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Episode 83 - Fulham v Ipswich Preview
32 Plays7 days ago
Tom and James are on hand to preview Ipswich's trip to Fulham this Sunday. An inspired Town will be full of confidence after their 2-0 win vs Chelsea, can they make it 2 for 2 against South London opposition?
The Daily Ipswich Podcast, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, is your new home of all your ITFC. Join us every weekday for the latest news, build-up and reaction in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
Host: Tom Crack
Guest: James Bennett
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Transcript
Introduction and Host Welcome
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone, welcome back to another edition of the Daily Ipswich here on the Global Sports Podcast Network. We hope you had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year as well. My name is Tom and I'm joined by Mr James Bennett today. How are you doing James?
00:00:20
James
Oh good, thank you very much mate, happy new year.
00:00:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Happy New Year
Ipswich Town's Year-End Highlights
00:00:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
to you. And it was a very end happy end to the year for Ipswich Town. Thanks to Rob also for holding down the fort during the Christmas period, but all the squad now are back post celebrations to discuss moving on in 2025.
00:00:30
James
Yeah, cheers Rob.
00:00:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we'll look back slightly for today's show because me and you, James, haven't had a chance to give our thoughts quickly on what was, let's call it what it is, the biggest win of the season against Chelsea at home, 2-0 under the lights.
00:00:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like couldn't have gone any better, could it?
00:00:50
James
nah brilliant it was just yeah fantastic because uh let's be honest i don't think we we definitely didn't expect it obviously because uh horrible running anyway new castle isle and then chelsea so i was that i was dreading it it was i thought it was going to be horrible but um it so it was a strange one don't get me wrong i'm not chelsea obviously didn't fully turn up let's i'm not saying that we absolutely battered him because obviously that it's not the case but
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:01:16
James
ah Walton pulled off a couple of great saves as well. I'm so happy that he got his chance and he played really, really well. So that was great. It was just great to see, do you know what I mean? You could see that the energy was there, all of it was there that's needed for the rest of the season.
00:01:29
James
So, yeah, very positive to go forward on. It was a hell of a win, cracking stuff. And I'd love to see Hutchinson ah celebrate against his old club as well.
00:01:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:01:37
James
That was class.
00:01:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah very much kind of but the trend of just sort of holding your hands and not moving slightly after you've scored against your old team, the complete opposite was Hutchinson's celebration.
00:01:42
James
Absolutely.
Defensive Strategies Post-Newcastle
00:01:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll touch on the formation and sort of how maybe that could go as the season went on, but I think as as we've heard a lot recently, I think that game really, I mean if you look at Newcastle game as you said, it was really the toughest loss of the entire season.
00:01:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think since then really, we obviously on paper asked when Chelsea has two games, especially in the vein of four on both sides, especially Chelsea until that little blip they had just ahead of playing us, it was like You kind of felt your obituary was already written, wasn't it?
00:02:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But you kind of saw in that Arsenal game with what was quite a drab affair, but for us, you know, almost holding a no-one-ill draw would have been very good. But you saw defensively how we set up against them. We kind of carried that, I think, into whatever day it was at Portland Road.
00:02:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's hard to tell what the day is during a festive period. is And every day is the same in between Christmas and years, isn't it?
00:02:27
James
really yeah
00:02:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, no, you could really see, couldn't you, how I think moving forward, how the team may set up and trying to maybe defend a lead or defend a a clean sheet rather than kind of just going like health lever at the start as we've done so for so many years recently. Do you think that will be the trend now moving forward formation wise? We had five sort of five at the back, wasn't it?
00:02:48
James
I think so. Well, I'll be honest, I hope so, because, um I mean, i'm not I'm not entirely sure. Did we set up the same against Arsenal as well?
00:02:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Yeah.
00:02:58
James
Yeah, we did, yes.
00:02:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it was because Morphy came in for both games.
00:02:58
James
and you
00:03:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:03:00
James
I said, yeah, cause you did. And like you say, you could tell as well, like, yeah, Arsenal, they, I mean, we barely seen the ball fair enough, but we defended really, really well. And we, you could see that the plan that we're now starting with all of obviously McKenna's maybe changing something.
00:03:16
James
So we're a bit more steady at the back. You could see that's coming into play a little bit more, I think. And that's a, that's really hopeful to see it's obviously against Arsenal fair enough. Like you said, it wasn't the best game anyway, but, um,
00:03:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thanks.
00:03:28
James
they they dominated the the possession and yeah we defended well and same against Chelsea as well so I think moving forward 100% yeah I think think it's good things to come I really am positive about it.
