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's why I'm worried. But look, we don't have to dwell on Chelsea at all. we're going to talk about what Newcastle are going in this part too, what changes we might make. that I'm sure that's going to cheer me up. I'm going to go switch straight on to the Bionic advert, which I'm not going to mention any of the famous people or even the person...
00:10:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who is reading it?
00:11:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that was and a promotional message from a Canadian supplement company. Back to part two. and Now, there are I think there are options. There's certainly parts of the Newcastle fan base clamouring for a return for Anthony Gordon.
00:11:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because if we're honest, and we were just, if was the first game of the season, and we were picking our first team for Newcastle, everybody was fit, we'd all have Anthony Gordon in it. Now, he has been injured.
00:12:03
Michael
Yeah.
00:12:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's come back. He's had slightly longer cameos in each of the last three games. He did almost win a penalty as soon as he came on against Brighton. So I can understand where folk are clamouring for Gordon to start.
00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that would mean leaving either Jacob Murphy or Bobby Barnes out, which both of which seem very, very harsh. Your thoughts, Kevin?
00:12:31
Kev NUFC
and I think, obviously, i I touched on it. I don't think you can leave Barnes out. I think he's done enough since coming back in. And I quite like having Gordon off the bench at minute, especially when Barnes is doing okay. Obviously, I'd much rather have Gordon starting, like you said, if it was at the start of season, everybody's fully fit.
00:12:45
Kev NUFC
But him coming off a bench ah with half an hour left and their full-backs are tiring, look exactly what he did against Brighton. Ran at him, didn't know what to do. and that was a guy who just come off the bench. So he was fresh. He was just not used to pace of a game.
00:12:58
Kev NUFC
So I don't mind having Gordon off the bench. I think it would be absolutely criminal to drop Jacob Murphy after the season he's had. And I can't believe them words would just come off him off, actually. That's a realisation of it. I really just said it would be criminal to drop Jacob Murphy.
00:13:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:13:10
Kev NUFC
But it would be, ah genuinely would be so harsh to drop Matt for Seaside. I think the only way you're playing together, and I don't think this will happen, but it's an idea I've had kind of in my head.
00:13:21
Kev NUFC
and If Joe Linton's not fit and he's seemingly specialist and he can't make this game again, that's went very quiet. So it's got me thinking, hmm, there's a surprising inclusion of Joe Linton coming up.
00:13:34
Kev NUFC
But you could play Gordon as a number 10 and have Tonali and Bruno and almost as a double pivot and have Gordon as a 10 behind Izak. It's very aggressive. It would be very unlike Eddie Howe.
00:13:45
Kev NUFC
and It would catch Chelsea off guard and it gets Barnes on the left, Murphy on the right and Gordon behind Izak. So it gets everybody included, but um I don't think it would happen. But that would, for me, be the only option where he plays because at the minute, I think Barnes has done well enough and you just can't drop Jacob Murphy before he's in.
00:14:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's a fantastic idea, Kevin. I've never thought that. I think my, uh,
00:14:07
Kev NUFC
Get me on coaching team. Eddie gives a call. 3, 1. 4, 2,
00:14:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
my plan of, of telling the wingers that they're going to have a half each and starting Barnes and Murphy, but subbing them at half time to bring Gordon and Asula on, which, don't know, that might, that might still be what happens sometime later on in the second half. But, uh,
00:14:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I i like ill just love the way you've got Barnes and Gordon playing on the same team.
00:14:33
Kev NUFC
four two three one
00:14:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um It would mean it would mean it a little bit more defensive rigour required from Bruno than he has been doing. But he was always a number six, and it would put him closer to Tonali throughout the game, which can only be a good thing.
00:14:42
Kev NUFC
He can do it more. We've seen him do it. We've seen him do it.
00:14:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Michael? a lot A lot of points we whizzed through since Kev started talking, but I think initially I was asking about whether it's Barnes and Murphy who start or if you bring Gordon in.
00:15:06
Michael
Yeah, I think I'll touch on both what was said just there with the formations and um this as well. It sort of links in. When you look at Chelsea's midfield three, Fernandes, Saicedo and then Palmer, you kind of need a midfield three in there to tackle it, but you also need...
00:15:24
Michael
arguably your two best defending wingers at the same time, and that is Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy. um Gordon, we've seen Eddie Howe get frustrated, should I say, ah few times with um Gordon with his lack of defensive effort at times.
