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Daily Premier League in English: Episode 80 - The Review, will Liverpool get closer to the title at Villa Park? Is the comeback at Bernabeu possible for Manchester City? image

Daily Premier League in English: Episode 80 - The Review, will Liverpool get closer to the title at Villa Park? Is the comeback at Bernabeu possible for Manchester City?

S2425 E80 · Daily English Premier League
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Important games ahead of us this Wednesday! That means Michał Czarniecki joins forces with Nick Bird and Jools Jordan-Probert from Daily Manchester City to discuss Aston Villa taking on top-form Liverpool, and Pep Guardiola's tough challenge as his side tries to pull off the impossible against Real Madrid in the Champions League! Tune in and enjoy!

Audio excerpts from official channels of the Premier League and Liverpool were used for this episode:
https://www.premierleague.com/video/single/4250084?FOOTBALL_CLUBS=10,2 https://www.youtube.com/live/Rgqh3E9jp5M?si=9zZbWoQMwRVAKA_q

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Transcript
00:00:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.

Introduction of Hosts and Podcast

00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Daily English Premier League. and My name is Michal Czarniecki, based in California. Welcome to the show. I'm really, really thrilled to have you guys here.
00:00:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I am joined by Nick, our friend from dl and from Daily English Premier League. Hi, Nick. Very nice seeing you.
00:01:03
Nick
Hi, it's good to join you for the first time.
00:01:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's very very nice seeing you. And we've got the Manchester City input in the person of Jules. um Hi, Jules.
00:01:14
Jools
Bye. Happy to be here, guys.
00:01:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, happy to be here. i'm I'm really, really thrilled to have you both here.

Upcoming Matches Overview

00:01:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, well, why do we have this connection of an Arsenal fan and Manchester City fan here? And, of course, Man Utd fan in the middle of it all.
00:01:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Because we've got two very important games to cover. First one being, of course, Aston Villa taking on Liverpool in the Premier League and the Champions League second leg...
00:01:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
bo between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Now you understand the selection. We've got two neutral ah fans who've got no ra whole no horses in this rate race, so they will be more than happy to just be objective. and then we're going to Man City fan who's got a lot of agendas and a lot of points of interest in those two matches. Isn't that right, Jules?
00:01:59
Jools
Oh yeah, agendas always.
00:02:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, God. First I brought up your ah poor heart condition and now your agendas. Oh, my goodness. I'm just... ah Okay, let's go. Let's move on. If you do not understand that joke, ladies and gentlemen, about heart condition, rewind some of those episodes and then you'll find out.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Title Race Impact

00:02:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
so let's So, without further ado, let's jump into previewing Aston Villa versus Liverpool. That is going to be one hell of a cracker. Because but a lot of experts say that this match will practically be one of the important deciders on who's going to be clinching the title pretty early, in my opinion. But perhaps, Nick, maybe you understand that rationale.
00:02:41
Nick
Yeah, it's the first of their three big games, I feel, will just decide whether there is even a title race on. Obviously, seven points ahead at the moment. If they win this, they go 10 points ahead.
00:02:53
Nick
But they play Villa, City and Newcastle in their next three. And feel like if they get any more than even five, i think it's done. For me, it was done in December when Saka got injured.
00:03:08
Nick
But yeah, this feels like the first where I think ah loss could really get Arsenal's tails up, so to say, and like almost smell blood that this this could be on, despite the ridiculous set of injuries we have.
00:03:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.

Liverpool and Arsenal in Title Race: City’s Challenges

00:03:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and I mean, yeah, exactly. and And then like a question to you, Jules, are there is there any chance that other teams from outside this top two, which is Liverpool Arsenal, is there a chance of them catching up to that race?
00:03:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Or just like Irby said in like one of our episodes of this podcast that it's already like done and dusted. Liverpool and Arsenal are only in a title race and no one else.
00:03:47
Jools
um I might have said initially that I've got agendas, but I'm not quite that biased to think that City are still there. um If ah the the January signings came a month or two earlier than perhaps, because we all know the run in City can go on at at the tail end of the season. and But I think it's pretty clear Liverpool have been the standout team in the league this year and Arsenal are the best of the rest, let's say. However, there's not too many points between Arsenal and the teams below them as as it is Liverpool above them.
00:04:19
Jools
So with that rationale, possibly. However, and don't see Liverpool dropping enough points to allow anyone else other than Arsenal to catch them this year.

