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Tactical Insights & Combined XI Of Newcastle Vs Barcelona!
0 Playsin 7 hours
Host Michael Grahamslaw is joined by Iain Mackay to break down Newcastle United’s upcoming Champions League opener against FC Barcelona.
From tactical shifts like a potential 5-3-2 formation, to key player matchups and squad selection dilemmas, the duo covers it all.
They also debate a combined XI between the two clubs, assess betting odds, and discuss whether this is a “free hit” for the Magpies. Insightful, analytical, and full of black-and-white passion—don’t miss it!
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Transcript
00:00:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Newcastle podcast, proud to be part of the Global Sports Podcast Network. My name is Michael Grahamslaw and today I'm joined by Ian McKay. How's it going, Ian?
00:00:27
Iain
Michael, it's going fine. I am fresh from strengthening the bonds of being part of the Global Sports Podcast Network in doing a podcast, the English Premier League podcast with Nick.
00:00:39
Iain
And I've just realised, because nobody's going to think I could possibly wear this jumper twice,
00:00:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, good stuff.
00:00:44
Iain
That'll mean if anyone sees both of them, they'll know. Record it on the same day.
00:00:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hey, back to back. And how was that? good pod?
00:00:52
Iain
It's a very good pod, yes. Very good pod.
00:00:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good stuff.
00:00:55
Iain
And I only slagged Ezek off two or three times in it.
00:00:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, I'd ask you what you said, but I want people to go and check it out for themselves.
00:01:01
Iain
Go and check it out.
00:01:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, lovely stuff.
00:01:02
Iain
Check it out. They'll be there tomorrow morning.
00:01:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, we're at Newcastle United here. We have a huge match on Thursday against FC Barcelona.
00:01:12
Iain
Huge.
00:01:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it starts off our Champions League campaign. And I'm already excited. It's Monday night. How I'm going to get through the week, I don't know.
00:01:20
Iain
Thank you.
00:01:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But our full game preview will go up tomorrow ah will be recorded tomorrow, up Wednesday. um for that particular game uh but to begin i want to talk about uh some of the tactical battles some of the changes we might make uh for the game and get your thoughts on them so we spoke a bit yesterday you and kev um about a potential five at the back um botman potentially coming in for one of our wide players a five three two is what we said yesterday uh funnel well do you think still think that's the way forward
00:01:53
Iain
a Yes. oh Yes, I do. I mean, you've just told me beforehand that's what Valencia tried last night and they got absolutely caned.
00:02:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Absolutely kind.
00:02:03
Iain
um They looked like they were playing cricket by the end. um So, no, but I do think that, you know, that that strengthens our defence and we've got a defence where nobody can really get a shot on target against us this season.
00:02:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:02:18
Iain
um So, strengthening that. I think we will. I think we need Botman. I think we need Botman's cool head in the back, almost as a sweeper. um And I think it will be those three at the back.
00:02:32
Iain
Where I probably differ from what you and Kev want is that I wouldn't play Trippier. I would bring Liveramento and Hall in to give us some width down the sides because they are... They're Duracell bunnies, aren't they?
00:02:44
Iain
They can go up and down, up and down.
00:02:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
100%, yeah.
00:02:46
Iain
Um...
00:02:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I will say, i had a i had a little think about what you were saying yesterday. If we do go five at the back, I'm actually probably more inclined to agree with you actually thinking about it because Trippier is not going to get down the byline that much.
00:02:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
And although he is a great passer of the ball, you're going to need hit Barcelona on the counter-attack and Haul and Livermanto are probably best players do that. So, yeah, I do actually agree with you. um I didn't last night, but I do now.
00:03:11
Iain
It occasionally happens, doesn't it?
00:03:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah You've convinced me.
00:03:13
Iain
like Like they say, a stopped clock is still telling the right time twice every 24 hours.
00:03:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:03:19
Iain
So occasionally Michael agrees with you never know.
00:03:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hey, it's a miracle. And maybe just maybe Newcastle pull off a miracle on Thursday as well. and But as you mentioned, one team that didn't pull off a miracle was Valencia.
