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EP 54: Monday Round Up - International Break
18 Plays1 month ago
Jake and Matt are here as the international break comes to a close! Today we discuss the England results, Noni Madueke's perfomances, have a slight preview on the weekends fixture and take a deep dive into our games in the run up to Christmas.
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Transcript
Introduction to the Daily Chelsea Podcast
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everybody and welcome to the Daily Chelsea Podcast. It is another slightly special edition again today but you know guys I think me and my co-host Matt are in fabulous mood.
Return of Club Football
00:00:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
The international break is done. It's done until March.
00:00:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's a lot of club football to be played before we we have to suffer another week like this. I say that with a slight bias, I don't enjoy the international break. Speaking of, yes, I am joined by my co-host today, The Marvelous map Matt. Matt, how you doing?
England's Football Journey
00:00:41
Matt
Yeah, very well, Jake. yeah Buzzing after the England games, and particularly buzzing like you say, that we won't need to see England again until the new year. Delightful stuff.
00:00:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
It is very delightful. And of course, you know, the slightly nice thing for Chelsea fans is that Tommy Tuca will be taken over the next time we watch England. So sort of, yeah, a little bit of a a goodbye in this little international break, you know, to international break for a few months. And also, yeah, goodbye to that sort of little weird England period post tournament with Carsley in charge. And, you know, it's it's it's very sort of nice, enjoyable football, but really what are we doing? Why are we here?
Preview: England Matches & Chelsea Fixtures
00:01:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But yeah, well, so, you know, today, guys, we're just going to do a bit of a round up. Obviously, it's usually a match day review Monday. um We'll discuss both England games and we'll also start looking ahead um now that the next break is done. We're going to look ahead to sort of all the winter fixtures. You know, there's quite a lot of games coming up before Christmas, quite a lot of big games coming up for Christmas.
00:01:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
and of course going into January as well. um And we'll discuss briefly the Leicester game coming up this weekend. but Of course stay tuned for us to us for the rest of the week because we will be having Leicester coverage all the way up until
England vs. Ireland - Key Highlights
00:01:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Friday.
00:01:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So yeah, Matt, let's start off with the England games. A couple of good results for England, let's say. I don't i don't think anyone would be too angry at um the way England played.
00:02:01
Matt
yeah
00:02:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, ah and let's sort of discuss, you know, the one that's freshest in our minds first and then we'll touch on touch on Thursday's pictures as ah as well. 5-0 against Ireland.
00:02:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Decent goals, Bellingham showing off again, Gordon getting a goal. and Only slight sad thing about that game yesterday, I suppose, not even a matter of why he came away with a goal or a assist. um But he was sort of, you know, sort of active in the game. And I think what was, again, maybe a little bit heartfelt for Chelsea fans, as he had a sort of good link up of Liverpool mental as well, and which, yeah, pulls in the heartstrings a little bit. and What have you thought about England in the this sort of little lee-carsley period, and especially those those last couple of games we just watched?
00:02:43
Matt
Well, I think, you know, Lee Kuzley, he saved the best till last really, um in terms of his management, the last two games, the last international break which he was in charge of, you know, eight goals, none conceded, what more can you ask for? And I think it's a little bit ironic as well in particular with these, with this last international break is that there were so many stellar names out, you know, Saka, Palmer,
00:03:08
Matt
and more. And we almost played our best football um with these players. I think it's um maybe a slight curse in the sense that when you know you have your so so no disrespect, but maybe second rate team or some second rate players um starting both games, that there's just a bit more freedom. There's a bit more, I guess, relaxation about the the the squad and the team and and even and also from the fans. And so they just play a bit more fluidly and naturally.
Player Analysis: Bellingham & Madawake
00:03:38
Matt
um Obviously, you know, the 5-0 against Ireland, fantastic result. Roy Keane will be fuming, but that's okay. And yeah, Bellingham, you know, sort of really showing his class, like showing his leadership skills skills with, um you know, two solid assists, man of the match. um And kind of, you know, especially the fact that he didn't get subbed as well, I think really highlights how, you know, pivotal he is for the squad.