Aston Villa’s History Against Liverpool

00:04:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Not to mention that just looking at some little trivia there, especially concerning this fixture of Aston Villa taking on Liverpool. Aston Villa have won just one of the last 14 Premier League games against Liverpool with two games drawn and 11 lost.
00:04:44
Jools
Do remember that game as well? That was that that was the crazy one, and the seven seven goal one as well, wasn't it?
00:04:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Seven to victory at Villa Park in October 2020. Exactly. Right on cue.
00:04:53
Nick
Emery's also only won once against Liverpool, which was the Europa League final in 2016 out 12 meetings. out of twelve meetings
00:05:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Well, he does have some memories on on on

Mohamed Salah’s Impact and Golden Boot Discussion

00:05:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Liverpool. And speaking on Unai and Emery, this is what he said on Mohamed Salah and his form and Liverpool overall.
00:05:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, one of those rare occasions when we hear that Unai Emery without ums and ahs. Well, that's that's the magic of editing, ladies and gentlemen.
00:06:06
Jools
and That's the best Senkastorad you could ever have, isn't it?
00:06:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, we're going to get to that later. Damn, actually, now that I think of it, that might have been a beautiful segue to this ad. But okay, we'll think of another one.
00:06:18
Jools
like They can have that one for free.
00:06:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:06:19
Jools
It's okay.
00:06:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly, exactly so. ah Yeah, so, well, and I think the words of Unai Emery are completely justified. I mean, look at the stats of Mohamed Salah, 23 goals so far this season, ah worth well, slightly more than second Elling Haaland with his 19 goals this season. and Is Mohamed Salah going to be a big threat for Aston Villa's defence, especially looking at the list of injuries in Aston Villa's column?
00:06:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nick?
00:06:49
Nick
It feels like if you said no, you'd be a complete idiot. Salah's going be a threat no matter who they're playing. And the fact that Villa's entire defense pretty much is injured, this could be feasting for Salah.
00:07:06
Nick
and I don't think he was particularly good at the weekend. And as is often said about him, he's still got a goal. He's still got an assist. This guy doesn't even need to be good to to get output.
00:07:17
Nick
So he'll definitely be a threat tomorrow.
00:07:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. And Jules, like, how much do you wish for Mohamed Salah to, i don't know, catch a stupid red card and see him suspended for a couple games so that he no longer scores goals?
00:07:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:07:32
Jools
um Well, I don't really care who wins the Golden Boot. It would be nice for Haaland too, but I think Salah's been more consistent and deserves it overall, really, doesn't he? um I did predict him to be the top assister in the league as well at the start of the season, and that's coming to fruition as well. Salah is amazing. and However, a City have their own Egyptian king now, so yeah, if Salah drops off,
00:07:54
Jools
There is a new Egyptian sheriff in town for sure with Omar Mahmouche. But on Salah, yeah, he's as good as they come. One of the world's best players and has been for well over half a decade at this point.
00:08:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
There's got to be some balance in the universe. There has to be one Egyptian.
00:08:08
Nick
Neither of them are quite Elneny.
00:08:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, right. And on that note, we can swiftly move on to talking about Aston Villa in more detail because, of course, Anasla also had a press conference. And during that presser, he, of course, said couple of and due diligence words on Aston Villa.
00:08:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And let's hear what he had to say.