00:15:41
Michael
um Sometimes he's absolutely phenomenal, uses his pace to get back really quickly, but then there's a lot of times where he's just a little bit out of position.
00:15:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:50
Michael
Barnes and Murphy do excellent jobs as defensive wingers. We loved Miggy for it, um, during his purple patch season. Um, and the fact he could just hit a ball from anywhere and it would go in for a month.
00:16:01
Michael
Um, but so they're sort of, yeah, like Cissé, the last part of that 11, 12 season, just, Oh, I'm going to kick a ball and it's going to go in the back of the net.
00:16:02
Kev NUFC
turned into Andy Cole for a it's no longer a bit like Patrick Murphy
00:16:11
Michael
It was lovely. Murphy's kind of had that for two seasons now. It's, it's, it's lush.
00:16:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:16:16
Michael
Um, No, two seasons, can't complain. ah But yeah, I think with that with the strength of Chelsea's midfield, that midfield three is what you really need to nullify. You do need three players in there and you need two fairly defensive wingers to make the most of Cougar Rea's lack of defensive ability, should I say, and not a lot of pace getting forward, but still helping out that back line as well, because they are very dangerous.
00:16:42
Michael
but they've got so many mistakes in that backline, Chelsea, that as long as you can keep them tight, as long as you can keep games tight, you should win.
00:16:45
Kev NUFC
No.
00:16:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah More scarily in that midfield, I think, particularly because i rated him before he got injured and actually looked like he had approached full fitness. Caicedo, I think, played right back the last couple of games and Lavia has come into the midfield.
00:17:04
Michael
There.
00:17:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lavia sounds a bit of a... No, I won't say that.
00:17:10
Kev NUFC
No.
00:17:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
so But I think i' I rate him. I mean, he's somebody who could take Joe Linton on and we haven't got Joe Linton.
00:17:19
Michael
Yeah. Yeah.
00:17:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was excellent when he was at Southampton even. um So, yeah, I'm a bit spooked by them, but I hear what you're saying. If we've got the wingers tracking back and defending well, then you're right.
00:17:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
We should be outnumbering them in the midfield with an outlet, a reasonably sort of 10, 15 yard outlet ball, which
Podcast Quality and Zencastr Features
00:17:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
is very good.
00:17:39
Michael
yeah
00:17:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:17:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Where does Willock fit in? Is it Willock that's in the midfield? Or do we do we bring Miley in, who I think has got a lot more defensive nous about him? Stronger tackle.
00:17:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's played in the six.
00:17:55
Michael
Yeah. I think we're in a position now where with three games left, you can't really risk switching things up too much. And granted, think Willick this season has had a disappointing season.
00:18:07
Michael
I thought he was all right against Brighton, to be honest. A lot of people criticised him.
00:18:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:11
Michael
I thought first half he was actually quite good.
00:18:13
Kev NUFC
I agree.
00:18:13
Michael
Just the end product wasn't quite there.
00:18:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Probably the and best of the midfield, I thought, because Bruno and Tonali weren't just nullified, weren't they?
00:18:15
Michael
100%.
00:18:17
Michael
hundred per cent
00:18:21
Michael
Yeah, 100%.
00:18:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
um and And at least there was something coming through him.
00:18:22
Michael
and of so ah Yeah, like yeah, like that.
00:18:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
um What about the in the back line? Because Sven Mottmann must be approaching some form of fitness as well. And Fab Schaar has looked more and more injured each of the last couple of games that he's limped off in.
00:18:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I think he came off before the end, did he not, against Brighton. Was it Kraft came onto cover for him?
00:18:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
So are we at a point where Sven's got a couple of cameos under his belt?
00:18:52
Kev NUFC
Thank you.
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Would he come in to to give Fab Schaar a rest before the big Arsenal game, of course, which could be even more important if we don't win this one on Sunday?
00:19:05
Kev NUFC
Ah, youve you've you you got to you've got to keep sharring. I mean, the way we play with the ball, I know he's give the ball away and he hits these big cross-field passes and he loses, but he goes forward and he's going to give the ball away because he passes forward a lot.
00:19:18
Kev NUFC
But I think the way we play, Shah is so important. I think if he's fit, he's the first centre-half on the team sheet for me because it's...
00:19:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I agree, Kev.
00:19:25
Kev NUFC
Nobody... We've got nobody to replace him.