00:03:28
Iain
hope so.
00:03:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, I did mention they got beat 6-0 there. I would like people to go and look at the Valencia team and you will feel a lot better about it. um the The main player in there that you recognise is Arnott Danjuma, who had a failed loan spell at Everton.
00:03:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So it's one of those where it's not the best team in the world. Valencia aren't the team that they used to be. So don't be too scared um of that, frankly, fast attack that Barcelona have. Yeah.
00:04:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
But how will we counteract it? We've mentioned 5-3-2. Yeah. um I guess if we've discussed the back five, let's say it is going to be Lewis Hall, Tino Liveramento, Botman, Fabian Scher and Dan Byrne.
00:04:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
The next comes in midfield, um where you could argue it'll either be a 5-2-3 or a 5-3-2. If it's a 5-3-2, we know what it's going to be. um It will be Joe Linton.
00:04:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sandra Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
00:04:29
Iain
I.
00:04:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
But if we ended up at a 5-2-3 with two wingers, that would mean one of those would have to drop out. And I would say at the minute, Bruno and Tonali are undroppable.
00:04:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
But would you argue that Joe Linton in a game like this is maybe one of our most important players and therefore also undroppable?
00:04:53
Iain
i I would argue that. I think a fit Joe Linton could even be our most important player in a game like this.
00:05:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:01
Iain
And I'm reminded of his man-of-the-match performance in the League Cup, where Joe Linton appeared to play left wing and left midfield, and helping out left-back and turning up at centre-half as well.
00:05:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:19
Iain
So, yeah, I think i think if it's 5-2-3,
00:05:25
Iain
the left wing position should be Joe Linton. And I'd play Gordon down the right.
00:05:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. That's a great shout as well. So that you could still fit Joe Linton in there. And then even maybe, even if it's the 5-3-2, it would still probably end up that way anyways.
00:05:36
Iain
Yeah.
00:05:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So that's a great shout actually, because then it's rotational between the two.
00:05:45
Iain
Well, I think if you've got either Hall or Livramento playing at left back, we'll make... um the extra width, if we need the extra width, if Joe Linton is is filling in on the inside because it's a midfield and he's won the ball, he needs an outlet. And if Gordon's not there because it should be him, I think you'd find that both Leverimento and Hall played enough with him to know that they need to be up there as well.
00:06:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
hundred cent 100%. Yeah, would you so you mentioned Anthony Gordon there. would you Do you think he'll be the the one-ups alongside Nick Vultima? Do you think he's the best fit for that position? Because obviously there's Alanga, there's Barnes, there's Murphy.
00:06:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
None of them are really as experienced and centre-forward other than Alanga as Gordon. But do you think that's the best fit? Because he will have a bit more of a free role, so he can play any of them.
00:06:37
Iain
to i think that i think I don't think you've got to think of Valtemada as a number nine in this game. I think you've got to think of maybe him and Gordon interchanging.
00:06:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:06:48
Iain
If Valtemada can go wider on the right or or come short with Gordon in behind him, doing the running into the channels, it's pace though, isn't it? It's pace and you need somebody to pick that pass.
00:06:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:01
Iain
And whilst that could be Tonali or Bruno from the halfway line, If it can be moved forward 20 yards to Volta Mada, 30 yards out, that's a much more dangerous position for a killer pass to be put through at pace and speed.
00:07:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:18
Iain
I think that's what I would quite like.
00:07:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah,
00:07:20
Iain
I mean, it would line up. It would look like it would look like you had Joe Linton down the left, Gordon down the right, and Volta Mada in the middle. But providing they have worked on it, I think that could be really interchangeable and and really difficult to defend against because Barcelona won't know what's going will they?
00:07:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely not. I think it's a great point. I mean, you mentioned that Vultimata coming deep. He did that so many times against Wolves and he was really effective with it. To have Gordon, those two almost interchanging in the 10 and then the false nine, let's say, it could be really, really good in getting behind and causing damage, as you say. So I think based on that, it probably does have to be Anthony Gordon because he's played that role so much for us, interchanged with Izak there at times as well.