00:03:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, very much. I mean, I think we've, we've had a few like sort of positive rides after the the the other two wins we had, and then it we kind of came crashing back down to earth. But I think the manner in which we won as well as the formation, like there's positives and you can see how, like I said, the Arsenal game, yeah, it's one nil, but you like, I think of all things considered, that's a fairly decent result.
00:03:59
James
I will say that.
00:03:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
You're taking six points, three points, three points out of six against Arsenal and Chelsea.
00:04:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like you put your hand off, uh, following the Newcastle game, if that was the
January Transfer Window Needs
00:04:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
case. So really well done from Alads there as we closed out the year. What was, uh, fantastic year for its town 2024 obviously it's very in very rear view mirror we always look back at it fondly but we are now in 2025 and with it being 2025 it is january and the january transfer window is now open big time for many clubs obviously january usually you kind of do get less more glamorous moves shall we say usually it's squad filler with injuries and things like that it does seem to be the case for town very much in this period
00:04:12
James
so yeah
00:04:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Rob touched on the crossover yesterday of our colleagues over at the Daily Fulham stating that we need three to four signings of a striker. We were right back, maybe another centimetre, something like that. But where where for you, James, do you see before you touched on some of the rooms that came out today, where do you see needs bolstering through the January transfer window as we're here now?
00:04:52
James
I mean, what definitely we need another striker, 100%, that's obviously a given. ah We need another right-sided midfielder, I think, that's obviously no disrespect to Wes Burns or whoever, do you know what I mean?
00:05:06
James
But I think we need another one. Right back, yeah, I mean, Rob's probably right without him. I don't know if that's... If I would put that ahead of maybe needing another striker or a right mid-door, I'd be completely honest.
00:05:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I agree.
00:05:20
James
and And centimetre, again, i do yeah I agree if we can, but if not, I wouldn't worry too much, I wouldn't. um Because we do need to...
00:05:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:05:30
James
fit I mean, don't get me wrong, it'd be good to have backups still, but I think for me, it's definitely the right side of the midfielder and a striker, really, to be honest.
00:05:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:05:39
James
What's your thoughts on that? line What do you think we need?
00:05:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
i'm I'm kind of in agreement. I mean, just to back up Rob before we ah move ahead, because he kind of listed his right midfielder and strikers are two sort of main ones. I think with the Phillips, with the midfield tonight, it's kind of a fifth cue, staying maulsy, go down. You know, Rob's been not been the biggest supporter of Phillips throughout the season.
00:05:53
James
yeah
00:05:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
and So if one of those goes away, I guess his faith in Phillips isn't there.
00:05:57
James
Very true.
00:05:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
But no, I think Well, Stryker definitely, you know, delapsed, carried the load this season, and that sort of ah sort of suspension against Newcastle was kind of a blessing in disguise, really, because, you know, obviously he played against Arsenal, but no one really got was able to touch ball there. So he so kind of saw his return, shall we say, against Chelsea.
00:06:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it was like the, I don't want to say the dap of old, he's only been to a club for like five, five months or something, but it's a player we know he can be.
00:06:18
James
Yeah.
00:06:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
And obviously he went after a little drought and then albeit a penalty thing scored during I can play, but very much the way he handed himself on and off the ball was a player we know and love and hopefully can be the difference maker throughout the season.
00:06:24
James
yeah
00:06:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
But with that amount of effort he puts in, you need, you need someone to support him and Hurst looked like the perfect. sub striker with that one start up or two he had but but obviously the one against Brentford before he got injured a few games later I think was against Spurs when he went down after the win there so that that would have been great if he was there he looked at a good number two but of him being out Al Hamadi I think there's some rumors that he may be linked to the lone move to Derby so linking Marcus harness which quite cool to see but um
00:06:46
James
yeah
00:06:52
James
but so
00:06:58
James
okay and Jackson as well actually, he's there
00:07:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Kerry Jackson, yeah, just the whole town contingency in our business now, yeah. um So yeah, I think, i'm not obviously I can't name any names, I can't think of any names at the moment with that sort of sub striker. But bringing a young hungry striker in rather than, I think last year, the Keith Moore move worked brilliantly when Hearst was away for a few months as well. But that was kind of a a veteran sort of ah player where our sort of flare players on the on the wings kind of did the goal scoring for us obviously did score very important goals as well but but that's not ever seen the setup now and you do need that sort of striker to make the difference there yeah I'm in agreement and on the right I mean we'll touch on it now so but we recorded this on the 2nd of January and news came out today or rumors came out today I should say of filleging from Aston Villa that town a heavy link to the right side of the winger
00:07:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
for Aston Villa. They signed him from Hull in the summer and we were obviously, they set him ba put him back. We were quite heavily linked to him in the summer to maybe make a double move for him and Greaves, obviously only if one of them came at the time.