00:19:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Not a tactical switch. I wasn't meaning a tactical switch.
00:19:30
Kev NUFC
Yeah, yeah.
00:19:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
I meant if he's if he if by missing a game, like he's acted when we played at Liverpool and has been able to come back and play every game since, if Sian needs that fortnight break between games to be fit enough for the Arsenal and the Everton games, do you think Botman...
00:19:32
Kev NUFC
If it's an injury. Hmm.
00:19:42
Kev NUFC
now
00:19:47
Kev NUFC
I'd rather risk him for this one. I'd rather risk him for this one.
00:19:49
Michael
yeah
00:19:49
Kev NUFC
I think this this is our second cup final of the season.
00:19:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:19:52
Kev NUFC
I think because, like I say, depending on, I mean, if Bournemouth do beat Villa, we don't know. And we beat Chelsea, I think we've definitely got top five. We've got Champions League next season. So it's such a big game. I'd rather risk Sean this one and he misses the next two than he misses this one. He's just, I'd probably put him in that way.
00:20:10
Kev NUFC
top four most important players who we need in terms of the style we play. um i know he had a bit of a dip this season where he wasn't as good, but think since the final, he's been back almost.
00:20:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's come back from the final. He's been excellent, yeah.
00:20:21
Kev NUFC
Yeah, he's definitely come back.
00:20:21
Michael
Thanks, Donwell.
00:20:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has been very good.
00:20:22
Kev NUFC
So I do want to add, I think, and this sounds so stupid because he's got more than 20 goals over two seasons, but I think recently he's been a little bit off it. This game all depends on which Isaac turns up.
00:20:34
Kev NUFC
If it's for Izak who has three or four chances and only gets one goal, we might struggle. But if it's for Izak who gets three or four chances and scores three, then obviously we'll win because we'll score lots of goals. But I genuinely believe this game depends on Izak. Because I think I was a little bit disappointed with him against Brighton. I was disappointed with him against Ipswich.
00:20:51
Kev NUFC
and I think Ipswich, he could have had a heart rate against it.
00:20:51
Michael
Yeah.
00:20:54
Kev NUFC
He scored the hardest chance against Ipswich.
00:20:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
You did.
00:20:56
Kev NUFC
um
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
You did. You missed two series of the first 10 minutes.
00:20:57
Kev NUFC
And I thought Brighton, again, I thought Brighton defended really well and we did notify Izak. But again, I'm i'm expecting this the superstar get the ball and just make something happen. So it all depends on him, I think, this game. and And Michael's already made a great point the about a midfield battle. We've got a very strong midfield, but Chelsea's midfield should not be slept on.
00:21:18
Kev NUFC
I know we put Palmer in our most disappointing 11, or I did.
00:21:19
Michael
No.
00:21:21
Kev NUFC
um But he scored a goal in his last game. He's going to be right at it again. So, yeah, I think it's it's it's down to our striker in how many. i think we will create chances, but how many get put away.
00:21:31
Michael
Yeah, 100%.
00:21:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Excellent. Well, let's ah let's just dream whilst Michael tells us about Zencastr, that it's three or four that he puts away, Kev.
00:21:40
Kev NUFC
Yeah, definitely.
00:21:41
Michael
To be fair, I do just want to add on Alexander Izak before I go into the advert. I actually sort of agree i haven't been impressed with him at all the last few games.
00:21:52
Michael
um And i don't I've said that believe it's because Izak's been holding an injury um and you know he's too big to risk, particularly when you look at Wilson coming off the bench. But other than Palace, I don't know the many...
00:22:05
Michael
He had a brilliant assist against Man Utd, but other than that, he's not really getting involved in the game as much. But...
00:22:10
Kev NUFC
Yeah.
00:22:11
Michael
I'm going to do my job and I'm going to give you the Zencastr advert now.
00:22:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Excellent.
00:22:15
Michael
So here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we've spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform.
00:22:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
That
00:22:21
Michael
And Zencastr? Zencastr came out a clear winner with 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs. It is super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
Match Predictions and Season Implications
00:22:36
Michael
If you're ready to tell your story, Check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zencastr.
00:22:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
that is what Michael Grameslaw sounds like when he's not distracted by doing his huge repertoire of impersonations. Thank you, Michael.
00:22:54
Michael
Rafa, Rafa, Rafa and Osh Rafa.