00:08:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:06
Iain
He has, yes there's an alternative of Gordons in reserve on the bench to be able to do it in the second half when Barcelona are tired of it. You could play a Lange on his more familiar right wing position because I think he's been down the middle quite a lot with Forrest in the past.
00:08:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:22
Iain
So I think he could do it as well.
00:08:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
He has, yeah.
00:08:24
Iain
and And this is all going to go go down to how well Individuals have clicked with Voltamada in that first week, 10 days of training.
00:08:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:33
Iain
and Like I said, if if this if there's an instant connection, which there often is sometimes, that'll be who gets picked. We won't really know the full story of why until afterwards.
00:08:46
Iain
But yeah, i think um I think we've got options again, which is fabulous. And we've got stuff we've got stuff that we can change around from the bench if it isn't working.
00:08:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
andju so
00:08:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think it is one of those where we're sitting here having this conundrum of who to play then. It's been a long time since Newcastle have actually been able to do that. And it actually feels quite nice.
00:09:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But obviously Barcelona have their options as well.
00:09:08
Iain
It does.
00:09:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lomín Jamal looks like he's going to be missing for the game um due to what I'm going to call a ah minor groin injury. Let's put it it that way.
00:09:19
Iain
can't believe
00:09:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
but So, yeah, if you haven't read about that...
00:09:23
Iain
Why aren't you telling us? Why aren't you telling us, Michael? It's news. You can't help the fact that it's embarrassing news for poor old Lamine, but it's news. Tell people.
00:09:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah is ah He's a minor, I can't talk about it. But it's one of those where, yeah, if you haven't read about it, read about it, because Laminya Mal has done what probably most young footballers have done and not really thought with his head.
00:09:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, well, it's going to miss him a couple of games. But that does mean that Marcus Rashford will likely feature. We have seen a vast improvement in Rashford's behaviour since leaving Man United.
00:10:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of course, it's toxic as it gets over there. And in his career against Newcastle, he has five goals, four assists in 15 games. Are you slightly fearful of Rashford? Or do you think the downgrade of your mal to Rashford is something Newcastle can really look forward to?
00:10:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, as a little bit of a relief.
00:10:20
Iain
i think I think Rashford played very well against us for Villa last year. um I'm not dismissing him as the shell of a player that was playing for Manchester United the last couple of times he played.
00:10:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair.
00:10:35
Iain
But to be fair, given I think we've got a ah lot more potent concerns in the Barcelona side to be worried about than Marcus Rashford.
00:10:47
Iain
I think... with him, a leopard, never being able to change his spots, let's say. Rashford playing means that there isn't somebody chasing back when we do have a fast break.
00:10:59
Iain
And that could be an overload down his side, which could be just what we need.
00:10:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:11:04
Iain
Just what we need two or three times, for example. um I can't see that they'll have coached him into running 50, 60 yards back to make a tackle. Can you?
00:11:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, and to be honest, even if they had got it into his head, the fitness isn't going to be there, is it? ah You can sort of teach a donkey to go to water, but you can't make a drink. And I know that's not the phrase.
00:11:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a horse, but he's more of a donkey.
00:11:26
Iain
but
00:11:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But it's...
00:11:29
Iain
It's almost like you planned that, Michael. That was brilliant.
00:11:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I didn't mess up my words at all there. But yeah, I think of the two wingers, Rafinha is definitely a lot more of a threat. um He's fantastic for Barcelona and i he double the player that was at Leeds.
00:11:40
Iain
Absolutely.
00:11:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And even then he was good. He's top of the class. And well, I guess speaking of top of the class, we've got the first advert of the evening. Bye, Anique.
00:12:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good stuff. So going into the game, um the betting odds have Newcastle with about a 30% chance of winning, Barcelona with a 45% chance of winning and a draw at just 25%.
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think about those odds, Ian? Do you agree or do you think there's maybe odds should be thrown in a different way?