00:04:03
Matt
It's always those players that you know, like him like Cain They're the ones that you know, sort of don't get subs that see the game through no matter what the scoreline is and But yeah, like you say with Mads He had a great game in both games particularly in in the island game, you know sort of I think he did everything but to get a goal or assist in that game and I think it's it's almost the best thing that you know Saka was injured because
00:04:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:28
Matt
It's showing England fans that we don't have to solely rely on Saka for the right-wing position. Like, Madawake is a good alternative. Yeah, he's not quite at Saka's level, but he is still very solid, and it's not like um just putting, you know, any Joe blogs on the right wing. He is a solid, solid threat, particularly when driving at um defenses. You know, maybe just a slightly different angle to what Saka brings, um a bit more direct, whereas Saka, you know, sort of does like to cut back quite a lot, and then sort of swinging across. Maybe Madawake needs to add that to his game. But yeah, absolutely.
England's Strategy & Future
00:04:59
Matt
And, you know, obviously say we saw good old Connor Gallagher there again, getting a goal. Putting on our heartstrings a little bit, but, you know, great to see the the former Chelsea guy um doing his stuff. So yeah, all in all, brilliant against Ireland and even more so against Greece. Madawake put another solid seven out of 10 in that game. And
00:05:19
Matt
I just hope he gets more minutes um onto Too Cool. I think it's a really, really exciting time now that um pretty much everyone's had a shot at playing in the England squad um over the last three international breaks. That is really in contention for you know the World Cup um in 2026.
00:05:38
Matt
um or in the lead up for an extra anyway. And so, you know, sort of whether we see um Tommy T, you know, lining up with a 3-5-2 or still sticking to a 4-2-3-1, it really depends. I'm really intrigued, but I do think it is exciting because it's more likely we're going to see Reece James back, and that is really, really crucial.
00:05:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah, really is. like I mean, desperately sort of really get back into his England form as well. And I mean, yeah his fitness, i don't I think from what we've seen Matt and Chelsea games, I don't really think really stretches that at the moment. You know, we've we've not seen him play two games a week, really for about three years. um You know, not in a mean way, but you know, that's just that's how his injuries have gone. um And you you said something quite interesting there. and Obviously, Karsley sort of very, you know, not not four, two, not four, four, two, but, you know, four, two, three, one, very and not not too much and on the sort of on the tactics side, um I think, from Karsley. But Touka will come in and very much change that. ah And you mentioned as well, you know, Touka, obviously, we saw a lot of that three, five, two at Chelsea. And you would maybe immediately think that Saka is better for that for that role. And, you know, on that right side in the three, five, two.
00:06:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Do you think this little period has just been sort of like a nice little period for Nonny to get some minutes for England or when Tookle comes in and you know we're back at the next international break in March. Do you think Nonny will still have a place or not?
00:07:04
Matt
I guess it all depends on injuries really and who's available at the time. um I think as it doesn't matter, you know, how good you are with your abilities and your skills, the best that ability is availability. And so, you know, whoever's available and fit um and more importantly match fit will be, you know, sort of have the priority. um I would love to say, you know, sort of Madawake would get more minutes. I definitely think he's he's warranted getting called up.
00:07:31
Matt
um At in special breaks now and at least being on the subs and getting some minutes from the bench at least that um, but yeah, depending on the way tuka wants to set up And how how many you know, sort of international games there will be in those breaks I wouldn't be surprised if you know, there are two and he starts saka on one and then starts metawaking on the other um, just to experiment because What has he got to lose? You know, sort of it's it's much better that within all these friendlies and this whole, you know, stupid you over nations league trophy thing, whatever it is that he figures out what works and what doesn't work here rather than and then knows what his plan is for the World Cup in 2026, because that's what that's what, um you know, we want him to win. That's what he wants to win, particularly because if he does, he gets a very, very healthy bonus. um But yeah, I think
00:08:22
Matt
on On the surface, if if he is going to play either one of them on the right wing, I do think Saka edges it. Not because of ability. I just think Saka's more willing to get back than Madawake at the moment. I just think he needs to add that to his game a little bit more to be ah willing to do the hard yards and sort of get his head up and look for that extra pass, which he has been doing, ah and like like we've seen in the last couple of games.