00:08:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's had two starts for Villa in lead the league this season and nine off the bench. I think he very much went back thinking he could you know start obviously the temptation of Champions League football in comparison to a potential relegation battle with us obviously was obviously quite more appealing.
00:08:12
James
Yeah.
00:08:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
but I think first team football and starting football is even more appealing. So I think those rumours now with us definitely carry some validity. and that That right side, I think, to be honest, I know, obviously, like I said, with Dilat needs some backup, but in my opinion, I don't know about you, James, but that right side, I think, is the most important.
00:08:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, Benet looks great. Unfortunately, he's injured.
00:08:35
James
Yeah.
00:08:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Burns was really good in Chelsea, but it's more of a right wing back role, so less going forward. Obviously, Amari's more of a 10 now.
00:08:40
James
yeah
00:08:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
So do you do think, as well, that that sort of right-sided winger out and out, we should say, is is the position that needs filling in. It's the only one really that you could think of a starting player who could come in, isn't it, rather than rest being kind of filler.
00:08:51
James
yeah absolutely yeah I would have to agree 100% we we need to sort that right side out because like I say unfortunately that Og Benne on it he looked really really good and it's such a shame that he's out for the rest of the season because he really did look good and really exciting but yeah Phila Jean
00:09:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:10
James
I mean he's obviously going to be an upgrade, 100% and he will start, so yeah, fantastic. I do just worry though if if he's what we need. I don't know if he's, you know, because like you say, he's not started too much, he's not played too much. And yeah, he was great in the championship last season, he was really, really good playing, obviously that's why we were interested in him.
00:09:29
James
But um I don't know, is he worth the risk? Maybe, maybe just go for a loan for it till the end of the season and see what's what. But um yeah, we need someone. So why not go for him if he was already interested? Yeah.
00:09:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. I believe it would be alone as well because they bought him back for, I think 30 mil or so in the summer.
00:09:43
James
yeah
00:09:46
James
Yeah.
00:09:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I don't think they'd be ready to get rid of him after ready five months being back.
00:09:48
James
know yeah
00:09:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
As you said, young, young lad, I think they would be keen to have him, but ever Everton are reportedly linked to him as well now. That's sort of, I think, yeah, he's a primarily proven player. So I don't think there's anything to go back down to the championship like he was if oh last year, but I think very much needs that sort of starting football.
00:09:59
James
No, no.
00:10:04
James
Yeah.
00:10:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you know, like you said, yeah, he hasn't been started much, but maybe that could give him a bit of a chip on the shoulder and looking to prove himself.
00:10:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
but we shall see as January goes on.
00:10:09
James
Yeah.
00:10:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
I feel like it's going to be, we're going to try and provide you guys with sort of the rumors as it goes on, but who knows where the time goes, this goes out. The news could
Fulham Match Preview
00:10:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
break. And I think, was it during this panel we were talking about, Amanda Breuer joining, looked like it was nailed on, published it, published the episode, then the next day he went to Fulham on loan or the mood just completely died down.
00:10:18
James
yeah
00:10:22
James
Oh, yeah.
00:10:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's going to be hard to keep up with the craziness of it as a January Transfoner, but we'll do our best as for sure.
00:10:28
James
yeah
00:10:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to take our first break now. When we come back, we're going to be reviewing Town's away trip to Craven Cottage this weekend against Fulham.
00:11:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to part two of a daily li switch. Like I said, before the break there, me and James are going to be previewing town's away trip to Craven Cottage this Sunday at 2pm on Sky Sports. So a lot of us will actually be able to watch, which is fantastic.
00:11:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're now in the second half of the season, James, that we've played every team in the Premier League. Now we're kind of doing the ah go around where we're going away to some teams who played at home and vice versa.
00:11:26
James
yeah
00:11:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously we played Fulham.
00:11:31
James
yeah
00:11:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
early this season, it very much was after that sort of early trial by fire against City and Liverpool, or Liverpool and City I should say, as the first game we could conceivably do something and we got a 1-0 draw against them.
00:11:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
What's your thoughts heading into this Sunday's game? Obviously it's been 19 games for both sides now, Fulham looking like a really good season for them again, isn't it?
00:11:51
James
yeah yeah absolutely it's it's going to be a tough one as they all are of course it's the Premier League but I don't know if we if we maybe look back to when we first played them, like you said, we drew one all and it looked like a game that we should have ah could have won i'm early on in the season.
00:12:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:12:08
James
I don't see why we can't go to their place and do it this time because we've looked look we've looked better away recently anyway than we have at home. We've just had a massive win against Chelsea.
