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Episode 411: Matchday Preview: GUNNING PAST THE GUNNERS?!
0 Playsin 9 hours
Southampton – When we think back to the 3rd round performance where we narrowly scraped past Doncaster, it would have been impossible to think that at this point we would be 14 games unbeaten, and 90 minutes away from potentially the first of 3 visists to Wembley this season. What a wild ride it's been. It's FA Cup time and the atmosphere has been brewing...
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Transcript
Introduction and Club Atmosphere
00:00:13
DailySaintsPod
Hello and welcome back to the Daily Saints pod. My name is Greg and as always today joined by my good friend and wonderful co-host Zach. How are you doing mate?
00:00:24
Zak
Yeah, I'm good, mate. It's finally back, isn't it? Some sort of football that isn't, know, international. Well...
00:00:32
DailySaintsPod
look At the time of recording, the sun is shining. The vibes are great at the club. And I can just feel fill the atmosphere building. Ready for for tomorrow's game. It's just exciting,
Cup Quarterfinal Excitement
00:00:52
DailySaintsPod
isn't it?
00:00:52
DailySaintsPod
Meaningful. Meaningful football.
00:00:53
Zak
Yeah?
00:00:54
DailySaintsPod
Cup quarterfinal. 90 minutes away from Wembley, anything can happen. it's a It feels that way, right? And it's it's good. We've talked about it all week, right? It's not a game that anyone's coming in with an an expectation to win, but that doesn't mean that there's not hope, right?
00:01:19
Zak
I know, it seems to be... seeing a bit of discourse where people like, oh, no one's expecting us to win whilst others are going, yeah, we should be. So I think, you know, I think there's a growing level of confidence amongst the fan base.
00:01:31
Zak
And it depends, right? You've alluded to it a few times, whether or not you think that we... withdrawal for quote-unquote injury of all players for some reason of associated with Arsenal.
00:01:44
Zak
That's a weird one, isn't it? Well, weird coinkydink. Apparently, you know, some people are thinking that's obviously for their play-gings of Lathcote Madrid and the Champions League
Squad Choices and Player Rest
00:01:53
Zak
run.
00:01:53
DailySaintsPod
Actually against Lisbon because because Lisbon beat Madrid.
00:01:54
Zak
the other
00:01:58
DailySaintsPod
I need to correct myself from yesterday in the path of of wrong that I've set you down. But...
00:02:04
Zak
Thank you. Lisbon, Sporting Lisbon.
00:02:09
Zak
It means that, you know, ala that there lot of people's perceptions are they have an eye on that prize. But also just think they probably just want to win any level of silverware.
00:02:20
Zak
So I think they'll probably come at us harder than we expect them to, if I'm totally honest. However, you know, if they decide to play the kids and we come out against, you know, the Arsenal youth team with a full-strength squad, I'm not really too bothered either.
00:02:33
Zak
Swings and roundabouts, isn't it?
00:02:34
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. Yeah, it's it's an interesting one. look I mean, i think the the real answer is somewhere in the middle, right? Like, some of those injuries were were legitimate injuries, right? Like, you know, one of them was in a literal leg brace coming off the pitch, right?
Premier League vs Championship Status
00:02:54
Zak
Yeah.
00:02:56
DailySaintsPod
Players like Declan Rice haven't played in the FA Cup yet this season. And, you know, with with Lisbon on the horizon, you kind of expect it not to be starting, you know, this to be the first appearance. He will be saving him. But at the end of the day, even a heavily rotated Arsenal squad is is worth hundreds of millions of pounds or more than our squad.
00:03:21
Zak
Yeah, but let's let's not... Hang on now. Hang on now. Hang on now, Mr Gregory. We cannot, week in, week out, talk about how it doesn't really give us much of an advantage. And we get annoyed when people mug us off for having parachute money and having a squad that's been built up with the significant financial resources of other teams. And like we still lost to Oxford United i this season.
00:03:46
Zak
once, right? Like, we've still dr drawn with Sheltland, we've still drawn with Portsmouth, you know.
00:03:48
DailySaintsPod
oh
00:03:53
Zak
I understand your point, and i but it is one of those things where, honestly, it's going to depend on who wants on the day.
00:03:59
DailySaintsPod
No, I just...
00:03:59
Zak
And I feel like at the moment, we still want it more.
00:04:00
DailySaintsPod
I think it's... I just think it's different spheres, mate. Like... Sure, we are a bigger fish in the championship, arguably, right?
00:04:10
DailySaintsPod
And we have a financial pool in the championship, but...
00:04:13
Zak
Mm-hmm.
00:04:14
DailySaintsPod
The difference Arsenal. The reality of things is that whilst Arsenal win the Premier League and we are in the Championship, if you want to break it down into actual footballing terms, they're probably two or three leagues above us.
00:04:30
DailySaintsPod
right Because the Premier League isn't actually a league. It's a battle to finish in the top... what but To finish in in the bottom 14, 15. Because those those top clubs that are solidified with their European money and their European-sized squads are solidified there pretty much. you know With the odd exception when one of them decides to flounder and do something ridiculous.