00:12:52
Iain
Oh, do I agree? I think the odds aren't bad, actually. However, I'm surprised the bookies have got them right, because I would have thought that they would heavily favour, much more heavily favour Barcelona to win.
00:13:03
Iain
It's Barcelona, after all. and And we've never really, our Champions League campaigns, we've never really been very valued.
00:13:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:11
Iain
You know, I mean, forewarn against Paris Saint-Germain is still put down as some fluke result, even though we outplayed them for the whole of the 90 minutes. and And we should have won in Paris, but for a stupid referee decision.
00:13:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:27
Iain
um Hit the bar in the post twice in the last 10 minutes and a 1-0 defeat against Dortmund. I think we are force. in the Champions League, and even more so this year with the strength in the squad that we have.
00:13:40
Iain
So I still think Barcelona are favourites, which is what the bookies have got.
00:13:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:13:46
Iain
um
00:13:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:13:47
Iain
But I would have thought that they would be far more heavily... Might be worth a decent bet then. a Sorry.
00:13:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Absolutely. Well, to be honest, as a gambling man myself, I was looking at the draw well this afternoon, which is the only reason I knew what the odds were like. Because I'm sitting here thinking, Barcelona are a fantastic team, but St. James' Park isn't an easy place to come to. And a draw is a result that both teams would probably be happy with.
00:14:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Barcelona fans are sitting there. I've seen plenty. say this is their hardest tie of the whole campaign, which is mental when you consider they play PSG.
00:14:20
Iain
Really?
00:14:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they are apparently really confident about when they play at home and just when they're away at St. James's. They think it's going to be a really tough game, um which I hope we do...
00:14:32
Iain
It's going to be a really tough game.
00:14:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
I hope we don't disappoint. ah But i've I've seen a lot of Barcelona fans who not don't seem scared, but they're giving Newcastle United the respect that most teams don't seem to do. So ah to be fair, massive credit to Barcelona fans for that, from what I've seen.
00:14:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think there is going to be a bit of a display before the game.
00:14:54
Iain
So,
00:14:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
So the proud will get pumped up. We're going to see a very, very riled up St. James's Park on Thursday night under the lights. I think, realistically, a draw is probably what both teams would be happy to come out with.
00:15:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I don't think there's any expectations on Newcastle here to get anything. Because we need 12 points. Even if we lost to Barcelona and PSG, there's six other games we can get it to. So do you think this is effectively a free hit for Newcastle?
00:15:27
Iain
um ah Way more of a free hit at the start of an eight-game campaign than it is if we're needing a draw when we go to Paris Saint-Germain in the eighth game of the campaign.
00:15:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Brilliant
00:15:38
Iain
um So, yeah, but I mean, I quite like that. It's the same as the Paris game last time was a free hit. And it just meant that we were relaxed and we played our game.
00:15:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
result.
00:15:48
Iain
The crowd were fantastic. The team were fantastic. And we produced possibly the most...
00:15:56
Iain
the most special result that we produced at St. James' Park in my lifetime. um I do think that this is a similar game.
00:16:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
reentmp result
00:16:03
Iain
This is a similar game. So, for all of those who suggest that Lightning can strike twice, I would i would be in your camp. I'm really hopeful that it'll be a similar sort of a setup.
00:16:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:16:16
Iain
I don't think Barcelona will be as complacent as PSG were, because I think we really knocked them off the stride.
00:16:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:16:23
Iain
The look of sheer horror and surprise on Mbappe's face at various stages through that game is something I chuckle myself to every time I remember it. But yeah, i think um I think it is a free hit and I think because it's a free hit, we'll go for it and that's what we need to do.
00:16:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:16:41
Iain
There's no good doing a Valencia and trying to erect a wall 30 yards from our goal because they'll find ways through it and over it and under it, round it.
00:16:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. hundred so
00:16:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:16:50
Iain
No point doing that. We've got to have a threat in their half.
00:16:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
hundred percent 100%. I think we definitely will. ah We'll definitely have more than two shots. um And when we don't, that's going to come back to bite me on the arse.