Chelsea's Upcoming Challenges
00:08:44
Matt
I think he just needs to add in a bit more of, you know, sort of putting the team first um to get those more minutes in.
00:08:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. And it's, it will be it'll be quite interesting because obviously there's a fair distance now between, you know, obviously we've seen, you know, every nearly every month sort of players getting called up into this England team. and now it's going to be, as you say, based on injuries, but maybe based on form as well. You know you don't know where Arsenal could be. You don't know if Madawake could be in undeniable form in the league. There's quite a while before before we need to talk about this again. and we'll We'll discuss one last thing, which is slightly unrelated, and it's sort of the last non-Chelsea point we'll discuss, Matt, just before we go to a quick break. and Ben White.
00:09:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
uh sort of apparently is sort of happy to step back into the England squad and to call um what's your what would be your opinions on Ben White coming back in do you think sort of after sort of in the chance no he shouldn't really get a call up again or do you think maybe you know he should not be welcomed back welcomes back to you know no issue and including him in the squad in the future
00:09:51
Matt
I mean, it's it's kind of tough. I think, you know, if he's coming out and saying that, then that's clearly stating that the issue was with Southgate and his camp and his training training staff. And it was clearly a ah divisive issue there as opposed to, you know, playing for England. You know, part of me thought he just didn't care and didn't want to play for England because he's openly said that if he wasn't a footballer, he'd happily be a gardener.
00:10:14
Matt
So it's almost like, OK, well, you know, maybe you just want to look after your body and chill out for a couple of weeks every year, you know.
00:10:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:10:20
Matt
ah But some yeah, I think, you know, it's a new manager, it's a new set of coaches, it's a whole new, you know, rebrand for the English football team. And I mean, God knows that, you know, sort of the papers have been going on about it as well, because he's a German and how can we do this and yada, yada, yada.
00:10:40
Matt
but i think yeah i don't see there's any issue with welcoming welcoming you know sort of or allowing ben white to come back into the to the fray um i mean in terms of right back but we're almost support for choice because we do have trend we've got ben white we've got ruse james Even we saw a liver Amento, you know, we can even play Kyle Walker there if we want But I personally think he's probably better suited to us or three man Since back partnership rather than being on the right anymore, but we'll see um To be honest, I think it's great for competition um But it just means that Reese James you really really need to be fit
00:11:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, I mean, if if Reese is fair, then he knows there's a place there for a taking. Obviously, that's just the quality provides. But yeah, I just thought it was interesting. And obviously, of course, after Harry Kane's sort of comments last week as well, um it's been a bit of a controversial topic, but maybe it'll all be forgotten about once people start and maybe we'll just win every game.
00:11:32
Matt
Is that me?
00:11:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let's see. and yeah and Well, more Chelsea talk. Get back to an normal Chelsea talk after this quick break.
00:11:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
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00:12:02
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00:12:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we are back on the Daily Chelsea podcast. It's a bit of a change from our usual Monday, you know, for the last time, hopefully for a little bit, as we've said, Matt, and we are doing just a bit of a a Monday round up and we've also said yeah we've discussed the last couple of England games. But now um let's move on to Club Football Chelsea. and Matt, whoa.
00:12:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah it good it was in It's interesting, you know what, matt i I was thinking back, you know, we're on episode 54 now, I think it was around episode sort of 30 or maybe 25 or 30, and we were discussing this mad run of games we had coming up, Liverpool, United, you know, all the rest, like we we were worried. And, you know, we can be very happy with sort of sitting in third in the international break. um But life what worries me is that maybe Maybe the smaller teams is where we're going to get a bit more held up, possibly. I'm not too sure. I mean, well, we won't discuss Leicester too much today because obviously we'll be discussing that throughout the week. But there's a bit of fire to the match with with that first game back after the international break at Mareska's old club. Leicester obviously have not had the best start to the season. um So they're looking to sort of get points themselves.
00:13:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So what's your thoughts on this sort of Leicester games? Do you think this that should be like an easy win for us? Or is it something maybe we should be very, very worried about heading into it?
00:13:56
Matt
I wouldn't say we should be worried about it, but Lester at home when the Vardy party's going, that's a rocking house that is um you know tough to silence.