00:22:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
That was very good.
00:22:56
Kev NUFC
good
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, I was going to say include Stephen Fry in there as well.
00:23:01
Kev NUFC
Stephen Fryer is a good I missed the one where he said that Zencaster could hopefully erase Kev from a pod.
00:23:02
Michael
ahly
00:23:06
Kev NUFC
That one genuinely made me laugh.
00:23:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
like
00:23:09
Michael
You're welcome, buddy.
00:23:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, excellent. Right. Well, look, we have managed to overrun just the right amount of time for us to dive straight into our predictions in this first part of part three. But I just want to have a little sort of appendix afterwards where we analyse what we do in the last two games, depending on whether we win this, draw this or lose this.
00:23:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So predictions, I'll come to you first carefully.
00:23:38
Kev NUFC
and Chelsea, i think it's good I think it is going to be quite a close game. For some reason, I don't know why, because we've got a decent record at early kick-offs on Eddie Howe. um We haven't got a good record on a Monday night.
00:23:50
Kev NUFC
so I went through that on a previous pod, but for some reason, I don't fancy early kick-offs. I don't know why, even while the record's okay. I'm going to go very close to one win in Newcastle, and it'll feel massive at the end of it.
00:24:00
Kev NUFC
When that final whistle goes, it'll be big.
00:24:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Michael?
00:24:03
Kev NUFC
and i think Chelsea might score first, but I think we'll respond in the second half with two goals, two-one win.
00:24:08
Michael
Ooh.
00:24:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
michael
00:24:11
Kev NUFC
Yep.
00:24:12
Michael
Yeah, I think it's it's going to be one of those where we come into it a little bit nervous. The Geordies haven't really had enough time to have enough drink to really influence the game.
00:24:20
Kev NUFC
ye
00:24:21
Michael
But let's be honest, the Black Otter opens at 9 o'clock, so half the fans will be fine. um But yeah, I think it'll be one of those. We overwhelmed them quite early on. um I'm not saying right at the start. I think it'll be a cagey opening 10 minutes. And then we'll score between 15 and 30, take control of the game, get a second in the second half.
00:24:41
Kev NUFC
Oh, I like that.
00:24:41
Michael
And then... Easy come, easy go. Chelsea go back London with zero points and Newcastle have a 2-0 win.
00:24:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
think that sounds like you've already watched the game, Michael. I wish I had seen that video.
00:24:53
Kev NUFC
Hmm.
00:24:53
Michael
It's a good game.
00:24:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, I think this is a ah great game for me to stick with my 3-1.
00:25:00
Kev NUFC
Hmm.
00:25:00
Michael
Yeah.
00:25:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because I do think that we'll... learn i think I think this might be really exciting. and Every time I go into a game feeling this nervous, I'm thinking of playing away at Arsenal in the semi-final.
00:25:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm thinking of
00:25:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
playing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. I'm thinking of playing Liverpool at home and playing Arsenal at home.
00:25:19
Michael
Yeah.
00:25:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
and We always really, really turn it We turn up for these big games and we took the lead in all of those games.
00:25:26
Michael
yeah
00:25:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think we'll do that and I think we'll just keep going. I think it's absolutely wonderful that we've got Anthony Gordon, that we've got a Willis Sula chomping at the bits to come on for the last 15-20 minutes.
00:25:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Can you imagine what he's going to do to Cucurella if it's Cucurella that's playing left-back and they bring him on to cover Murphy?
00:25:49
Michael
Ooh!
00:25:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Yeah, I think 3-1. I don't even know when Chelsea get their one. It's probably going to be a penalty or something or a free kick. 4-1. That's
00:25:58
Kev NUFC
I think they'll catch us on the break when we're wearing a dominating spell.
00:25:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:26:02
Kev NUFC
i think they'll get us on the break and they'll go on and up and I think we'll we'll come back.
00:26:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, well I'm going 3-1. It's nice that we've both all picked three wins. So, and that's great. I agree with Kev. I think if we beat Chelsea and Arsenal, who I did predict where we when we beat them next week, that would be their fifth loss in a row, and we might get home in time to watch them lose at Liverpool in the league.
00:26:24
Michael
Mm-hmm.
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
in which case we'll be two points behind them. I'm really hoping and Fulham can do Man City on the last day of the season so we can get into second. But ah yeah, I think that
00:26:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think if we beat Chelsea, it means that we're going to get we're going to win the other two games.