00:17:01
Iain
yeah
00:17:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But i think I definitely think we will. I think it'll be a brilliant game. And I generally think it could be the game of the first round of fixtures because both teams are very, very good. We haven't been at our attacking best, but we have been very solid defensively.
00:17:17
Iain
you.
00:17:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we know Barcelona can put four past a team even at their best. So I've looked at it out after this game and I've looked at sort of what we would need in 12 teams that I think would be worse than us over the campaign.
00:17:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've got, I think, eight that I think everyone will agree with. And they are... ah Faros, Bodoglimt, Carabaug, Kirat, Slavia Prague, Olympiaikos, Copenhagen, and Union St. Jalat.
00:17:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Would you agree that realistically, even in a bad campaign, we should be finishing above all of those?
00:17:56
Iain
Can you just confirm? Actually, I don't think it is. and I don't think Bodo glimped there. But I was going to say, is that not just the other eight teams from pot four that you've picked?
00:18:08
Iain
i You've kept one of them in.
00:18:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Uh...
00:18:10
Iain
I'm trying to remember which one. And Bodo glimped are a pot three team. But, I mean, that makes sense, isn't it? That's why they're in pot four.
00:18:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:18
Iain
So, yeah, I think we should finish up above those teams.
00:18:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Slavia were um Slavia and Copenhagen and Olympia, because I think were pot three. I generally think there's better teams in pot four than there is in pot three, which is insane.
00:18:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Napoli excluded, um who ah actually have been in the top eight at the end of this.
00:18:35
Iain
Yeah.
00:18:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
But yeah, so that leaves four teams, that four additional teams that we need to be better than. And in the four, I've got five here that I think we definitely will.
00:18:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that is PSV,
00:18:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Athletic Bilbao. I've mentioned them two first because we play them both. And then Club brug
00:18:56
Iain
yeah
00:18:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Eintracht Frankfurt and Sporting Lisbon. So we would have to be better than four out of those five clubs, um unless there's a major shock, um for us to go through. That doesn't include, obviously, Monaco, Galatasaray, two pop four teams, couple others in there as well.
00:19:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
But do you think that's definitely doable, but does it not just emphasize how big our games against Bilbao and et cetera are?
00:19:22
Iain
um
00:19:29
Iain
I think those are those are real six-pointers when it comes to finishing above the line rather than below the line, definitely. But... I'm confident in and enough of the games that we'll get the 12 points we need, Michael. I mean, would... know I'm a happy clapper compared to you.
00:19:48
Iain
I would hope that i would hope that go on and after game four, game five, that we would still have a chance of emulating Villa and finishing in the top eight and not having to play a qualifying game.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
You are.
00:20:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's true.
00:20:00
Iain
Because we've got two tough games.
00:20:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:03
Iain
The toughest, as you say, is coming up now. And if it is a PSG night and we win it, then that's three more points than you've given us, isn't it?
00:20:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:20:12
Iain
I think we win it. i think I think we win it. And I think the confidence we get from that, the depth of the squad so we can have a suspension or two and an injury or two and still be competitive. I mean, we're talking about the options that there are on the bench, etc.
00:20:26
Iain
We've already had Ramsey and Wisser ruled out. So when these guys come back, there's even more selection.
00:20:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:20:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
True.
00:20:34
Iain
I'm confident. I'm confident. Maybe it's misplaced because I did think we were going to stuff Wolves 4-0, didn't I?
00:20:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. the
00:20:40
Iain
But there you go.
00:20:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
That much is true, but to be fair, Wolves didn't carry much of a threat at all, and on another day, it could have been.
00:20:42
Iain
Yeah.
00:20:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But I think it's one of those where i've got I've been a little bit harsh on us, I think, because I know that i I'm a bit overzealous when it comes to us getting points.
00:20:48
Iain
yeah
00:20:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So I said we werere going to draw with Leverkusen, Benfica. We'd lose at Marseille to Barcelona to PSG. Let's be honest, you can never predict football.
00:21:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
and I mean, ah I got to the end of my predictions. I did the full Champions League predictor and I realised I hadn't a allowed Bodo Glimp to score a goal. So my predictions aren't going to be correct.