Aston Villa’s Potential and Challenges

00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep, exactly. So, well, ah even with Liverpool being like with two players, key players down because Cody Gakpo is ah injured among one of those two players, ah then the question is that, well, was the the words of Arnaz Lott just like and exchanging pleasantries with Unai Emery or does he really respect his opponent?
00:09:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:38
Nick
I think it would be harsh to completely discount Villa, despite their defensive injuries and their sort of weird form at the moment. Emery has shown in the past few years especially that he's capable of turning up on any day and beating anyone as cliche as it is.
00:09:56
Nick
And although they drew to 10 men at the weekend, they should have won. They missed a load of easy chances. If Watkins can finally sort of find that form from last year, which I feel he hasn't quite been able to find, then this can definitely be on for Villa.
00:10:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Jules, and especially what Anaslaut said there about the fact that when once you win against Everton, that is a pretty big accomplishment in this league nowadays.
00:10:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Of course, there was like a one cheeky comment towards the neighbours. But I just wonder, like, does Villa really stand a chance, though? Because... ah Again, like this topic has been talked about many, many times over, but it just seems to be the only thing that's pulling Aston Villa back, and that's fatigue and lack of a depth lack of depth in squad.
00:10:48
Jools
um i'd even i'd yeah Yeah, it's inevitable the hangover you get from um playing in the Champions League as as a newcomer to the competition to that standard.
00:10:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
like that That just keeps coming back, isn't it?
00:10:59
Jools
And they're clearly good enough to be there, but it's having an effect on their Premier League games directly after. I think they've only won one of the games post-Champions League match, which is not good enough when you're trying to get yourself back there next season.
00:11:14
Jools
But i do think their squad does have enough depth per se, but it's a case of some of these players still need a bit more time to gel. mean, Rashford was the best player on the pitch in the second half of the last game.
00:11:26
Jools
um So he looks like he's already going to kick on. And then Doniel Marlon is also another quality player that made a Champions League final last year as one of the main guys. So they've definitely got options. Asensio as well, you know.
00:11:39
Jools
But yeah, it's how quick they can integrate these players to play at that standard with that tempo. But I think it's a bit disingenuous to say they don't have a chance because of course they do.
00:11:50
Jools
Emery's trophy cabinet's a lot bigger than slots and Liverpool themselves know that in big games, Aston Villa and Emery themselves can do them as well.
00:12:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Speaking on fatigue and speaking on tiredness of of of of the players, of course, the Merseyside Derby took a lot of that energy and stamina from Liverpool players because that was like an unbelievable game when every single inch of the pitch had to be fought

Managing Premier League Pressures

00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
for.
00:12:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
And of course, Arsene Slott anna excuse me slo was's asked of about that ah during the press conference and this is what he had to say.
00:12:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:13:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Gilles, when you hear a quote like that, you just can't help but think that Arnazlott is just trying to defend his players little bit. because Because, of course, the journalists, this is their job. like They have to ask those questions on ah whether the players are ah on top form or whether they will be able to perform until the end of the season. Arnazlott is kind of like, okay, guys, but it's normal that in a sort in a league like the English Premier League. Of course, it's obvious that and there will be more ah games with a tight result. And I do please do not expect my players to knock every single opponent 5-0.
00:13:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But what's your take on that, Joves?
00:14:02
Jools
Well, that's his job, isn't it? To keep keep a steady ship and keep everyone's feet on the ground and try and limit the outside noise. and We've seen many more bizarre quotes from managers come into the coming to the crunch end of seasons with a Premier League title.
00:14:18
Jools
Wenger, Fergie, Mourinho, Klopp himself. you know These guys are not averse to saying... quite ah rowdy things in the press, let's say.
00:14:29
Jools
And yeah, I mean, Slott's obviously trying to downplay and throwing away the Merseyside derby there as well. i don't I think, again, he's being a bit, um well, the word is disingenuous because he's saying how much Everton wanted it. Well, I mean, there was only one person that lost their head at the end of that game, wasn't there? it was And it was him.
00:14:49
Jools
But that he's not used to that this season, is he? I know you ah United did them late as well, but That Everton game, yeah, they they didn't get their own way and that's quite rare. Everton have been brilliant just for the record since Moyes has been there too. So there's no shame in that result in my opinion.
00:15:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, well, on my personal note, it's still better to have an an energetic handshake with a referee than just to greet him the way Jude Belegum did. So, you know, still...
00:15:17
Jools
Well, I'm sure we'll get on to that in a bit later as too.
00:15:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
My goodness. Can you imagine Michael Oliver reacting on Jude Bellegum's words? That would be like a straight six-game suspension. Like, come on. and Well, okay. No, no, no, no, no. no no no i'm Sorry, sorry. It's on me. I do not want to talk about Michael Oliver. We are in a good mood.
00:15:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Nick, I want to ask you if there were any supplements that you would recommend both players before ah entering the pitch so that they could rejuvenate. What kind of supplements would you recommend?
00:15:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because obviously they're in need after the Messi side derby.
00:15:48
Nick
Would it perhaps be bionic?
00:15:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Perhaps, and hence, that's the sponsor of our podcast. Let's give it a listen.
00:16:33
Nick
Thank you.
00:16:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
And what kind of supplement do podcasters need at the 60 minute mark of recording the podcast?