Game Expectations Debate
00:04:58
DailySaintsPod
But you know Arsenal are not that, right? And there but they're a very good team, and a very good team who are probably going to win the Premier League this year, right?
00:05:09
DailySaintsPod
So it's I just think it's important to put that context in.
00:05:10
Zak
Well,
00:05:13
DailySaintsPod
It's it's different. it's It's different scales, right? Like, sure, we're a massive koi carp in a fish pond, but they're a shark.
00:05:18
Zak
yeah
00:05:24
DailySaintsPod
Like...
00:05:25
Zak
you're you're right, but like I think it's it's one of those things where it's it's more of just me trying to trying to make the point that we we cannot be that hypocritical when we come to understanding the levels and then be like, oh, and anyone can beat anyone else.
00:05:41
DailySaintsPod
whats what's all I just don't think it's...
00:05:42
Zak
I'd also just be like, well, we should just get battered by him.
00:05:45
DailySaintsPod
No, I don't think it's hypo hypocrisy, mate. I just think it's it's realism. i're not saying that going to get battered by them. And I believe that we can beat them, right? I'm just saying that with the context, it's not a game we should expect to get anything from.
00:06:02
DailySaintsPod
There's no expectation, right?
00:06:02
Zak
Agreed.
00:06:04
DailySaintsPod
There's hope and a possibility. There's no expectation. And that in itself makes it dangerous for Arsenal, right? Because... You know, despite Tonda saying, oh, not seeing it as a free hit we're trying to win, that's the point, right? Because it is a free hit. No one's batting an eyelid if we lose 2-0 or 3-0 to Arsenal, right?
00:06:25
DailySaintsPod
It's just...
00:06:26
Zak
I don't know, because I think it might... I worry what it would do to the mentality. Because it's like, oh, we can say we're a different squad at this point, but I don't know if that's necessarily the case. If we if we get hurt mentally by losing 3-4-0 at the weekend, and then we all a sudden go on a run that isn't great, and we finish outside the playoffs, you could probably draw a direct line to this game.
00:06:49
Zak
ay that wass kind of That's kind of where I'm Yeah.
00:06:50
DailySaintsPod
yeah but Yeah, i just I just don't think we will.
00:06:53
Zak
its
00:06:53
DailySaintsPod
I don't think we're going to get battered. right I think even if we lose, we're going to lose in a manner of the that holds respect. right theres the The fear from me towards this team showing up and playing, Tonda has eradicated it from me.
00:07:12
DailySaintsPod
I believe, I fully believe in the team. And, you know, still in the realms of reality where even, you know, as ill on our incredible run and our incredible run of form, there's no shame putting in a good performance and getting beat by the team that are probably winning the Premier League this season, barring something, you know, drastic on their part.
00:07:16
Zak
Yeah,
00:07:37
Zak
yeah yeah that's fair.
Game Outcome Predictions
00:07:39
Zak
That's fair.
00:07:39
DailySaintsPod
But getting that out of the way, mate, You're right, we want it more. It's there for the taking. So, don't know. It's hard. it's it's really It's really hard to try and like rein in my ever-enthusiastic optimism.
00:08:01
DailySaintsPod
because because at the end of the day, it's just 90 minutes. And in if if we, you know, we do something crazy for 90 minutes. Right. Pompey scored first against Arsenal.
00:08:13
DailySaintsPod
So there are cracks to be found. Right. And I would wager well better money on us holding a lead if we get one up than than you ever would of Pompey holding onto that.
00:08:29
DailySaintsPod
Right. So maybe? Maybe? don't know. It's a really tricky one, isn't it?
00:08:38
Zak
Yeah, I guess we're just going to have to we're going to have to see, you know, arguably, like, we know how good they are. I think it's, again, my point wasn't that I don't really expect us... I don't expect us to go out there, Greg, kick the door in and beat them, like, 5-0.
00:08:51
DailySaintsPod
No.
00:08:51
Zak
It's just one of those things where, like, we can't just be like, that oh, woe is me. Because, yeah, it would be a fantastic thing if we do.
00:08:58
DailySaintsPod
Absolutely not, no.
00:09:01
Zak
But, yeah, just... I think it's just a... big It's a big game that we all kind of expected to to have, considering the a vast majority of us thought we'd have gone of the cup a lot earlier, right?
00:09:12
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, exactly.
00:09:12
Zak
Now all of a sudden we're not.
Significance of Cup Run
00:09:14
DailySaintsPod
i mean, when you're in the championship, the the cup tends to matter less because of the quantity of games, right? It's not as important. But in our 50th anniversary, we gave it a good go. We didn't shake his start, but we've pulled it together, got ourselves this far.
00:09:29
DailySaintsPod
and And, you know, a trip to Wembley is not nothing. It's not nothing for the fans who get that day out, regardless of sort the cost. It's not nothing for the club who get the additional prize money and additional benefit of of that day out at Wembley.
00:09:42
DailySaintsPod
it's It's massive. And we're going to be up for it. And, yeah, just anything is is possible for sure.
00:09:52
DailySaintsPod
It's...
00:09:53
Zak
Thank you.
00:09:54
DailySaintsPod
It's going really fascinating game because there are just so many variables coming into it that we just won't know until like a ball is kicked. And even then, like like I said, Pompey scored first against Arsenal.