00:12:20
James
I don't see why we can't go to Craven Cottage and beat them. I really don't see why we can't. and We obviously have to you know, keep an eye on some of their players like that. Robinson on the left, on the left back. I mean, he's, he's a very, very good player. So we need to keep our right side strong because he gets so many assists as well. He looks a very decent player. Obviously, Harry Wilson, he just keeps coming on at the minute and scoring. So I'm, I am, if we say, if we're one little up in the 70th minute and he gets brought on, I will absolutely, I will, I will be nervous about it. So we need to keep an eye on him as well. Pereira, they've got some great players. They really do. But yeah,
00:12:58
James
um I'm quietly confident about it. I think we can do it this Sunday, I do.
00:13:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I was just looking but looking at Fulham's sort of recent stats. It's unbeaten in seven. Obviously, like us, they got a win against Chelsea, like as he as always, he tops on ah James there, a last minute winner for them as well.
00:13:09
James
Yeah.
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then I think they had most recent before that was early December against Brighton, but then a lot of draws, but against topsides, like managed to get a draw against Arsenal, draw at Anfield.
00:13:19
James
yeah
00:13:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then, but as our colleagues at Daily Fulham touched on, um the crossover episode is that they're sort of getting these big results against you know the quote unquote bigger clubs and you know winning against Chelsea draws against Liverpool Arsenal but when they come up against sides they should conceivably win or have a good chance of getting three points like you're Bournemouth or yourself Hamptons they haven't been able to get the job done.
00:13:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that's a good sort of ah omen to take into this weekend especially as we've obviously got two wins away
00:13:45
James
Yeah.
00:13:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
on the road as well. Touching a few players there. I'll just spout some more praise on Robinson as well because he's he's been fantastic.
00:13:53
James
yeah
00:13:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
I remember our crossover to start the season with Fulham as well. We were sort of going to take the tap with Leif Davis and Robinson as well.
00:13:58
James
Yeah. It was.
00:14:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And to be fair, you know, I'm still a big, big Leif Davis supporter, but Robinson is
00:14:03
James
oh yeah
00:14:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fantastic. I think it's got the most, you've got seven assists in the league this season. So it's third in the league overall, really, really looking like an absolute gem of a player. They'll be lucky to hold on to next year.
00:14:11
James
Yeah.
00:14:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think to be honest, because he looks like he could be there for a top side, a lot of left side of players for the top teams. I look at the cities and your Liverpool's.
00:14:19
James
Definitely.
00:14:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
It could be in need of a young player in that position up top.
00:14:23
James
I could see, I could definitely see him as like a replacement for, ah you know, Andy Robertson.
00:14:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
You got gone.
00:14:27
James
I could see him going to Liverpool.
00:14:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, me too.
00:14:28
James
Yeah.
00:14:29
James
Yeah.
00:14:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:30
James
100%.
00:14:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, he helped carve them open, didn't he?
00:14:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
A a few times. And obviously, he probably got sent off and then was the only left back on the pitch for most of that game.
00:14:31
James
Exactly. Yeah.
00:14:36
James
Yeah.
00:14:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
we ah With Fulham as well, they're attacking options. They kind of go by the wayside in terms of people talking about them. Raul Jimenez, Muniz as well, wherever one of them comes off the bench or whichever one starts. We kind of have what we want as we've talked about in the January transfer window there, James.
00:14:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
like to ah Whichever strike is going to start, it it seems to like not be an issue, isn't it? I think they've got 10 goals combined, which is decent.
00:14:58
James
Yes, it's a good return. I like to say it's that's definitely what we're looking for as well, that's what we need. shami and like Just a good replacement for it, it doesn't really matter who starts because that's that's what every team should have really. and yeah Hopefully we get that in the summer, but going back to Fulham, with both of them, Eunice and Jimenez, they're both threats as well, which is which is horrible obviously for us is someday So I guess it doesn't matter which one plays but we've been like we said our new system We've been defending well, so I think we've got it in us to handle them as well
00:15:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Looking at their defensive shape, you've got the likes of Bassi Sandberg and Anderson as well. Got some real sort of beefy lads at the back, I should say. But, you know, Dilap, I think, found some good good fortune against that early in the season, didn't he, as well?
00:15:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think going into the game after getting sort of the monkey was back and scoring after a bit, like I said, albeit a penalty.
00:15:45
James
you
00:15:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think that's going to be good for him as well. Before we go to the break, like, I think, you know, obviously, away from home, I think we've played quite well in most games. Obviously, we've got two wins on the road this season.
00:15:56
James
Yeah.
00:15:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Craven Cottage is very much, I don't know about you, one of those things where, I don't know, as a player, as a fan, I'm not that intimidated by going to Craven Cottage, so I can't imagine the players would be. This is one of the few away games, I think, regardless of opposition, where you'd like to think the atmosphere's not really gonna be a factor, especially for the fans who aren't that, you know, it's not playing Chelsea at home, do you know what I mean?
00:16:13
James
Yeah.