Champions League Preview: Real Madrid vs Manchester City

00:16:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
The champions, of course, because we are now we're moving on to what Jules is most interested about.
00:16:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I do not blame him is Ken but Pep Guardiola pull a remontada Spanish style remontada against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu. Jules, your hot thoughts.
00:17:01
Jools
Of course, City can do it. um This is the fourth season in a row that City and Real Madrid have come up against each other. And every single season, it's been blockbuster TV, isn't it? um Crazy that you that you're seeing...
00:17:15
Jools
well, the two best teams in Europe over the past three or four years against each other at this stage of the competition. and City and Madrid both only have themselves to blame as well. um that That club bruised result on the last day for City is looking even better now. The fact that they've beaten Villa this year, they just stuffed Atalanta today as well.
00:17:36
Jools
So City did well ah in the end to get to this point. But yeah, their reward was the 15-time European champions, which isn't much of a reward. The first game, Madrid definitely did deserve the result. It would have been a bit of a snatch for City to have won.
00:17:53
Jools
But City teams in the past definitely would have locked that down. But we've seen many times this season throwing away leads in the Champions League too. That 3-0 up with 15 minutes to go to Feyenoord still stings a lot of City fans, absolutely.
00:18:07
Jools
But if they can keep a type tight ship and Haaland takes his chances like he did in the first leg, then it's on. It's doable. It's only one goal. It's there. Of course, Real Madrid or Real Madrid, they go into this as the biggest favourites at any point between these last four consecutive years of meetings.
00:18:28
Jools
Mbappe is on fire as well. um Vinny, the ah second best player in the world, as Rodri, of course, is the first, um is always going to be a danger as well. So I wouldn't say many City fans are hopeful, but there's no reason to think that Pep can't rub his bald head and bring a genie out.
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, especially with a meme of Pep Guardiola overthinking the tactics. like that's That's been a classic for i' listed at least four years now, especially since the Champions League final is even longer.
00:19:01
Jools
longer like i'd say i'd say longer i'd say longer yeah um
00:19:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
ya um like The reason I said four years ago was because like it actually intensified right before the Champions League final against Chelsea that he eventually lost. And people were just laughing at him for overthinking the tactics.
00:19:14
Jools
but even even even Even before then, and the Spurs game, and which City should have definitely won anyway, but d tinka then but the worst one was changing to a back three for the first time ah ever in his reign against Lyon. And Lyon knocked City out in the last 16, I think it was.
00:19:32
Jools
think that might have COVID quarterfinal.
00:19:34
Nick
Yeah, the sterling mess.
00:19:37
Jools
Yeah, so yeah, Pep got hit pap has got a history of doing this and i I kind of expect him to again today. Sorry to kind of take over a bit here, but um fa the 4-0 win against Newcastle on the weekend is the best city you've played all season, hands down, unequivocally.
00:19:54
Jools
And key to that was, of course, Mamouche, who I've brought up. But it was Nico Gonzalez, the new centre mid. but Anyone that's watched football this year knows how important Rodri has been to City and even more so and the importance of his absence and the lack of and available...
00:20:13
Jools
people to fill in that position Nico is there now and City seem like a completely different team yet I wouldn't be surprised if we still seen Pep not start the same team as Saturday when there's no reason not to consistency in squad selection has not been there all year and City have paid the price so yeah we'll see but I wouldn't be surprised if Pep threw another spanner in the work somehow
00:20:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, the stats give Pep Guardiola's side 1% of overturning the the tie to his advantage.
00:20:45
Jools
So there's a chance.
00:20:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
There is a chance, 1%, of course. Yeah, and actually Guardiola was asked about this, that basically, like, he thinks, like, okay, he did not say that City still has got a