00:10:09
DailySaintsPod
That said, there's a world of possibility where we could score too early for this game, right? Like,
Defending Set Pieces Concerns
00:10:17
Zak
Yeah, and just step off a little bit because we do that quite badly.
00:10:17
DailySaintsPod
that's that's a real thing.
00:10:18
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:10:20
Zak
And and then all of a sudden they get a couple of corners and that's basically what they want, isn't it? They're going to be playing for set pieces.
00:10:24
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:10:25
Zak
And we know we've struggled with set pieces for literally ever.
00:10:29
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, that's one of their big selling points.
00:10:29
Zak
So that's the only...
00:10:31
DailySaintsPod
They'll have, even if they're rotated, they've got big, solid defenders who will be up for those set pieces, and and that's what they'll be working.
00:10:41
DailySaintsPod
I mean, you know, to put the perspective on it, right, their their keeper came under criticism in the Carabao Cup final, Kepa, right? and he he's he's awful, a rubbish keeper.
00:10:53
DailySaintsPod
He's still like an international level quality goalkeeper.
00:10:59
DailySaintsPod
Right. Yeah.
00:10:59
Zak
Yeah, played for Chelsea.
00:11:00
Zak
He went on loan at Bournemouth, the season we were in the Premier League last season, if I remember rightly.
00:11:05
DailySaintsPod
yep
00:11:07
Zak
So, too yeah, no, i get that. I think that was more of a... him playing cup finals was right because I think a lot of people remember Chelsea when he refused to be subbed off and then let load of goals go past him. But you're right. i i there's no You shouldn't underestimate them as such. And I think that they're still pull out a very, very strong squad and in comparison. And it's just going to be, we've just got a hope that the current form and current desire from the team is able to maybe take them by surprise a little bit, especially if they are not as interested as we are, if that makes sense.
00:11:45
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, no, absolutely. 100%. It's potentially there for the taking. We showed ourselves against Fulham but that we can adjust the way we play to hopefully deal with these scenarios.
00:12:01
DailySaintsPod
Now, obviously, Fulham, Arsenal, even same league, different kettle of fish, right? But it's... There's hope and belief.
00:12:11
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:12:12
Zak
Yeah, that's true.
00:12:14
DailySaintsPod
despite, you know, it it'd still be an underdog story. but But I'm feeling it. I'm feeling good about it. And I'm looking forward to it I'm excited. It's going to be good. Right, mate.
00:12:24
Zak
Nice.
00:12:25
DailySaintsPod
Let's let's get into our predicted lineups and what you think Tonda will do to to change it up and and change the style.
00:12:35
DailySaintsPod
Obviously, Matske and Flynn Downs both unavailable due to suspension for this because they changed the way suspensions and cup gains work this year to something really dumb, in my opinion.
00:12:50
DailySaintsPod
Allegedly.
00:12:51
Zak
yeah yeah Yeah, I agree.
00:12:53
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, two bookings in the previous rounds each means that they are miss a game. If they'd have got booked in this game, they wouldn't have missed the next game. So don't know.
00:13:06
Zak
Silly, but whatever.
Impact of Player Suspensions
00:13:08
DailySaintsPod
of a look I mean, I that is the two players who have been one of the first names on the sheet in the sort of current setup we've been going with. but But actually, I think for me, outside the context of this game, that's two proper first team players who are guaranteed to be fresh for Tuesday's also quite big game against Wrexham.
00:13:33
DailySaintsPod
Right?
00:13:34
Zak
Yeah, that but that's that is the positive from it, is that you know that there'll probably be two players that are starting. don't know if you've seen, Cam Bragg's got an interview out and he's trying to kind of stake his place to play in this game as well.
00:13:48
Zak
So, you know, yeah, I think it...
00:13:51
DailySaintsPod
I'd fine with that.
00:13:52
Zak
Yeah,
00:13:53
DailySaintsPod
wow well let's Let's start with the structure we tend to go with. Parets and goal is a no-brainer, no discussion point anymore.
00:13:58
Zak
we're all next. system
00:14:02
DailySaintsPod
Thank you. take Thank you, Sjövans.
00:14:05
Zak
Thank you, Peretz, for no longer making this discussion until inevitably the goalkeeper drama of the summer unfolds, where we try to figure out what we're doing with our six, maybe seven or eight goalkeepers we end up having.
00:14:06
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:14:14
DailySaintsPod
yeah
00:14:18
DailySaintsPod
And we end up having to sell Ramsdale, not managing to sign Peretz on time and somehow end up in the Premier League with Alex McCarthy as our first choice goalkeeper.
00:14:24
Zak
Mate, mate, come on now, come on now. if we're in the Premier League, we'll get Peretz, it's fine.
00:14:34
DailySaintsPod
Right back. James Bree, presumably.
00:14:37
Zak
James Bree.
00:14:38
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:14:39
Zak
Hard discussion, guys.
00:14:40
DailySaintsPod
is Yeah.
00:14:42
Zak
Not Jiller.
00:14:43
DailySaintsPod
Look, even if it was a position that we had great amount of depth in, the quality and improvement that Breeze brought to the team is it is is hard to understate, right?