00:13:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
what
00:14:06
Matt
So um
Chelsea's Squad Dynamics & Strategies
00:14:08
Matt
it's going to be a big game, a really pivotal game, I think, in our season because if we win there, then that sets off this you know extensive run of games up into the new year in in the best possible fashion.
00:14:21
Matt
And, you know, so we can really press on and look to basically secure a top four or top four form in for the rest of the season. If we don't get three points there, it's going to be a real bummer. And I think we're going to be ruining it for the rest of the season if we don't get three points there. So, you know, it's going to be tricky because obviously a lot of the players did play under Maruska. They know his style. They know how he wants to play. They know the strengths of his play. They know the weaknesses of it.
00:14:49
Matt
So it's just really whether Steve Cooper and his cheerful face can you know sort of do one up on Maresca With you know, whatever kind of playing style they've got But yeah, we've got to get three points there. um It'll be tough. But Maresca, you know, I actually think sort of Leicester fans will welcome back Maresca They kind of I don't think they've got really any hard feelings about it. I you know, if it's anything like how Brighton sort of tore Potter to shreds ah when we went back to the Amak Stadium. I'll be literally amazed because you know that I honestly just didn't and un understand any of that, but um yeah, I can't see that happening. um Of course, there'd be good to lose him, but you know they got a payout. I mean, we've bought Kieran Jewsbury Hall of them.
00:15:34
Matt
We give them a load of cash, so they should be happy.
00:15:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, not that I spent it wisely though.
00:15:39
Matt
and the Exactly, I know.
00:15:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:15:41
Matt
But um yeah yeah, definitely, we need to get three points. um I think, ah which we're going to touch on as well, is that Lavia is probably going to be out for that game as well, because he's missed both of Belgium's international games, which is really, really really gutting with another hamstring injury, which is just like, what do we do with this guy, man?
00:16:01
Matt
like Is this another Reece James all over and he needs to get surgery and then have another six months out. I mean, we spent a lot of money on him.
00:16:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:09
Matt
He's great, but come on medical team. You can sort him out.
00:16:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's it's interesting. I mean, we'll cook we go we'll go back to the pictures in a second, but with Labia, it's it's It's so worrying because you don't want another player like Reece James where you know they are just absolutely quality.
00:16:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
and And Lavia has really just shown up in every appearance he's had for us.
00:16:28
Matt
Oh yeah.
00:16:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Although it's not many um in the Europe where he's been signed for us.
00:16:33
Matt
Yeah.
00:16:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
and But yeah, if if he's if he's not but he's not actually been playing that much football really, it's been one game a week and he's already had time out injured this season. um Just quickly on that, do you think do you think Enzo takes his place in that center of the midfield or do you think that's that sort of engine of casino or maybe a different play maybe Vega or someone and that might might work better?
00:16:54
Matt
Ooh, I quite like that idea, that absolute tank Vega is, you know, sort of the new Aspella Quetta that we've got in there. um I quite like that.
00:17:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah
00:17:02
Matt
um I, ah to be honest, I'd really be interested to see how Maresco sets up for this. My gut says that he will put Fernandez in there. Um, just because it's, it's kind of almost custom now. And I think, you know, Vega, he had a couple of running games, but we haven't really seen him much in the last, you know, four games or so. So, uh, I think, you know, sort of he's delicately placing when to play Vega. Um, just because I think Vega just offers so much on the ball off the ball. Um, but.
00:17:34
Matt
Yeah, I'd love to see him in there at some points just because I think Leicester are going to be trying to be quite physical with us and he's and he would just give a great amount of protection to to the defence and the midfield just to break up play.
00:17:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I Yeah, am. with Enzo, the thing that obviously just worries me is that I think, I mean, if he was going to play Vega, I think, you know, playing him against the championship, a team that has just been promoted, I think, is maybe the Premier League team, the Premier League game to sort of start him in, maybe, if you want to give him a chance in the league. But, yeah, with Enzo, I just worry with Leicester, they've got quite a big, not a big midfield, a very strong midfield, and that's a battle we do need to win.
00:18:01
Matt
Yeah, fair enough.