00:21:19
Iain
yeah
00:21:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But I did have us on 11 points, which would have us in seventeen If I offered you that now, would you take it?
00:21:32
Iain
ah It's in the top 24.
00:21:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Top 24 go through.
00:21:37
Iain
So if we're 17th, 8 get through.
00:21:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
We would play...
00:21:41
Iain
So that is 9 down. So we would be playing somebody next to us at the table in the qualifying round.
00:21:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
We would play playing 14th, which I had down as Borussia Dortmund. ah
00:21:52
Iain
Oh, heck. Yeah, well, it was like Liverpool played that team that only just managed to get through, which was PSG last year, wasn't it?
00:21:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, mental.
00:22:01
Iain
and Which was crazy. No, I wouldn't take that. I would play the games and i think we'll finish higher than that, Michael.
00:22:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ooh, interesting. interesting Let us know what your thoughts, where Newcastle will finish in the Champions League League phase. But for now, I'm going to get Ian to give me the Zencaster advert.
00:22:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Take it away, Ian.
00:22:22
Iain
Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform. Zancaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:22:40
Iain
If you're ready to tell your story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about Zancaster.
00:22:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lovely stuff. Thank you very much, Ian. And to be fair, in part three, I handed over to you for the advert. I'm pretty much going to be handing it over to you here because I believe you have an 11 versus 11 to try and pick the best 11. Well, for me to try and pick the best 11 between Barcelona and Newcastle. Is that right?
00:23:06
Iain
yeah There is a shortcut to this game, Michael, in which case you just ask to see the Barcelona team sheet and you put that up. But no, I have. I've gone for two sort of, I don't know if it'll be the teams, but it'll be close.
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Okay, so when I don't know a Barcelona player, I'm going look dreadful.
00:23:19
Iain
ah Position by position. I'm going to run through them and you can give me a little spiel on who who makes it into the combined 11 and why. So in goal.
00:23:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But let's go.
00:23:35
Iain
Right. So, in goal, Nick Pope against Juan Garcia.
00:23:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay. um I haven't seen a massive amount of Juan Garcia. but I think it was Espanyol. and But if you remember, we were linked with him quite heavily at the start of the window.
00:23:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he was the one that was going to replace Nick Pope. um When they recently played vi Rio Vallecano, he was excellent. So I know Pope has been good in the last few games, but probably got to go the Spaniard here.
00:24:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
1-0 Barcelona.
00:24:06
Iain
right.
00:24:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:07
Iain
1-0 Barcelona. Right. tab Jules Koundé and Kieran Trippier. See, I wouldn't have Kieran Trippier.
00:24:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:24:15
Iain
I'd have to either.
00:24:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, you wouldn't.
00:24:16
Iain
Anyway, sorry.
00:24:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
for me,
00:24:17
Iain
Jules Koundé and Kieran Trippier.
00:24:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's um so for me I think when it comes to attacking, Trippier is better on the ball. But Koundé is the catalyst of that team that often allows it to go into a back three, allow Baldy to go forward.
00:24:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Koundé is an excellent defender. He plays sometimes ahead of Saliba for France. So I kind of have to give it to him because I'd love to see him at Newcastle.
00:24:49
Iain
Right, to centre-half then, Eric Garcia against Fabian Schaar.
00:24:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ah, you know, if we had a fully fit Sven Botman, I'd probably put him in against like any Barcelona defender, I think. But in a 4-3-3, let's be honest, it is going to be Scher and probably Bern.
00:25:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Yeah, Fabian Scher doesn't start over Eric Garcia. He was excellent at Man City and he's only matured in that time. So the whitewash is on, I guess.
00:25:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
three in il Barcelona.
00:25:19
Iain
Yeah, well, Dan Byrne is up next in the other centre-half position against Pau Koubasi.
00:25:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thought you might be, yeah.
00:25:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes, the youngster from Barcelona. You know, I generally could give this to Dan Byrne, and that wouldn't be any fault of Kibarsi, but I think he's going to be one of the greats in the future. He'll be, I don't want to say puyol levels for Barcelona, but he'll definitely have his own legacy and he'll be a legend there.