00:14:43
Zak
Not Roroslev. great
00:14:56
DailySaintsPod
His...
00:14:56
Zak
Enjoy the cup goal.
00:14:57
Zak
Would love to see a recreation of Kuka Martinez goal.
00:14:59
DailySaintsPod
Oh.
00:15:01
Zak
There you go.
00:15:02
DailySaintsPod
Oh. Yeah, that would be good.
00:15:02
Zak
Come on. crack in from the halfway line accidentally and be fine with that.
00:15:03
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:15:07
DailySaintsPod
And then centre-backs, I mean, assuming that Stephens is fit after open training, Stephens, Harwood, Bennis, make sense?
00:15:15
Zak
Yep. Yep. That'll make sense to me.
00:15:17
DailySaintsPod
We're gonna be going to be going full strength, right, is the the consensus.
00:15:22
Zak
Yes, 100%.
00:15:25
DailySaintsPod
Left-back, Wellington was training in open training.
00:15:27
Zak
I think it will probably still be Manning.
00:15:29
DailySaintsPod
Do you think he gets back in?
00:15:29
Zak
He was. He is back. I don't know if this would be the game to shove him straight back into. I think he might come on as a sub later on. But I think Manning will probably get the start, especially with Manning having gone away with Ireland, played, still been match fit, not too overly strained, right? So, yeah, I would say it would be Manning at left back, but, you know.
00:15:49
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. I think it's... Yeah, you're right. It would be a tough game for Wellington to start in as his first game back. But then maybe that's the sort of challenge that...
00:15:59
DailySaintsPod
that he would step up to the plate too and enjoy. don't know. And then, of course, right, with Flynn Downs out, the middle of the park becomes comes a discussion point, right?
00:16:09
DailySaintsPod
Because he's been the, i would say, the constant with a rotating cast of Bragg and Shea Charles and Yander playing alongside him sort of at various points.
00:16:24
Zak
Yeah.
00:16:26
DailySaintsPod
so what, what combination do we think in that role? I, I, I, I'd like to think Shay Charles is, is the first choice out of those three.
00:16:33
Zak
Yeah, Shea for sure. a
00:16:36
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
Midfield Options Discussion
00:16:37
Zak
And then potentially maybe you give Frag the start if he's proper up for it and he's coming out and doing press about it. I think, you know, you're trying to get trying to get... If you're that up for the game, you know, sometimes obviously it can be a bit too much pressure.
00:16:54
Zak
but I think that, you know, potentially you could have him on for 45 and Yander on for 45 and I wouldn't really be too bothered. We know that Yander's been, I'd say up and down, not really even up and down. he's been and He was so up for so long that it makes it look like if he's not playing at that level, it's down. When reality, I don't think I'd be fussed by goes in that space, right? I think Shea Charles is guaranteed starter.
00:17:19
Zak
I think then it's a question mark between... potentially Bragg and Yander I don't think Ramon gets the nod despite the fact that he was like what the last player that played in that match was starting against Arsenal in the FA Cup so it's like yeah
00:17:26
DailySaintsPod
yeah
00:17:34
DailySaintsPod
Do you think there's a world where if we pull off the miraculous and in the 75th or 80th minute, our one nil up, we see Romelu come on to kind of have that level headed experience that he's been brought in for.
00:17:51
Zak
not Not really, because I think that that that experience clearly is being shown elsewhere than actually on the pitch.
00:17:53
DailySaintsPod
right. Good.
00:17:59
Zak
I wouldn't be against it unless, of course, if it results in a defensive error that results in a goal. And I think that he himself would probably say, you know, if he if he is up for it and thinks that he can do it and we think that he's at a level of fitness now, then yeah, sure.
00:18:15
Zak
But I would really want to do everything we possibly can at that point. And again, the the issue you'd have at that point anyway is if we start defending frantically and give them as many set pieces as we want, ain't going to be 1-0 for long, realistically.
00:18:28
DailySaintsPod
No. That's their strength and that's what they're going to want to attack and so that's what we need to be wary of.
00:18:30
Zak
Correct. So, yeah, I don't know. Like, maybe we'd see him. don't know. It's kind of one of those things where I could also see maybe him starting and us going, what the heck?
00:18:41
Zak
And then it being another like, oh, Tom pulled it off. Maybe we aren't football managers and we don't work with these players day in, day out and and don't know their strengths and weaknesses and what they could bring to the table, potentially.
00:18:49
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:18:55
Zak
So, yeah.
00:18:56
DailySaintsPod
Oh,
Romelu's Potential Impact
00:18:56
DailySaintsPod
look, despite...
00:18:56
Zak
But I think that either way, any selection in the middle of the park, I'll probably be happy with.
00:19:01
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, know I agree with that. Look, despite, obviously, Romelu's struggle to get back to fitness or into form with us because, you know, he is getting on in footballing terms, at least. Yeah.
00:19:16
DailySaintsPod
he is a top player who's played on top occasions for top teams.
00:19:20
Zak
Yeah.
00:19:21
DailySaintsPod
and We've talked about the the mental edge and you know how sometimes that small percentage of gain is enough. and For a big occasion, I wouldn't bat an eyelid if he was in the starting lineup.