00:16:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
This isn't a big game for fun fans geographically. That could help us, do you think?
00:16:19
James
Yeah. Absolutely mate, I do agree with that because obviously the atmosphere being ah being at home or being away, it makes a huge difference. We all know that as football fans and yeah I do agree with that. This is no disrespect to Fulham at all. ah They're a great club. I like them as a club.
00:16:36
James
they seem to have just really nice fans, do you know what I mean? And I think that's maybe what the problem is, the two nice. So, i yeah, i'm not I'm not too worried about us travelling down there. Yeah, I think we'll probably be louder than them, I'll be completely honest, because our fans have been unbelievable on the road for this season.
00:16:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know
00:16:51
James
and
00:16:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'm inclined to agree. I think as well, like, you know, when you look at Fulham as a club, like their biggest rival is, you know, Chelsea, like geographically.
00:16:59
James
Yeah.
00:17:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And ah they obviously did get the win ah during the festive period, which is fantastic for them.
00:17:02
James
Hmm.
00:17:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, it's never it's not really seen outside of the Fulham bubble. I don't even think from a Chelsea perspective, it's not really seen as a big rivalry from their end, is it? So like to have to not have sort of any animosity in in each of that sort of big rivalry game throughout the season, it can be hard to sort of, where do you direct that sort of passion?
00:17:11
James
I don't think so. No.
00:17:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously this season, our rivalry, with Norwich isn't happening because they're in really close. But, you know, our passion is how our passion is happening every week because we're we're we're back in the Premier League. I've got just a vitriolic fan base which saw us through against Chelsea this week and hopefully can do the same at Craven Cottage on Sunday. We're going to take our final break. When we come back, we're going to be discussing all things Town, how they may line up, players to look at, as well as our predicted score.
Defensive Lineup Analysis for Fulham
00:18:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
and we are back here on the final part of a daily switch, proving Town's away trip to Craven Cottage against Fulham this Sunday. James, we touched on the start there and it's you know it's it's very much up for debate now, isn't it, how Town are going to line up. We sort of touched on it, but I think before the four Ask The Game or maybe be after, how playing five at the back it can restrict you going forward, but it does obviously help you defence, you know, and you can see the two goals against, ah ah one goal, sorry, against Arsenal and Chelsea combined. So it does prove to be the case. Do you think we will see that line up against Fulham five at the back? You know, obviously on paper, this is less their opposition, but it's proven to be effective, isn't it?
00:18:44
James
I think so, yeah, definitely. I mean, or like if we if we, after these last two performances, especially at the back, if we change it and we're not playing Favella back against Fulham, I think that's really, really stupid, I'll be honest. it Surely we need to carry on.
00:18:59
James
And ah for the rest of the season, well, let's see what happens in the next few games anyway. Maybe not the rest of the season, because you never know what's going to happen. But I think for at least for the next few games, yeah, why not? um Because it click it's it worked. And I guess a team like Fulham, who've got quite a bit of pace as well. Yeah, I think we should be playing the same sort of system, really.
00:19:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Which sort of players, you know, what sort of touch on who you may have there? I mean, we saw the game against Chelsea that was sort of a back five of Burns, O'Shea, Wolfenden, Greaves and Davis and Burns and Davis kind of inverted fullbacks wingers kind of take it in turns, whoever goes for one stays back and vice versa.
00:19:26
James
yeah
00:19:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's that sort of, I mean, it's difficult to tell during the festive period, isn't it? Because there's so many games, you're not really sure what you're, you kind of you don't necessarily have the same 11 you do game to game, but would that be the five we have? Burgess kind of got phased out of that because he doesn't really play within a three. So would you see this being our five of that was the case? in Wolfenden looks, looks great. It's nice to see him back in the team for a few, isn't it?
00:19:57
James
I'll tell you what mate, honestly I was going to touch on him myself. yeah I was glad to see him back on the team anyway just because we all love Wolfie don't we? um Local lad.
00:20:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:05
James
But I was worried when I saw him because obviously he's not had too much time and there is ah there's obviously a reason for that. But a yeah, he fitted in great. He looks really good. So i'd keep yeah why not I think what we played the last couple of games is probably what we should look at playing against Fulham as well, I think. um Wes Burns, yeah.
00:20:30
James
He probably looks better there than he does just fully on the on on the right wing to be honest. i'm So yeah, let's see how he does as well. um Yeah, i mean five it's got to be the five at the back. And keep keep it the same, keep it the same, why not? it It's been looking good, so yeah, don't be changing it too soon.
00:20:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Something that people are touching on with with that sort of fire at the back there now because I'm in agreement I think it should be the way moving forward because I think we lined up that way against Spurs as well and you know so it so kind of seems like we're only really doing it against the quote unquote bigger sides but
00:21:02
James
Yeah. Hmm.