00:18:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
um possibly maybe even james in the in the midfield do you you never know um it's been talked about for so long we're yet to yet to see it for a little stint i'm waiting i wonder if marusca is the one to pull the trigger um well we have we have another very quick break and then we'll discuss all the pictures up until christmas eight premier league games coming up in the next six weeks um quite a lot to speak about as we do a bit of an extended preview um up until christmas day we'll talk to you again in just a minute
00:18:13
Matt
Oh, yeah. Oh.
00:18:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
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00:19:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we are back on the daily Chelsea podcast. Me and Matt are doing a bit of a Monday round up. We have discussed the England games. We have discussed with a little bit of a preview with the ah for the Leicester Chelsea game coming up on Saturday at 12.30. Of course, stay tuned for content throughout the week for much more of an in-depth analysis for Maresca's return to Leicester. But Matt, we were just talking about how many fixtures we have in the lead up to Christmas.
00:19:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
um I said eight Premier League games for before the end of the year in the next six weeks, by the way. That that is Premier League games. That's not even including... anything else that we're in. We are at the League Cup, of course, but conference league fixtures, you know, a couple of them away is just, yeah, going to really probably start to take its toll on our squad, you know, as happy as we are that international breaks have done.
00:19:56
Matt
Yeah.
00:20:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
um The players might not be as happy. and and So, you know, a few of the teams that we're facing, you know, Lester, we have Villa coming up, we have Tottenham away, um Everton away, which is again another tough fixture. and But amongst those fixtures as well, we have, you know, Ipswich away, which should be winnable. um Southampton away, which again, should be winnable. And, you know, you sort of hope we're getting some points from Brentford and Fulham at home as well.
00:20:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
and If I was to ask you, Matt, after you know on the 30th of December after we played Ipswich, where do you expect us to be when we're facing four for pretty good teams and four teams that we should maybe be expecting to beat with how we've seen us play this season?
00:20:44
Matt
I would expect us to be about fourth.
00:20:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Where do you expect Chelsea to be in the Premier League table?
00:20:51
Matt
about fourth after this. um Yeah, kind of still running that we're almost a quarter the of the way through the Premier League
Importance of Leicester Game for Chelsea
00:21:00
Matt
so far and with third, albeit it's very tight in the table at the moment and a lot of the separation is only by a goal difference at the moment.
00:21:09
Matt
um And that's again what I'm saying. If we win at the Leicester game, that really kicks us on to the to the best notes, particularly as we we are the first game back as well.
00:21:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:18
Matt
I think Yeah, we've got to win most of those games ah to be to kind of carry on the form that that that was shown. And yeah, those away games with Europe, I think that's where we're definitely going to see the the two squads come out, you know, sort of the full two different 11s there, um just to because of the travel to this the game alone, um just because that's exhausting.
00:21:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
on a further amount, it's like, man.
00:21:43
Matt
And yeah, I think um the only slightly weird thing that I did see when looking through these games is that when we play Villa on the 1st of December, it's at half one. Now as in like, normally it's two, or half twelve, or half four.
00:21:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah.
00:21:58
Matt
Like what's going on? I love how the Premier League just randomly drops in one of those random lunch times every now and again.
00:22:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, you know, it's TV, of another than you
00:22:05
Matt
um but
00:22:08
Matt
Exactly. Yeah, but then again, you know i when we play Astana on the on the 12th of December in the conference league That's at 3 30 in the afternoon So listeners if you've got you know a half day on that Thursday perfect timing, you know ah yeah exactly Yeah Yeah
00:22:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or if you're just really bored and you've finished your work for the week. Just watch the first half before you go in.
00:22:31
Matt
That's it, that's it. Yeah, I think the key games, yeah, yeah the the the trick thing is, is that I'm not actually that worried but about the games versus Villa, Spurs, or Everton or Fulham, even though they're, you know, quote unquote, the harder teams.
00:22:49
Matt
I'm actually more worried about us playing Southampton away, Leicester away and even Brentford at home.
00:22:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:22:55
Matt
because for the last few seasons Brentford have beaten us at home with like a 1-0 or a 2-0 and it's just been the most infuriating game that we've had all the ball, all the possession and then they just get us on the break and then that's it.
00:23:08
Matt
So I think they're the key games to watch out for.