00:19:33
Zak
well i Let's not forget that the fact that he's the pedigree of Kelsey, Barcelona.
00:19:34
DailySaintsPod
Because Tomber has won... Hmm.
00:19:38
Zak
like These are all teams that he has played for.
00:19:41
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:19:41
Zak
And so you know maybe maybe it's slightly disrespectful for me to be like, oh. But again, it's it's just based on what I've seen so far. these We don't know what's going on behind the scenes.
00:19:48
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. Yeah.
00:19:50
Zak
We don't know you know that might be one of the secret weapons they've got planned. Again, i could see there is not a 0% chance of a scenario where he is in the starting eye lineup.
00:20:00
Zak
Both me and you go, what's going on here then? And then, you know, like that that's how I first felt when they put Matski out on the right. was like, that's never really a position he's played in.
00:20:08
DailySaintsPod
yes
00:20:10
Zak
we sure he's going to be okay? And now I'm like, oh, we've got to deal with fellows there. And that is such a such a strange place to be in. like Because that's not...
00:20:17
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, that's it.
00:20:19
Zak
So yeah, like I don't know. I think that I have confidence in any anybody that is put there realistically.
00:20:25
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:20:26
Zak
I think that if he is put there, we won't see him for more
00:20:26
DailySaintsPod
No, I agree that.
Team Confidence and Lineup Choices
00:20:29
Zak
than 45 minutes either way, whether it's at the start or at the end.
00:20:30
DailySaintsPod
No, I agree. I know that in the last FA Cup game, of course, we saw him play alongside Cam Bragg. So I don't know if there's something to be to read from that or not.
00:20:40
DailySaintsPod
Obviously, we'll wait and see. But you're right. Whatever happens in that position, Tonda has bought enough trust to even if the team sheet pulls a raised eyebrow.
00:20:52
DailySaintsPod
He's probably all right. I have belief. He's earned that, I should say, rather a bought. he is He's got that in the bank. Right, moving slightly more up the pitch. Presumably Azaz in the number 10 position seems to pivotal to the way, whatever of the style we play, seems to be kind of the the main focal point of a lot of Tonda's systems and tactics, right?
00:21:08
Zak
Yeah. Yeah.
00:21:13
Zak
yeah
00:21:20
Zak
You could see, i could see i could see a scenario where he he goes off after a bit and they push Jay Charles off and maybe bring Yander on. Like, that's also a thing that i could see happen.
00:21:29
DailySaintsPod
Hmm.
00:21:30
Zak
But yeah, at the moment, he is the the focal point. You just got a hope that he's going to have the energy levels and the confidence after Ireland's exit to just come and straight back in into the team and show us that he's up for it.
00:21:41
Zak
And if he does that, happy days. But yeah, I i imagine he'll starting. Yeah.
00:21:46
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, I mean, look, I know obviously we talked in the international show yesterday about like the potential mental knock from being not in sort of in the World Cup and how that may or may not affect.
Azaz's Pivotal Role
00:21:59
DailySaintsPod
But I don't know, man, if you can't get yourself motivated for an FA Cup quarterfinal against a massive team like Arsenal, what are we doing here?
00:22:09
Zak
Well, yes.
00:22:10
DailySaintsPod
Like,
00:22:10
Zak
it's To be fair, it's one of the reasons that he left Middlesbrough to join us because he wanted to go to the Premier League. We are playing one of the biggest Premier League clubs in the world as of the moment.
00:22:15
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:22:19
Zak
don't if this going last forever.
00:22:20
DailySaintsPod
Yeah,
00:22:21
Zak
depends on how well they do the end of the season. But you're right. I guess that is that's the flip side of things.
00:22:28
DailySaintsPod
yeah absolutely. Right. Left and right, what we thinking? Obviously, Maskey out, so fellows.
00:22:32
Zak
Well, fellows if not. Yeah. Who else are you going to put there?
00:22:36
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:22:39
DailySaintsPod
don't know.
00:22:40
Zak
about
00:22:40
DailySaintsPod
that i thought
00:22:42
Zak
Unless they do like the weird thing where like they put a dozie over there at one point and I just think just felt odd.
00:22:46
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:22:48
Zak
It's like, no, thank you.
00:22:48
DailySaintsPod
I just think you lose a bit. Leo, obviously not in open training on Monday, but was back in training in the socials, kind of disproving my conspiracy.
00:22:53
Zak
No, bar has specifically been put in the social media. So maybe you were right. And I don't like that because that seems insane. But yeah, I feel like if he's clearly, he's training now and he's back on the pitch, then clearly that injury is must be at a point where it's healed up.
00:23:13
Zak
Is it that they've put him on light training to get him up to the point where he's ready to play? Who knows? I don't think he's going to want to miss out more than anything else. Like, I think it would be detrimental to him to not get the nod.
00:23:22
DailySaintsPod
Do you
00:23:25
DailySaintsPod
think that means he starts though? Or do you think that means he comes on off the bench as that kind thing?
00:23:31
Zak
i I think he would start because of the simple fact that he is able to bring that energy straight up, right? And we're to want to do...