Real Madrid’s Strategy Against Manchester City

00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
chance.
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was just praising Real Madrid, or, like, left and right. He just said, like, I'll paraphrase, that Real the braille Madrid are the real favorites to come out of this aggregate battle victorious.
00:21:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah To which Carlo Ancelotti responded with, I do not believe Guardiola for a second. Oh, come on. he is He's full of it. There is no way that he believes that Real Madrid is the favorite. And then Guardiola responded in another presser with,
00:21:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's the first time that he did not believe me. Wow. So we got a little back and forth there. Nick, I would like to ask you about something more specific it's as far as the tactics go.
00:21:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because we say that Real Madrid did a great job in the first leg. But not too many people talked about how Real Madrid dismantled Manchester City in that during that first leg.
00:21:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, well, of course, I just helped um my... my way of thinking and my rationale with a brilliant feature at UEFA.com about how Real Madrid mid-block absolutely dismantled Manchester City.
00:22:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
There are plenty of very interesting facts in there. For example, the one that out of all of the opponents that Real Madrid has faced so far in the Champions League, Manchester City and Liverpool are those two teams with with which Real Madrid spent the most time in mid-block.
00:22:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's the question. Like, was there any other

Adjustments Needed for Manchester City

00:22:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
way to somehow counteract to how Real Madrid was shifting, was moving, was making sure that nothing would come through that midfield?
00:22:21
Jools
Thank you.
00:22:31
Nick
I don't think so last week because they started with the Stones at DM, obviously. I think when if they had Rodri, obviously, or Nico Gonzalez, like they probably will tomorrow, they would have how had far more answers. But...
00:22:46
Nick
I just don't think Pep's set up last week really helped them massively in terms of playing through a mid-block. and You can't blame Madrid at all. You sit in a mid-block against this City team, the physicality, the pace that Real Madrid have to just take advantage of the deficiencies that we've seen with City this season.
00:23:06
Nick
To be honest, i was surprised it wasn't more comfortable for City. I was partly expecting almost a complete blowout from Real Madrid. A 3-2 for City. I don't think it that bad in the end.
00:23:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, perhaps. but But then again, we're talking about, of course, like the City got out lucky that it finished the way it did because Real Madrid, they've been superb, especially the work of the back four. They allowed zero space for Erling Haaland to develop anything there, even though Haaland did score, but he did not score more.
00:23:37
Jools
Twice. Yeah.
00:23:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Twice, exactly. He did score, but he did not score more than it was required to win the first leg. And that