00:21:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, they're, they're arguably what, uh, Spurs, Chelsea, and I'll even throw us the van. That was quite a drab affair, but the fact that it was kind of really only one sort of moment where they managed to nick a goal.
00:21:15
James
Yeah.
00:21:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um, you know, that's only three of our best points of the season against three of the top six, you know, two of our wins have been against, uh, two of the top six as well.
00:21:20
James
Yeah.
00:21:23
James
It sucks it.
00:21:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it shows me how the, in us to get that, I think playing that way can help. But do you think maybe like I'm kind of paying devil's advocate here slightly. But maybe it's because the way we play in the Premier League now, you need to adapt to which I think we're starting to see now.
00:21:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
But do you think that sacrifices things going forward?
00:21:35
James
yeah
00:21:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, you've got one less player up the top and you do, and yeah so obviously you bring one further at the back. Do you think that's a good thing or a bad?
00:21:46
James
and yeah Yeah, it is a tough one it's a tough one because I guess it all depends on who you're playing as well. but
00:21:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:56
James
Having said that, Arsenal was a job affair, nothing was going to happen with that, so that's fine.
00:22:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Heh.
00:22:02
James
But we played the semi niche Chelsea and we've scored twice, fair enough ones apparently, maybe a bit of a dodgy one, but we'll we'll go past that, that's fine.
00:22:12
James
And then we obviously we scored again, it it was a lovely goal as well, it really was. um so I think we can still play it and still score absolutely I don't think it'll be too much trouble but you never know you never know because then you say obviously if it is a bit we can maybe change back here and there and see what's what but I think for now keep it going forward with what we've withve what we've been doing and I don't think it will affect us going forward too much that but that's that might be a bit more hopeful than and yeah
00:22:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, i'm and I'm in agreement as well, to be fair, James. I think, you know, having that five at the back, you know, it's it's it's it's it's nice to see a sort of with four and attempting to play that sort of flair for what we've seen in the past two years. but know, we're at a halfway point of the season now.
00:22:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think you kind of need to see what's worked best for you and those for in that first half.
00:23:00
James
Yeah.
00:23:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as I said, I think the thing that works best for us and what's got us results, or good performances at least, or the good performances in the fall for the back as well. But performances that have led to wins have been against Chelsea and Spurs where we had that fight over the back.
00:23:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
And to an extent counter attacks, but also not having just relying on Dilap to host it up and hope you can do a few bolstering runs, which he did do, but we don't want that to be the entire MO of our attack going forward.
00:23:24
James
No, exactly. yeah
00:23:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
One of the players we actually saw make his return um to the starting 11, I think, for the first time in the season, if I'm not mistaken, at least in the Premier League. And Rich will be very happy to see this as well when he can get his thoughts when he returns back from the States in a few days.
00:23:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it was Nathan Broadhead, ah made his way into the team, had a fantastic cameo. I fought against Arsenal off the bench, really the only right spark in that game, to be honest, and got his well-earned start against Chelsea.
00:23:49
James
absolutely
00:23:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is that another player who could, become a nailed on starter or maybe a key member, you know, we've kind of thought who's going to make the leap from the leagues below to the Premier League. And he seems to be one of them who's ready to do it. And, you know, he's a vocal member of a team as well, isn't he?
00:24:08
James
Absolutely. and Yeah, i really I'm really glad he's back to be honest. Like you say, he was a bright spark against Arsenal when he came on, played well against Chelsea. Yeah, why not? Look, I like Smodych as well. I do like Smodych, of course we all do. But maybe if Broadhead's back into the team fully fit,
00:24:28
James
then I'm not saying drop Smodych completely, but because obviously we he he was a big sign in really, does he want to be back up? Probably not, but if Brodhead's plating fully on the left, that could maybe, you know, Smodych could then be he' be sat on the bench to come off at the lap, he could be the next striker, and then don't need to focus too much maybe, because we've got other wingers that could maybe, you know,
00:24:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:24:49
James
but it's it's a tricky one obviously but i would i'd give broadhead a bit of a chance at the minute to be honest i would because he he seems more direct he seems he's better on the ball i think than Smodich uh whether or not he's as good a finisher i don't know but we're not looking for that right now we're looking for a decent wing edge you know what i mean and i think broadhead might be the man if he can stay fit and if he can get his form right up to how we can play i think he's going to do well in the premier league i do i do
00:24:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:25:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's a good problem to have, isn't it? Cos, like, Schmonic's really, you know, obviously, I think, you know, Dilap's obviously been our standout signing of the season, but I haven't really had anything bad to say about Schmonics all season.