Analyzing Outcomes and League Position
00:26:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to win at Arsenal and we're going to beat Evan. And it'll give us a chance to finish second. We'll probably end up finishing third to Manchester City. um Anybody disagree with us finishing in two or three if we do win this game?
00:27:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Michael.
00:27:01
Michael
Yeah, I think it's it's one of those where if we win this, I do think we finish third. And I do think it's instead of Arsenal because as as much as good as they looked in the opening 10, 15 minutes against PSG yesterday, um oh at the time recording yesterday, should I say, um i think that I think their season's done now.
00:27:22
Michael
I think they're going to have one of those moments where they just not capitulate, but they really, really struggle.
00:27:29
Kev NUFC
Goal Spursy.
00:27:29
Michael
And you could see... Go all Spurs-y. It's a North London thing. It's not as spar just a Spurs thing, ah particularly when Spurs win the Europa League and we all go, ugh.
00:27:39
Kev NUFC
Mmm.
00:27:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
I just think that with Chelsea having dominated Liverpool so much last week, that if Arsenal are beaten by Liverpool and Anfield, they're really off a cliff then.
00:27:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I do think we'll beat them when we get down there. Why not? We've won all three games with them already this season. OK, so let's say it's a draw. Where does that leave us? Vulnerable?
00:28:08
Michael
I think we're still okay. I think it's it's one of those where, because we're playing Chelsea, a draw's okay. If we were playing, let's say, Aston Villa, and Chelsea were playing Bournemouth, I'd be sitting here going, okay, you know what, we might have a problem, because Chelsea will probably overtake us, then Forrest...
00:28:26
Michael
can overtake us by beating Chelsea, etc. But I think the fact that we have to play Chelsea, ah you know that's a draw, puts us four ahead of Villa. They would have their game to play. They could only move within one of us.
00:28:39
Michael
Another draw against um against Arsenal could be worrying, but at the same time, I'm confident they would beat Neverton on the final day. You'd have Villa having to win every game.
00:28:51
Michael
Forrester in poor form. Fifth, it'd still be on the cards, I think, 100%. hundred um
00:28:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay, what about a loss?
00:28:57
Kev NUFC
Yeah.
00:29:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the same argument for a loss, isn't it?
00:29:01
Michael
Game over.
00:29:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're still relying on I think if we lose, Chelsea are finishing ahead of us.
00:29:09
Michael
Yeah.
00:29:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Even if we beat Arsenal and Everton, because they're three points ahead. They've only got to win one of the last three games. There'll be a tweak on goal difference, which will put them ahead twice as many as whatever the winning margin is. But...
00:29:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Our saving grace is that Forrest, I think Forrest are really struggling.
00:29:30
Michael
Yeah, they've gone down.
00:29:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
They've won one of their last five games.
00:29:33
Kev NUFC
Our goal difference is is like an extra point.
00:29:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
predicted... Yeah.
00:29:35
Kev NUFC
Like, ah other than Chelsea, who have the same goal difference in terms of Villa and Forest, our were goal difference is like having that extra point.
00:29:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:42
Kev NUFC
I think if we draw to Chelsea, I still think we'll be okay.
00:29:43
Michael
Yeah.
00:29:45
Kev NUFC
I think a loss adds a lot of pressure going into Arsenal. Now, I get what you guys are saying. and I actually think we could definitely go down to Arsenal and beat them for a fourth time in one season, which would be amazing. But, I don't want to rely on that I think we've got to aim to get this job done on Sunday and but I think the draw not the end of the world i think the draw is okay would be lovely if Bournemouth beat Villa and then you've got that goal difference as an extra point you almost still get a free hit at Arsenal if you draw and then you've just got to beat Everton at home which I mean we should be beating Everton at home yeah
00:29:58
Michael
Absolutely not.
00:30:13
Michael
Yeah.
00:30:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
We should do, yeah. The thing is that if if Arsenal do lose at Liverpool, which they should do, if Liverpool put yeah even put half the normal midfield in, they should beat Arsenal.
00:30:24
Michael
Yeah.
00:30:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Arteta's already under so much pressure from his own fans about failing again. It's another season without without a trophy.
00:30:33
Kev NUFC
That's mental,
00:30:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And the fans there are now talking about them finishing fourth instead of second. They're the only team that can finish fourth in a two-horse race, which is pretty incredible.