Key Players in the Champions League Match

00:23:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
thing that was the key in what Carlo Ancelotti said after the game, because he was the one praising his his back four.
00:23:43
Jools
yeah
00:23:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
But then again, ah when we just take a quick look at what we can expect from Manchester City. ah Jules, which players...
00:24:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
could bring some new and fresh quality to challenge Ancelotti's tactics, which are pretty organized. And if they are compact, especially in that middle third, there is a very little chance of anyone getting through.
00:24:18
Jools
Yeah, you say that, but I think Nico on the ball is is really good. And more than that, it's how and valuable a player like that, and a good one as well, which he is, is defensively.
00:24:31
Jools
Because all season, teams have been setting up in either deep blocks or even mid blocks against City and being able to get at the back line so easily over and over and over again because that gap in the midfield is just so big.
00:24:44
Jools
Mateo Kovacic does not have the legs to be able to handle it all by himself. Partly his fault, partly the set-up's fault. um But yeah, so I think Nico is the big difference maker here in terms of how City can stop Real Madrid just completely steamrolling them.
00:25:01
Jools
And then, of course, Mahmoud. City have been crying out for a player that runs him behind and stretches defences for years, really. Even when Grealish was at his best, you know, he hugs the touchline and, ah you know, he he's had, there's a lot of talk about how he's had his creativity stifled under Pep, but that's because there's so many better attacking midfielders at the club than him. Someone has to do that role and he did it really well.
00:25:25
Jools
However, City became very predictable and having Mamouche run in between the gaps between the fullback and the centre-back or in between the two centre-backs or running just off Haaland, Haaland dropping deep or vice versa, it gives defences completely different problem to face. and And Real Madrid's wing-backs tend to bomb on, whoever it is, whether they're playing, even if they're getting Camavinga at left-back, they'll put him on. Lucas Vazquez, Valverde, these are players that will get forward and will leave space for Marmouche to counter.
00:25:57
Jools
And he has got the pace, confidence and quality to put anyone to the sword, in my opinion. I know it's a small sample size, but... He has been great since he's joined City. And of course, he's having one of the great European seasons in general with how good he was Eintracht Frankfurt as well.
00:26:15
Jools
So, yeah, if Haaland has got shooting boots on, I'm basically just going to say if everyone's great, then yeah, there's a chance. But um yeah, in answer specifically to your question, I think Nico and Marmouche will be the two new players that can cause new problems that...
00:26:33
Jools
teams maybe won't um already have figured out how to stop, which they have done for a lot of games in City season so far.
00:26:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nick, I have...
00:26:42
Nick
do you Do you think he'll stick with or go with Rico Lewis at right back? Because when he came on at halftime last week, I instantly i mean i think most people instantly thought, well, this gets so easy for Vinny and Mbappe will drift even further left to go at him.
00:27:00
Nick
but We've seen his defensive deficiencies all season. and We saw it again last week. Do you think he'll go with him or do you think he'll go with someone else,

Manchester City’s Defensive Strategies

00:27:08
Nick
possibly a centre-backer?
00:27:08
Jools
um
00:27:13
Jools
I'd imagine because he started Rico on Saturday that he would pick someone else midweek. But I'd be very surprised if he didn't come on at all. um And yeah, like he has this defensive deficiency, sure, but that's more to do with his physical capabilities.
00:27:29
Jools
His reading of the game is really good.
00:27:29
Nick
Yeah.
00:27:31
Jools
And if the team is settled, then those kind of those physical limitations and aren't as prevalent, right? Yeah. which is the exact opposite to Kyle Walker, who had no brain, all pace towards the last season or two. And then that that pace went and we've seen how much of a cliff he fell off.
00:27:52
Jools
So, yeah, if we could bring back Walker for one game to lock down Vinny or Mbappe, sure. But um the defence is worse with him in.
00:27:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:28:00
Jools
And these are the type of games that Rico Lewis deserves to start, in my opinion. He's been so good so often at such a young age in a variety of positions for the most demanding manager in world football.
00:28:12
Jools
So he deserves the chance to. I wouldn't say there's loads of options. We could see Stones out there because he he was fit and Kusinov had a really good game on Saturday.
00:28:24
Jools
But yeah, in honesty, whenever anyone asks me to predict what Pep's line-up going to be, I really don't know.
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I don't blame you for not knowing anyway. know like i i would I will also have that headache like as a Man City fan as well. So, apparently, Man City fans will be looking for another Real Madrid, well, let's just say um bottling, and Robert Lewandowski in Man City's version scoring four goals.