00:25:21
James
not so
00:25:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Three goals so far, I think it's it's been, and you know, he doesn't, when he when he yeah when he does play, even in the losses, he's never really one you sort of point the finger at, so you put in a bad performance. So I think that's helpful. So whoever does play in that position, I think it's good to have competition as well.
00:25:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like Schmonix, no doubt, Schmonix obviously was happy with the win, but there's no doubt a player in his position wants to be starting against Chelsea and getting the win.
00:25:43
James
ah
00:25:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And seeing that be the case, I don't know what his ah health was, otherwise it was an injury or something that kept him out to starting over for that game. But obviously he'd liked, do you think a player like him would like to be sort of contributing as he as he did him he obviously came and gave us a hand there but you might he wants to be playing those games but i think having competition that position definitely helps speaking of competition in a position we haven't even touched yet i can't even talked about it the goalkeeper i think I don't know if really we've been crying out for it as fans, because I think there was a part where we never really expected Miurich to get dropped.
Goalkeeper Debate: Walton vs. Murić
00:26:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, I don't know going into the game if it was an injury. Obviously, he was on the bench, I believe, against Chelsea.
00:26:23
James
was.
00:26:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
It wasn't like the start of the season where Walton did start to the surprise of all of us instead of Miurich, but we did find out it was an injury. But that didn't seem to be the case against Chelsea, and Walton was brought in purely on merit. And it seemed to have paid off.
00:26:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
As Rob touched on, he's got the same clean sheets as Miurich does already in two games started against Liverpool and Chelsea, which is very, very impressive.
00:26:41
James
yeah
00:26:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thoughts on, I guess, Walton's comeback? Will he be the starter? And was it the right move? It's just so much stuff to discuss here, isn't it? I feel it's been on the, sort of like the question of us for the whole season. Is this the time to switch them? And I guess it was kind of Chelsea, but is it moving forward?
00:26:57
James
Yeah, I mean, I'm glad he did it. I'm glad he switched because we've all been kind of crying out for it and I don't want to, obviously, because we talk about him quite a lot, Muirich, and I don't want to dig into him too much, because obviously its it seems a bit harsh, you know what I mean? Because there are some bits where he's made some incredible saves. He's kept us in games. He really has. So credit where credit's due for that, but it's it's the mistakes were too many, and the they were too easy as well. Some of them was ridiculous. so He can't play out from the back, and that's how we play.
00:27:32
James
like he's He's not good at it. He panics. You can see that he panics on the ball. So I'm glad that he's brought Walton in because he's better with his feet anyway. And um ah he just looked good. I'll be honest, he looked really good.
00:27:43
James
So going forward, again, like we was on about with the five at the back, why change it? it look We look good against Chelsea. So Walton wallland had a chance.
00:27:53
James
He took his chance. I would find it very, very harsh if he doesn't start against Fulham on Sunday, day I'll be honest. Yeah, I think it should be Walton.
00:28:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah Yeah, I'm going to agree with you as well, James, to be honest. I think one of the arguments we've seen with Murich this whole season is like what does he do that's better than what Walton can do?
00:28:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think you know with the exception of maybe sort of coming up to leap forward and nullifying a cross or a corner, which I think is the best thing that Murich has done for us this season, which was something I've noticed that the other two didn't have.
00:28:13
James
Yeah. Very true.
00:28:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think as a shot stopping ability wise, and yeah like you said, distribution, there's not really much in it.
00:28:26
James
Yeah.
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
So what does it really come down to? And one of the things I think, you know, some may some may say this is a not important factor, but for me, it is.
00:28:31
James
yeah
00:28:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because you've seen it with like, of Cameron Burgess being sort of a emotional player for the team as well, which you need. You saw it in Walton as well. He's been at the club for a long time now.
00:28:45
James
yeah
00:28:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
And obviously, that shouldn't necessarily get you a spot in the team, but it calms some people down. Obviously, there's some guys playing in front of him who hasn't played it that much like O'Shane Greaves but there's a lot of guys there who see like Davis and Burns if they see Walton in goal about okay I feel a bit more confident to do x y and z and you saw at the end of the game you know the the chamber fist pump has been becoming a terrible part of fan culture for years Harry Clarke kind of adopted it after chambers left but
00:29:03
James
Wow, amazing. Yeah.
00:29:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
It was Christian Walton's night, obviously, Dilap and Amari had fantastic games, but it very much felt like Christian Walton's night, got man a match and did the chamber fist pump at the end, didn't they?
00:29:18
James
Yeah. it's great.
00:29:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think like building back doing that it building that connection back with the fans that we saw almost instantly, I never think it really left, to be honest. I think it grew, if anything, after Mureich's performance, to be honest. And again, I feel bad slacking off Mureich, but it it seems to be, it has been coming for a while, hasn't it?