00:25:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
He definitely suits Barcelona a lot better than what a Dan Byrne would, but I think when you look at defensive merit, there's very few defenders who are as good at defending as Dan Byrne. um So it's closer than many would think. However, if I put Dan Byrne in a combined Barcelona and Newcastle XI, I'd probably be Byrne at the stake. So I think Dan Byrne's better for us, but Kavasi's probably better overall.
00:26:14
Iain
I don't know. Right, what about your Balde fella? Alejandro Balde against Tino Livermenta.
00:26:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I meant...
00:26:21
Iain
That's at left back though.
00:26:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Spain's next great left-back against England's. um Because I do think Tino is better at left-back than what he is at right-back. I do like Baldi as attacking threat, but as a wing-back, I actually think Tino's a better defender.
00:26:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think... Baldy, you could play him left wing and he wouldn't be out of sorts, but he's in better form than Baldy at the moment. Liveramento, for me, is going to be maybe the start-out player of the season for Newcastle this year.
00:26:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And in a year's time, they'll be linking up a man. Well, in two months' time, they'll probably be linking up a Man City again for £70 million. So, yeah, for me...
00:27:02
Iain
They were do we sniffing in the summer, weren't
00:27:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, for me, it's Tino Liveramento and Newcastle finally get on the board.
00:27:09
Iain
they? Yeah, well, I'm hopeful that in midfield we can at least hold our own here. Because remember, we think this is the best midfield in the Premier League.
00:27:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
and We do, yes.
00:27:20
Iain
de young Frankie de Jong against Joe Linton.
00:27:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think that one is maybe the non-starter. um I love Joey, but frankly, De Jong's maybe one of the best in the world. um I think Joey compliments us so well, but better, better player is De Jong, unfortunately.
00:27:44
Iain
Hmm. course, Joe Linton's going to have to be measured as being a winger, a midfielder, a backup left-back and auxiliary centre-half. Probably sweeper, actually, if you give him the gloves, you play on goal as well, wouldn't he?
00:27:56
Iain
Right, what about Pedri against Sandro Tonali?
00:28:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, You know, the thing is, Sandro Tenali is comfortably one of the top, maybe even top five central midfielders in the world.
00:28:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Pedri is the best midfielder in the world.
00:28:12
Iain
But so is Pedri.
00:28:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah So it's it's one of those, like, great putting the two together because they are the two best midfielders. I think Tenali beats any other midfielder, but when it's best against the best, they are the most similar.
00:28:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Pedri has to get the nod.
00:28:35
Iain
Okay, so I'll leave you with Bruno G against Firmin Lopez.
00:28:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah.
00:28:41
Iain
we were We were linked to Firmin towards the end of the yeah transfer window, were we not?
00:28:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, we were.
00:28:46
Iain
How has he got in?
00:28:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So he's sitting there at number 10 at the minute. He's playing number 10 for Barcelona. He's a great player. But again, I think him and Bruno G are two of the the more ah creators across the team. Whether Furman plays, I imagine that is will be down to Jamal being out again.
00:29:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
and them having to just switch things around. Bruno Gamares is the better player there for me, 100%, and he fits into this best XI to give Newcastle, I believe, the second player.
00:29:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Although with Tonali, it could have been three easily.
00:29:25
Iain
Well, you swap Tonali and Jolinton around so you can have Tonali against Frankie de Jong if you want. You can't do that.
00:29:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:29:32
Iain
Okay.
00:29:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm. Hmm.
00:29:33
Iain
Rafinha against Anthony Alanga.
00:29:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, see, Alanga definitely has the potential to be one of the best in the world, but Rafinha is currently doing it at that level. ah So it's Rafinha all day for me.
00:29:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I can't argue against that, even if I'd like to. And I think it's the same no matter who you play on that right wing, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Alanga. I think Rafinha beats them both.
00:30:00
Iain
"'Sytherin Wigner, we must have a chance. "'Marcus Rashford against Anthony Gordon.'