Score Predictions and Episode Conclusion

00:28:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
like Of course, i had to chime in.
00:28:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Sorry, guys. Who could be your Robert Lewandowski scoring four goals against Real Madrid?
00:28:59
Jools
what I think Erling Haaland is a pretty good comparison, to be fair.
00:28:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jules...
00:29:00
Nick
not.
00:29:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
but have you got there?
00:29:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And what about Mamouche, though? I mean, he scored a hat-trick last time.
00:29:06
Jools
Well, yeah like like ah like yeah, I just spoke about how important I think he'll be. and yeah Yeah, if City do manage to go through, then I think those three players that we mentioned, Nico, Marmouche and Haaland, they will all have to be great.
00:29:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:21
Jools
And the defence going to have to have some of the best performances they've had since possibly winning in the Champions League two years ago.
00:29:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Trude Belegham would need to show some patriotism towards his to towards the English side. And we will have to show our appreciation and big thanks to another sponsor of ours, which is Zencastr.
00:29:34
Jools
Yeah.
00:29:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then we will ah shortly talk about our score predictions. So let's have a listen.
00:30:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly. That was the ad for the Zencaster. Thank you so much for sponsoring us. And to all of our fans out there and listeners and and viewers, please subscribe. Please stay tuned to our content. The more you are out there, the more excited going to be to make more and more episodes like that. So don't forget to like, don't forget to share it with your friends.
00:30:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
And if you disagree with anything that we've said so far up to this point, you're more than welcome to express that disagreement down there the comment section below so that we can have a little bit of a discussion the more you are there, the better. So let's let's keep it at that.
00:30:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, short score predictions. Aston Villa, Liverpool, Jules, whoever you got.
00:31:01
Jools
it's so hard to bet against Villa because they are really good but they're so inconsistent in the league this year i um yeah alright you said short and I've already dragged it out 15 seconds um I'm going to say three one Liverpool
00:31:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ha ha ha!
00:31:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
31 Liverpool, Nick.
00:31:22
Nick
I'm going to go 2-2. Villar have only lost at home to us on their first home game. so I hope they can see Liverpool out a little bit.
00:31:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, and for me, I think Liverpool is a big favourite of this game. So I would just say two one That is going to be another close result, but on the advantage of the Reds, I think this would be an unsafe prediction.
00:31:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Champions League, second leg, Real Madrid, Manchester City. I'll start with Nick this time so the Jews can have more time to think about the score. Nick, where we go?
00:31:59
Nick
3-1 Real Madrid, Haaland, header over Asensio or something, and then Vinny and Mbappe just being Vinny and Mbappe.
00:32:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and Jude Bellegum greeting them with a classic and English greetings, Jules.
00:32:12
Nick
Yeah.
00:32:14
Jools
um I think both teams will score. um This is me dragging it out again, guess.
00:32:21
Nick
Yeah.
00:32:24
Jools
Yeah, it's hard to look past the Real Madrid's pedigree in this competition and Mbappe and the form he's in.
00:32:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
right
00:32:33
Jools
So, yeah, I'm going to go 2-1 Madrid with a heavy heart.
00:32:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, so, okay, I know what you're doing there. So, like, right now, you're jinxing it by throwing... but but
00:32:46
Jools
Never bet on your own team. Come on. That's common knowledge. Never bet on your own team.
00:32:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly, exactly. Yeah, common sense. So with that being said, that concludes our preview. This episode is actually it's actually published and put out there for all of you guys to hear and see on the day of both of those games ah taking place. So have your have yourself, guys, a great game.
00:33:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
So ah Nick, Jules, thank you so, so much for joining me for this preview. And well, have yourself a great, great view of the game as well. Thank you guys so much for joining us. And well, tune in tomorrow because then we'll be reviewing both of those games. So Aston Villa taking on Liverpool and Real Madrid taking on Manchester City. Hopefully we'll have a lot to talk about. Maybe maybe less about Jude Bellingham's great expressionisms and more about football and goals and performances.
00:33:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're hopefully going to be sticking around to find out. So from Michał Czarniecki, thank you guys so much. Do zobaczenia, do usłyszenia!