00:23:38
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:23:39
Zak
We're going to want to kind of... If you if you want to win this game in in a good way, you don't want it to languish for the first 45 minutes and then end up and then hope to bring somebody on.
00:23:49
Zak
You want to be able to, like... shell-shock him, right? You need to do, you know, what we've done against Coventry or and things like that. We need to suddenly make them go, oh,
00:23:58
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, disrupt, demotivate.
00:23:58
Zak
And I think the first 45 minutes with Leo will do that. And I also think that, you know, Dozie at any point could be a good substitute, right? Like, whether it's at the first 45 minutes or not, I think that he he brings something slightly different and something slightly exciting still.
00:24:08
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, he's smart.
00:24:16
Zak
So, yeah. So, yeah, that's kind of where I'm at with it.
00:24:21
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, great. Yeah. Yeah, look, I think I'm happy with either Adozi or Leo. I think you're right. They're both slightly different players. They're both dangerous in their own ways.
00:24:31
DailySaintsPod
I think any combination of either of them coming off the bench is going to be a positive lift.
Manager's Tactical Adaptability
00:24:36
DailySaintsPod
And in the same way that either of them starting is, you know, it's good.
00:24:39
Zak
Well, yeah, for all you know, the reason they're showing the pictures of Leo in training is so they prepare for Leo and then they have a dozie to deal with at beginning.
00:24:45
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:24:46
Zak
Or we do something completely different and go like a front four again for whatever reason.
00:24:46
DailySaintsPod
yeah
00:24:50
Zak
And i don't know, this is this is the fun part of predicting Tonda is that he changes and adapts adapts to the games that he's playing, which occasionally means things look really weird to us laymen.
00:24:52
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. hello
00:24:55
DailySaintsPod
That's the joy of Tomber. Yeah.
00:25:01
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:25:02
Zak
And then all of a sudden it plays off, which is, it's that's all we ever asked for.
00:25:04
DailySaintsPod
It makes sense. You see it on the pitch and go, oh yeah.
00:25:07
Zak
all we ever asked for of a manager.
00:25:08
DailySaintsPod
Imagine a world where you can like change formation and style of play to beat the opponent that's in front of you. What wild concept.
00:25:15
Zak
As opposed to playing the exact same way just be like, call a ride, Fraser, get on, score a go.
00:25:16
DailySaintsPod
Uh,
00:25:22
DailySaintsPod
Yes. And then up front, mate, I don't know. I think of the two, I personally prefer Laren, but obviously he was out in America pretty late night.
00:25:31
Zak
Laren, if he's back and fit.
00:25:35
DailySaintsPod
It was like midnight Wednesday morning, right? Kickoff. So is he going to be back and fresh enough to start? did I don't I mean, even ross Stewart, to be fair, I feel good about starting him up front.
00:25:49
DailySaintsPod
So it's ano it's a nice position at least.
00:25:50
Zak
Yeah.
00:25:54
Zak
Yeah, we've just got to make sure we've got to think about the games that come after as well. So maybe Ross Stewart gets... i I know, now I know, Greg, that we're aware of the fact that we have like a big target man up front now. But neither of us said Archer. Do you reckon he gets involved at all? Do you reckon he maybe comes on for Zaz at some point?
00:26:17
DailySaintsPod
Not in this game.
00:26:17
Zak
He viiously scored against Arsenal last time round.
00:26:18
DailySaintsPod
Not for me.
00:26:20
Zak
You've got to remember that.
00:26:22
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:26:22
Zak
Fancy's a goal against them, clearly. noticing every single part of your brain being like, no, but you don't want to say that.
00:26:31
DailySaintsPod
more
00:26:31
Zak
So I'll say it for you.
00:26:33
DailySaintsPod
Look, i have I have absolutely no problem and no issue with big guy up front isn't working for us. Let's change it up and play Cameron Archer in the way that he wants to play.
00:26:46
Zak
but not kicking balls to him like he's still big guy, right?
00:26:47
DailySaintsPod
I don't know if that's... Yeah. Yeah.
00:26:51
Zak
Okay, let's go.
00:26:52
DailySaintsPod
and And I have no problem with it at all. If that's what we see, i just don't think, I don't think it's the one, not this game.
00:26:59
Zak
Interesting.
00:27:00
DailySaintsPod
It's not, I don't think it comes off. Look, I would be as happy as anyone if he comes on and bangs in a goal and fair play. And Tonda, you know, is is crazy enough that,
00:27:12
DailySaintsPod
if Cameron Archer was named in the starting I'm fully ifully in right I believe in the system. I believe right i fully believe. But, yeah, I don't think this is the game where that comes off, personally.
00:27:27
Zak
Okay, that's fair. That's fair. That's pretty much it, mate, isn't it? Right? Like, i don't think we landed...
00:27:33
DailySaintsPod
That's exciting. Yeah, that that's that's the home XI. Yeah, I'm expecting a strong lineup, strong...
Match Anticipation and Atmosphere
00:27:39
DailySaintsPod
push we're we're taking We're going to take it seriously and hope that we can catch Arsenal off guard.