00:30:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, this is the one where I could convincingly say Newcastle are in. Let's be honest, Marcus Rashford isn't that he's at his best. And when he is, he's you know he can be one of the best of players in the world. But Anthony Gordon edges him all day, every day.
00:30:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Gordon is a much better player. And to be honest, I think that shows when they play for England. So Anthony Gordon, I believe it's 7-3 now 6-3. It'll be yeah. ah six three ah definitely so it'll be seven three yeah
00:30:35
Iain
It's It's seven three The final one is, and ah I'm not sure, why have you not included Lewandowski anywhere? You've got Ferran Torres up front against Nick Voltemade.
00:30:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lewandowski hasn't started a game for Barcelona this season. ah He's had 60 minutes across three appearances on the bench.
00:30:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So...
00:30:53
Iain
Oh, right. He scored twice, didn't against Valencia, though?
00:30:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
so
00:30:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, he came off the bench, but he's he's came off the bench in all three games. That's the first one where it looks like he's done well. um But even then, if Lewandowski played over Ferran Torres, I think it's it's one of those. We haven't seen enough of Nick Vultomata to put him above Ferran Torres.
00:31:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah And if you remember, Torres scored a hat-trick against us for Man City. and know that was during the ah the old Bruce era, but yeah, he was he's he wasn't at the level he is now.
00:31:25
Iain
very good.
00:31:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
So Torres goes in for me, and I guess that makes it, what, 8-3? It would.
00:31:32
Iain
eight three or low If i rewrote the teams and swapped Jolinton and Sandro Tonali, that would make it 7-4.
00:31:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
It would.
00:31:40
Iain
um
00:31:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:31:41
Iain
and And let's be honest, if we put Liveramento against Koundé, would you still pick him against Koundé?
00:31:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
I probably ah probably still pick Koundé. Koundé is one of the best centre-backs in the world for me when he moves into that ah back three.
00:31:58
Iain
Right, okay. I won't bother Shifflett. I'm going to try and put Liveramento against him and and keep Liveramento winning because then then Lewis Hall would come in against Balde.
00:32:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Alejandro Balde.
00:32:09
Iain
And he's a better full-back. He's a better defensive full-back, I think. Balde's a midfielder, really. A winger, isn't he?
00:32:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
i play That's a thing. with The way they play, they'll play the four at the back. It'll turn into the three. Baldy, he'll effectively be playing left wing, turning that attacking four into a five.
00:32:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
and it's It's going to be very, very dangerous to defend. But also, you get someone running at that full-back position, that left full-back position. Your right back gets forward, which is another reason why I agree with you that Tino Livermento should end up playing on the right.
00:32:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Potentially, Lewis Hall goes in left back. then Tino Liveramento could create a lot of space for Newcastle and do a lot of damage down the right-hand side. But I do think he'll probably play him on the left.
00:32:57
Iain
I think you're probably right. I don't think Trippier will get left out. I don't think you will.
00:33:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:33:01
Iain
He might get taken off, but I don't think he'll get left out. Anyway, look.
00:33:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think the experience in that game is massive, isn't it?
00:33:05
Iain
that Very, very interesting combined XI. Amazing that we get three in the Barcelona team. that That's a sign. I don't think we ah don't that you would if we'd been if we've been comparing it way back when we played PSG.
00:33:21
Iain
But I want to hand it back to you to finish us off, Michael.
00:33:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:33:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
No worries. And I will add, with Laminia Mal in there, it probably does end up being 9-2 because I don't think Gordon gets it over Lamar.
00:33:31
Iain
Hmm.
00:33:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it's it's one of those. i Thanks for going through that, Ian. There are some fine margins in there, as you say. You switch a couple of players around, it could be very different. ah But I think that pretty much sums it up. Do you agree with our combined 11s?
00:33:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've been Michael Grimesaw. I've been joined by Ian McKay. Thanks for joining me, Ian. And we'll see you <unk> tomorrow.
00:33:53
Iain
one
00:33:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:34:02
Iain
Thank you.