00:30:41
Michael
the
00:30:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
um There'll be another week of it. if Liverpool win, and the last team Arteta will want to face to try and redeem his reputation is Eddie Howesmoop at home, because we've already we already made him cry down there.
00:31:00
Kev NUFC
Mm-hmm.
00:31:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the last team he'll want to face. I think we'll win it. I think we win it.
00:31:04
Kev NUFC
Someone needs to tell him that the ball use in the Carabao Cup is going to be made by, Premier League ball next year is going be made by Puma.
00:31:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Anyway. yeah
00:31:10
Kev NUFC
So he's going to be absolutely raging next season.
00:31:13
Michael
He's gonna cry.
00:31:14
Kev NUFC
Oh.
00:31:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right. Well, that is great to have that chat. We seem to whiz through it. Thank you very much indeed for your participation. Kevin and Michael, who's got his finger up. Do you need the toilet, Michael, or have got something to say?
00:31:26
Michael
ye
00:31:28
Michael
yep yep yes sir I'll quickly go in a moment but I do just have one thing I wanted to add just at the end yeah so I've got a little stat here Eddie Howe has beaten Chelsea seven times in his career but can either of you tell me what is unique about those seven wins
00:31:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Please, please add away.
00:31:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:31:48
Kev NUFC
kept he hasn't yeah kept a clean sheet every time no
00:31:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
All home?
00:31:52
Michael
Nope.
00:31:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
All at home? I've
00:31:54
Michael
Nope. I'll give you both one more guess.
00:31:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
only had one, guess.
00:32:00
Michael
I just don't want it at last 10.
00:32:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
What's unique about unique about the seven times that he's won?
00:32:02
Kev NUFC
there's all Willick scored in the 1-0
00:32:05
Michael
Yes.
00:32:10
Michael
Includes Bournemouth.
00:32:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Has it been by three goals or more? Have they scored a lot goals?
00:32:16
Michael
No.
00:32:16
Kev NUFC
Nah, we won 1-0 with Willick scoring. and
00:32:20
Michael
Great goal.
00:32:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:32:21
Kev NUFC
e ah have no idea. A midfielder's always scored in every game.
00:32:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of course, Michael.
00:32:26
Kev NUFC
think you have to give us the answer.
00:32:27
Michael
no
00:32:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tell us, Michael, so we don't have dead air at the end of our podcast.
00:32:28
Michael
that
00:32:31
Michael
i might just leave I might just leave it, actually, and just let everyone guess. No. ah They've all come against different managers. He has never beaten a Chelsea manager more than once, which is probably a bad omen going into the weekend.
Conclusion and Listener Engagement
00:32:43
Michael
But he's beat Mourinho, Conte, Sarri, Lampard, Potter, Pochettino, and this season, Maresca. If we win on Sunday, it will be the first Chelsea manager that Eddie Howe has beaten twice.
00:32:54
Michael
Or should I say, when?
00:32:56
Kev NUFC
That's crazy. ah tell you what else I heard today as well.
00:32:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:32:59
Kev NUFC
Chelsea haven't played. I think the only team in Premier League history who have went through a full season pretty you much and haven't played a player over 27. Yeah.
00:33:07
Michael
Really?
00:33:08
Kev NUFC
yeah
00:33:09
Michael
I mean, that's a transfer policy and a half, isn't
00:33:10
Kev NUFC
That's crazy. The oldest one is Sanchez who is 27. That's mental.
00:33:14
Michael
Yeah.
00:33:16
Kev NUFC
So yeah, young team.
00:33:19
Michael
What about Kukure?
00:33:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
san early Sanchez is only 27 because he's ah aged five years playing in Chelsea's team this year right thank you very much as I was saying Michael thanks very much for your time some very good stats there which you've prepared for us thanks a lot Kev thank you very much to indeed for your input as well my name has been Ian Mackay
00:33:20
Kev NUFC
Cucurillo is 26. Yeah.
00:33:22
Michael
Is he?
00:33:25
Kev NUFC
Thank you.
00:33:25
Michael
Wow.
00:33:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you listeners for listening. Lots of questions that we asked. If anybody would like to send us a message on the YouTube channel, please have a chat underneath that with us. We'll read them all and answer every single one.
00:33:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Please like and subscribe. We are your Daily Newcastle podcast and we will see you for our review on Monday morning.