00:23:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I would agree with you there. On one slight point, and I think I'm probably slightly more worried about Tottenham than you are, I suppose.
00:23:19
Matt
make yeah
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
only ah The only reason I say that is, ah I mean, obviously, they're they're not they're not in that good form at the moment. We play them in three weeks. I just think if they are in really bad form, they're going to really want to turn up against us specifically, especially after last season.
00:23:31
Matt
Mm.
00:23:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Their crowd is going to be more up for it than ever. I think maybe maybe that'll be a bit of a tough game, but also Ispers. So, you know, maybe I'm a little bit...
00:23:41
Matt
Yeah. exactly
00:23:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Yeah, I mean, we've we've got we've definitely got some tougher games in there. and And, you know, things start to ramp up a little bit after sort of that little period, you know, we end up facing sort of City, West Ham, Brighton, Villa, Arsenal and Tottenham all in the space of six weeks in sort of February to March.
00:24:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
and We really need to sort of cement our place in this top four, I think, if we if we're going to remain there. And like you said, it's it's very, very tight at the moment. In fact, you know, as much as, you know, we could beat Leicester and cement that third place probably for the weekend at the very least, we could lose and go down to 11th.
00:24:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
So know if if if all the teams above us, you know, all the teams above us, you know, get their points.
00:24:26
Matt
Yeah.
00:24:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's still a bit turbulent, but I think we're in ah we're at a very good point in the season at least. and Just before we sort of come to a finish at this podcast, Matt, and obviously then we'll be moving on to Leicester coverage for the rest of the week. We'll also have a crossdo crossover with Leicester as well. and is there Is there any sort of change to your predictions in terms of who else might be in the top four? Because I mean, obviously we speak about Chelsea quite a lot on this, but one of the things that will probably influence our position in the top four is who else is challenging for it.
00:25:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And at the moment, you know, you could make the argument that Arsenal might not even be there. um So based on based on what you've seen so far, do you think there's going to be different teams in and around us?
00:25:14
Matt
I think, you know, the biggest surprise at the moment is Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Fulham being up there, you know, sort of their fifth, sixth and seventh, you know, respectively. And Nottingham Forest has definitely been the biggest surprise, particularly with like Nuno going there after, you know, failing at Spurs and that just not working out and, you know, sort of almost being a bit of a revolution.
00:25:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:25:35
Matt
um uh at forest and being able to turn it around um particularly with players like chris woods i think most fans you know sort of wouldn't really like take much notice of chris wood but he's been on fire this season um and you know so quite crucially with this weekend coming up when we play lester arsenal are playing forest so that's almost like a top four clash already you know sort of within that which is great for us um because
00:25:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
00:26:01
Matt
you know if there's a draw ah probably ideally a draw so that both of them drop points and then we get the win then we're suddenly you know sort of two points um two points clear of them and and that's great for us I do think yeah I think Fulham are in great stead as well um especially with light smith row he's light on fire um you know it's almost quite funny the fact that when we went in for parma we were looking at smith row as well and you know sort of
00:26:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:26:29
Matt
umm ah yeah I'm not regretting us choosing Palmer at all but and imagine if we did get Smithrow as well sort of maybe they could have done you know a brilliant
00:26:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, not thought no, no, no, no.
League Standings & Team Performances
00:26:37
Matt
you sort of duos or playing in both sort of playing in the the number 10 role we'll never know but um yeah sort of um I think it's just you know kind of it begs for me as well just to note on that with Arsenal it's just like well
00:26:52
Matt
No wonder you didn't win the league because you just overplayed odor guard and sort of without giving my place like smith row chance I just Yeah
00:26:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. and and but so It's also where they they they have dropped points this season without Odegard and they could have used Ewesifro in that as well, didn't they?
00:27:04
Matt
There is
00:27:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like he said they sold him. But yeah, so we got gone. but yeah
00:27:10
Matt
no, no, no, yeah, I know but they did bring in sterling which worked out really well for them So, you know, you know, thanks for that Exactly
00:27:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. um the and
00:27:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh wow, worked out for us then.