00:29:30
James
Wow.
00:29:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So I think seeing that after the game from Walton,
00:29:34
James
yeah
00:29:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
have that connection with us in the um in the stands, it would be a very strange move from McKenna to drop him after all of that.
00:29:45
James
Definitely.
00:29:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah Before we go to the predicted lineups, we've kind of touched on everything there, to be honest, but if we go from a 5-2, 2-3, or 5-2-3, whatever you want to call it, formation, what sort of play but sort of lineup or plays within those positions do you think we'll see?
00:29:47
James
Yeah, definitely.
00:29:57
James
Yeah.
00:30:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Obviously, like I said, it could have been a Christmas thing where some players started, wouldn't necessarily, brought you brought head or burns, maybe.
00:30:07
James
yeah
00:30:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
so Maybe some of them could be swapped over, but what do you see as our starting 11 for Chelsea like Mike or a few changes there?
00:30:13
James
And
00:30:15
James
If I'm completely honest, I would like to see the same team.
00:30:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:20
James
If I'm completely honest, but I've got a feeling Broadhead will come back out and Smoditch will play.
00:30:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:30:26
James
I think. um If in all fairness, I think that might be the only change, if that if if there is going to be changes.
00:30:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hmm.
00:30:34
James
I think that might be the only one, just because obviously Broadhead is coming back into it a little bit more, so maybe it might be a bit too much two games in a row to start. I think he'll have a cameo in the game, he should come on. But ah for me, I do think it's going to be exactly the same lineup, but Schmodich instead of Broadhead.
00:30:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, well, if you look at the ah bench the sort of changes we had off the bench against ah Chelsea, it was Schmodick's one for Broadhead and the 77th, Calvin Phillips for Q-State, and then Johnson for Burns as well.
00:30:57
James
Yeah. Yeah.
00:31:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
So yeah, kind of the players you expect to potentially take the starters role did, didn't they?
00:31:07
James
Yeah, absolutely.
00:31:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Were there any players who, yeah,
00:31:09
James
In fairness, Johnson might start instead of Burns as well, to be honest. Johnson might come up instead.
00:31:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah. Mm-hmm. There's one player that I'm course going off a bit of a tangent here, but ah Jack Clark, who didn't come on in the game where you think he might have been able to do something.
00:31:16
James
Yeah.
00:31:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
I guess we weren't looking to defend or go for a league, were we? And then Connor Chaplin didn't play that game as well, but we've seen from the few games he's had this season, he's a reliable hand, both physically and emotionally, so I'm happy for you.
00:31:25
James
Yeah.
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
If he comes into the team, I'll be happy to see him there anyway, to be honest.
00:31:34
James
Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely.
00:31:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, very much so. Before we wrap up today's show, James, can I get a predicted score line for you, please?
00:31:44
James
Well you can. gosh
00:31:47
James
I've said it. It was 1-0, wasn't it? Look, I've said it quite a few times to be fair and I think the only time I've got it right was when we played Wolves but I'll go 2-1 again.
00:31:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
1-1 in the first game, wasn't it?
00:31:59
James
I'm going to go 2-1 it switch with us taking the lead, Fulham equalising 50th minute and then we'll get a winner in the 74th.
00:31:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep.
00:32:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, i think I think for me, these sort of games, against teams, we can conceivably do something against, I think. I think any away game now, to be honest, between now and the other season, as long as you don't lose them away from home, a draw is really, really good to have, to be honest.
00:32:25
James
Absolutely.
00:32:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And obviously we'll still be, depending on our results, we'll still be in a relegation zone with a draw, but that gap is slightly closing, especially after we get to Chelsea.
00:32:29
James
Yeah.
00:32:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Yeah, you know, you've kind of kind of you got of you've kind of got to look at it and roast into glasses and just keep the belief going after what was our biggest win in X how many months. And I'm in agreement with you.
00:32:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
2-1, Walton, I think will concede.
00:32:45
James
yeah
00:32:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we've been very good away from home. I really like the way we play away from home, to be honest. There's less pressure on us, I think, to get my job done there than it is at Portland Road. And you do kind of see about the performances. So I'm going to go for 2-1.
00:32:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
as well, like I said, this Sunday, 2 p.m. So many of us will be able to watch it, which is fantastic. Going to be another big game. Obviously, it's now the second half of the season. So we are playing those teams we've already played this season, which has its benefits, but also its negatives.
00:33:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we'll see how that
Closing Remarks and Next Episode Teaser
00:33:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
goes. But James, thanks for joining me, mate. I hope you all have a great weekend.
00:33:14
James
fine
00:33:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yep. And we'll speak. We'll see you guys next Monday as we recap. But hopefully it stands back to back Premier League victories after you play Fulham. But we'll see you next time.