00:27:46
DailySaintsPod
And like you say, like we did against Coventry, the aim is going to be to disrupt and displace and not make it easy. And, you know, it's it's an eight o'clock game on a Saturday.
00:27:58
DailySaintsPod
you know, we've had to expand the away fans because it's f FA Cup. So they get 4,000 instead of like the normal bit.
00:28:05
Zak
Yeah.
00:28:05
DailySaintsPod
so The atmosphere is going to be good because that's going to up the atmosphere for the home fans too. And it's 8 o'clock on a Saturday, so there's going to be beer involved for plenty of the day.
00:28:17
DailySaintsPod
It's just...
00:28:20
DailySaintsPod
it's the sort of combustible atmosphere and game that has all of the magic of the FA Cup left in it as its potential. It also has the full capability to fizzle out into absolute nothing, right?
00:28:35
DailySaintsPod
And completely, like, overstate our estimation of of what we were hoping for.
00:28:36
Zak
Agreed.
00:28:43
DailySaintsPod
but Yeah, it's exciting times. You want youre to pay any credence to historic stats or, what do you say?
00:28:54
DailySaintsPod
Statistics?
00:28:54
Zak
If you want to, mate, that's fine. Sure.
00:28:57
Zak
Again, there's like what, Romelu and Stephen's the last of people that
00:29:00
DailySaintsPod
No, look, mate, look. Most importantly, right, last time we played Arsenal in the FA Cup, we won.
00:29:09
Zak
Right, there you go That is the most important.
00:29:11
DailySaintsPod
2023, we've St Mary's. So, you know, wasn't that long ago. could happen. Other head-to-heads, though, of 28 matches in the data set, seven wins for Saints, eight draws, and 13 for Arsenal. So not you know not as bad as the reading could be, really. Yeah.
00:29:38
DailySaintsPod
some some good results for us in that mix. Obviously we had that 3-all draw with them, not in the last relegation season, but in the the first relegation season that was a bit nuts, right? that's they They didn't beat us at all that season, which which in itself was an interesting point of note, right? Because it wasn't great.
00:30:02
DailySaintsPod
But yeah, the obviously the AI predicts an Arsenal win, right? It does say that Southampton's home edge keeps this closer than the odds suggest.
00:30:07
Zak
socut
00:30:12
DailySaintsPod
Expect a lively second half and a rash of corners.
00:30:12
Zak
That's probably true.
00:30:18
DailySaintsPod
So yeah, suggesting the bet to be Arsenal to win and 13 corners. Which is a new one.
00:30:26
Zak
Interesting.
00:30:26
DailySaintsPod
Not over two and a half goals at least.
00:30:26
Zak
That's, yeah.
00:30:29
DailySaintsPod
the sir Changing it up. Keeping it fresh.
00:30:34
Zak
now Yeah, that you're you but you're you not wrong. It's nice that this computer could do something slightly better.
Tightly Contested Match Predictions
00:30:40
Zak
But I'm going
00:30:41
DailySaintsPod
What about you though, mate? What do you think is going to happen?
00:30:45
Zak
to... 2-0. 2-0, thanks. Yeah. Yeah. No. sites
00:30:50
DailySaintsPod
Yeah? 2-0 Saints! what Hang on, sorry, i heard it and then it registered love it I'm loving the confidence, mate How do you see the the story of the game going?
00:31:05
Zak
like I just think if they're supposedly as injury-ravaged as they say they are and they they want to concentrate on the Champions League, they'll put out a slightly weaker team.
00:31:05
DailySaintsPod
What's the word that comes here?
00:31:12
Zak
A team that hasn't got the the drive and the togetherness that we do, right? We saw that kind of Fulham, where if you put a bunch of players that haven't played together but for a while, it's always a bit shaky. And, you know, I think we're going to go out there with the, you know, back into the home fans and go out to win.
00:31:30
Zak
And we're just going to score two goals really early. And then we're just going sharp shop and keep them out.
00:31:35
DailySaintsPod
honey
00:31:35
Zak
And then they're just going to, yeah, that's just the vibe I've got, mate. I don't know what to tell you. i might be horrifically wrong. I'm probably horrifically wrong.
00:31:43
DailySaintsPod
you want' You want the least comfortable game of football any Saints fans ever experience?
00:31:45
Zak
doesn't matter. That's a Saints game, mate. What, you think we're going to score a goal 25 minutes in and then 85 minutes in?
00:31:50
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:31:56
Zak
You think that's going to work out like that for you? That's not how a Saints game works, mate. We're going to score too early on and then we're going to defend for our lives for 80 minutes and you're going to hate every minute of it and then it's going be so much sweeter and then you're going to to figure out how to pay for three trips to Wembley.
00:32:05
DailySaintsPod
yeah
00:32:08
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:32:11
Zak
It's just how it's going to be.
00:32:12
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. we We'll make it happen.
00:32:13
Zak
I know what to tell you.
00:32:15
DailySaintsPod
We'll make it happen.
00:32:15
Zak
Yeah, I know you will.
00:32:16
DailySaintsPod
Where
00:32:16
Zak
It's fine.