00:27:22
Matt
yeah yeah
00:27:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I mean, you're you're you're completely correct. Arsenal vs Forest is a massive game and that's really the only game out of everyone, you know, sort of who can catch us up in points you who are playing each other.
00:27:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
and The only other two we're doing that is Manchester City vs Tottenham but Tottenham I'm not too worried about possibly coming up to third this weekend. I think we'll be okay.
00:27:42
Matt
the Yeah. Yeah.
00:27:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've got a bit of money on that, I think. And yeah, it's obviously the the the one big surprise for me quickly, just before we go, Matt, is there any big surprises that you think for are really going to sort of turn up in form? I think, that you know, we've got Manchester United sitting at 13, obviously with Amorim coming in. West Ham United at 14, if you know, they should be doing so much better. Palace, I think everyone expected a bit more from as well. And Wolves who are having a slight upturn in form. I think, again, though, everyone expected a bit more from Gary O'Neill.
00:28:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And just quickly, our the teams I've just mentioned, if you could take two and obviously, I imagine you take Manchester United and West Ham United, but um who do you expect to sort of kick on from this point in the season and start joining us in those other places?
00:28:26
Matt
Yeah, I mean you would expect Man United, especially with the new manager coming in and to have that double bounce, but like so many times, and I think Man United are the best example of this, is that you just never know.
00:28:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:40
Matt
Like any manager can come in with all the qualifications, you can buy a player with all the stats and all the previous goals and assists, and it just doesn't work. So I think, um
00:28:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:52
Matt
I think it really depends on that whether Amorim, you know, even if he and his family get settled in Manchester, that can have a massive effect. You just never, never know. There's so many little things that come into it, which I think is why we're so lucky with Maresca is that he's just come into Chelsea, kicked on, cracked on, and he's been so comfortable from the get-go.
00:29:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:29:10
Matt
There's been no question about anything really. um I would expect, yeah, man, you know, to get going, but um I actually think Brentford will be the slight dark horse coming up just because they're 11th and when they win it is goals galore like they just love a 4-3 or a 5-4 or a 3-2 they just absolutely love that stuff as especially at home. And so I think they're going to be really difficult to be um at the G-Tech stadium and they're just going to use that to advantage and just be a massive undercurrent um for that with their season. And they're going to get some, I think they're going to get some big wins um along the road against some of the bigger teams. So so I actually expect them to to kind of and not necessarily the top four, but creep up around the like sixth, seventh area.
00:30:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough. I mean, they'll they'll definitely be, if if if you're correct, they'll be proving you right soon. I mean, just just quickly looking at their fixtures. From the 4th of December, they play Villa, Newcastle, us, Newcastle again in the League Cup, Forest, Brighton and then Arsenal up until the end of the year.
00:30:15
Matt
Hmm.
00:30:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
So if if they are going to be in and around there, they'll definitely be earning their place 100%.
00:30:20
Matt
Yeah.
00:30:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hopefully not earning their place against us, though, that we let us have three points, lads. That's what it said. And I'm just talking about weird kick-off times before we go. seven o'clock on a sunday really i think we had one of them the other week as well yeah that that brentford game seven o'clock on a sunday oh and i want it i want it yeah chelsea but yeah um just i've just read i've just realized that's at home as well so i'm gonna have to go to very grateful but also
00:30:38
Matt
That's us. What?
00:30:42
Matt
yeahdepa
00:30:47
Matt
The joys of being a season ticket holder everyone, you know?
00:30:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going to get into about 11 o'clock on a Sunday. Anyway, and anyway, guys, yeah, thank you so much for listening to us today. um International break is done. The podcast never stopped, but the content will keep ramping up from this point. ah Daily Chelsea is part of Global Sports Podcast Network. We bring you a podcast every single weekday. So make sure you join us um for all of your breaking news and reviews of games as well. Matt, it's been fantastic to have you as my co-host today. Thank you for joining me.
00:31:23
Matt
It's been marvellous, Jake. Thanks for being so jummy.
00:31:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
jammy can change colleague cody jolly instead
00:31:29
Matt
Sure.
00:31:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
if you yeah it's good
00:31:30
Matt
Not even gone.
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
If we jammy against Leicester on a weekend. Thank you very much everyone for listening and we will speak to you soon.