00:32:20
DailySaintsPod
where are those goals coming from, mate? Who's scoring
00:32:24
Zak
One of them's going to be a Taylor Harwood-Bellis header because they're not going to be prepared for our headset odd set pieces.
00:32:27
DailySaintsPod
them? be you up Beating Arsenal at their own game. Okay. Okay.
00:32:31
Zak
Yeah. And if Leo's back, one of them will be Leo Sienza.
00:32:35
DailySaintsPod
Yeah? Okay. I love it. I love that.
00:32:38
Zak
There you go.
00:32:40
Zak
Now, can't wait for all of that to be wrong.
00:32:40
DailySaintsPod
thought me Caught me completely off guard.
00:32:46
Zak
that's fine
00:32:47
DailySaintsPod
Wow.
00:32:47
Zak
you didn't You didn't think I actually enjoyed watching Saints anymore, did you?
00:32:51
DailySaintsPod
Oh, wait. It shows what what good run of form can do to go to your head.
00:32:56
Zak
after predicting losses for almost a wasted year straight, mate, like...
00:32:57
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:33:01
Zak
sure
00:33:02
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. wild. That's great. Alright. going switch it over to me. my My prediction is going to surprise you, mate, I think.
00:33:13
DailySaintsPod
one newll Saints.
00:33:14
Zak
1-0 Saints. That's fair.
00:33:16
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. Bree. ninety third minute james barrry
00:33:20
Zak
Right. And it's going to be like the Kuka Martina halfway, like, you know, starts running up, boots it.
00:33:24
DailySaintsPod
Yeah. Uncomfortable for completely different reasons, right? Also an uncomfortable watch, but but with hope throughout.
00:33:29
Zak
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:33:33
Zak
Mm-hmm.
00:33:35
DailySaintsPod
Look, whatever team Arsenal are going to put out, they are going to come and play football and not sit back and defend. And that, arguably, despite the gout golfing quality and potential quality, plays into exactly how we like to play football.
00:33:42
Zak
Yeah.
00:33:49
DailySaintsPod
think it's going to be an entertaining game. i think I don't think it's going to be like a nil-nil where we but both teams have been completely shut out. I think that both teams will have chances...
00:34:00
DailySaintsPod
but it'll be nil-nil. And then up steps James Bree. Loves a cup goal. Bang. Job done.
00:34:08
Zak
That's a lot of pressure on that man, but, you know, it's what it is.
00:34:13
DailySaintsPod
Yeah, look.
00:34:14
Zak
can see it.
00:34:15
DailySaintsPod
It's what see happening, mate.
00:34:15
Zak
can see it too.
00:34:18
DailySaintsPod
Anything's
Unpredictability of Football
00:34:18
DailySaintsPod
possible. That's the crazy thing about football, and that's why we love it.
00:34:22
Zak
True. tweet that I'm going to die.
00:34:22
DailySaintsPod
I did not see us both predicting Saints wins from this podcast. yeah
00:34:27
Zak
Actually, I always know that you're going to predict the win. I didn't see my myself predicting one until until till I started weaving the tapestry in my mind.
00:34:30
DailySaintsPod
Yeah.
00:34:36
DailySaintsPod
Even worse than that, there's part of me that genuinely believes it could be nil-nil on penalties, and I just don't know if I back up in that situation.
00:34:42
Zak
Oh, no, we're not going to discuss that. No, no, no, no, no. no I can't, I'm not.
00:34:45
DailySaintsPod
I'm not emotionally ready.
00:34:57
Zak
LAUGHTER
00:35:01
DailySaintsPod
of the gold so good and
00:35:06
DailySaintsPod
Look, it's...
00:35:06
Zak
It's like you've broken my spirit in a different way.
00:35:11
DailySaintsPod
So good. Right.
00:35:11
Zak
Turns out just joining in on the dilutions is far more enjoyable. Woo!
00:35:15
DailySaintsPod
is It's why we love it. But look, that's it. That's all we've got time for. We are heading into a long bank holiday weekend with one thing on our mind. i know that the atmosphere is going to be rocking. I know that the game is going to be good, I hope.
00:35:34
DailySaintsPod
I think it's going to be a good game even if the result doesn't go our way. That's that's the the the real prediction from it all. I think that we're still going to be buzzing come Sunday.
00:35:41
Zak
Thank
00:35:44
DailySaintsPod
And the joy of it is, mate, we get to come back and speak about it, whatever any happens.
00:35:48
Zak
then you, mate.
00:35:49
DailySaintsPod
And that's it. That's the joy of it. So thank you, everyone, for listening. And thank you, Zach, for joining me. Let us know in the comments on the socials what you think the score is going to be.
00:35:56
Zak
and you may
00:36:01
DailySaintsPod
However outrageous, however outlandish, as you can tell, we are fully here for it. Hit us up. Let us know. Daily Saints pod everywhere. X, Blue Sky, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.
Podcast Conclusion and Listener Engagement
00:36:16
DailySaintsPod
Let us know. I cannot wait to see all of the score predictions. Like say, we'll be back after the game to talk about it. But until then, have a great long weekend, everyone.
00:36:27
DailySaintsPod
Happy Easter. But most importantly, come on, you Saints.
00:36:32
Zak
See you on the other side.