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S2 - E9: THE CHAMPIONS!!! The Champions League preview is back!
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In this episode we will looking ahead to our opener in the UEFA Champions League as we travel away to Spain to play Bilbao, we will discuss what changes we will make as well as formations and more. Now if you want to get involved with any of our topics discussed please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description.
To make a donation towards Jamie and his girlfriend taking part in the Palace for Life Marathon March click the link here to make a donation. Any donations big or small Ould be very much appreciated!
Host: Jamie Patterson
Guest: Josh Duncan & Craig Matthews
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Transcript
Introduction to the Daily Arsenal Podcast
00:00:08
Craig matthews
Thank
00:00:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everyone and welcome to the Daily Arsenal Podcast where this is your one-stop shop as we bring you all the latest Arsenal news and views brought to you on the GSPN Podcast Network.
00:00:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
I am your host and proud holder of the shirt number, number 14, for
Meet the Co-hosts: Craig and Joshua
00:00:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
my club. It is your host, Jamie Patterson. And of course, I'm joined by my amazing crew of Arsenal connoisseurs.
00:00:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, first up, I'm joined by a man who pretty much could take any shirt number below 14. And it is the one and only Mr. Craig Matthews. And my my next guest
00:00:54
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:00:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
is someone who I could see proudly proudly wearing the number 29 shirt. Someone with great hold-up play, but won't have any issues with finishing. It's our number one Kaya Haberts fan, the one and only Joshua Duncan.
00:01:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
How are we keeping, boys?
00:01:17
JD
Can't lie, that introduction right there. They should ban that number, 29, you know. They should just ban it.
00:01:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
LAUGHTER
00:01:22
JD
I can't stand that guy. It's too late for this year. I can't stand that guy, man. He just upset my day now. Just mention his name. He's upset my day. He's so rubbish. Honestly, this whole show could be me talking about to one that guy.
00:01:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
you
00:01:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
know what honestly one one of these days right we we're gonna jd you are gonna host a show and it is going to be just about kai habits we're gonna we're gonna call it the kai habits slander show that's got a ring to it hasn't it but that will be in the pipeline for a future episode but craig how are you mate how you keep him
00:01:55
Craig matthews
I'm good. um good I'm good, man. been a great weekend. Awesome one.
00:02:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
What more could you ask for?
00:02:00
Craig matthews
Great weekend.
00:02:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
And JD,
Arsenal's Winning Weekend: Analysis and Reactions
00:02:03
JD
Yeah. Yeah, yeah no, no, was a good weekend. can Yeah, no, good weekend. I think, you know, good win Arsenal. And you know what I like? We had the early kickoff and we just won that game.
00:02:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
apart from being frustrated with Kai Havertz, how you keeping?
00:02:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on.
00:02:16
JD
Usually when we have the early kickoff, we always lose or something like that. Then you've got to watch our rest of the rest the football. just ruined the weekend.
00:02:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ah, see?
00:02:22
JD
know what mean? So it was good to see that win there. And then you can just enjoy.
00:02:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
See?
00:02:26
JD
i don't even need to watch the rest of the games, you know? So, yeah, it was good weekend, man.
00:02:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
There you go. There you go. That was literally me to all my mates over the weekend. I was like, right, happily watched Arsenal win now. All I've got to do is just go and enjoy the rest of my weekend. Hope that somehow Palace can win against Sunderland.
00:02:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And look, everyone's happy. But yeah, fortunately, it wasn't meant to be, unfortunately. But guys, in this episode, we will be looking ahead to our opener in the UEFA Champions League.
Champions League Preview: Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao
00:02:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
League phase as we travel away to Spain to take on Bilbao. We'll be discussing what changes we will make um as well as formations and a lot more. But as always, if you want to get involved with any of the topics discussed, please do get involved through our social media, which can be found in our show notes in the description.
00:03:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right, boys, it's been a hot minute since we've last spoken about the Champions League. Last season, it was fair to say we pulled out the stops. We pulled off a surprise win against Real Madrid, but sadly, TIFO that wasn't good enough, sadly cost us at the Emirates.
00:03:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
And the rest kind of explains itself when we took on PSG, who were the eventual winners of the Champions League away. But it's a new season and our first game is away to Athletic Bilbao.
00:03:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Boys, JD, let's kick it off. How are you feeling ahead of this big
Player Injuries: Opportunities for Arsenal?
00:03:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
game away from home?
00:03:59
JD
and Yeah, you know, is I think if you asked me this last season with the injuries we have, I'd probably be a bit more nervous. um im um not i think we'll do weo do all right. you know I think we've got we've got enough firepower there to give a go and we should we should go there.
00:04:16
JD
Definitely favourites to get the win there.
00:04:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:04:17
JD
I think we faced them in the pre-season and i we look quite comfortable as well. So, um you know, I'm kind of hoping we can do the same thing again.
00:04:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, definitely. I think I know that there's obviously a bit of a difference with, you know, playing them competitively and then playing them in a friendly.
00:04:32
JD
Yeah, yeah.
00:04:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
But overall, on paper, we we did look good. And I believe didn't wasn't was it Nico Williams that was playing as well in the preseason game?
00:04:44
JD
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:04:44
Craig matthews
They're both brothers, yeah. They're both playing.
00:04:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Craig.
00:04:48
Craig matthews
They both got subbed for half time.
00:04:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes. Actually, speaking of Nico Williams, he will not be featuring, actually.
00:04:57
JD
Well, he's injured.
00:04:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
He will not be featuring.
00:04:57
Craig matthews
It's injured.
00:05:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it? Wait. Am I getting confused? Because there's there's two of them, isn't there?
00:05:04
JD
think getting confused,
00:05:04
Craig matthews
the
Squad Depth and Strategies for the Season
00:05:05
Craig matthews
Enaki is the older brother. He's there for Ghana.
00:05:05
JD
mate.
00:05:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, no.
00:05:08
JD
Yeah.
00:05:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nico.
00:05:08
Craig matthews
And Nico Willis...
00:05:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I am right. So Nico Williams is. Yeah. So um there were reports coming out that and he will not be playing due to, I believe it's a shoulder injury. I don't know if it's. He is injured.
00:05:18
JD
oh wow.
00:05:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
I do know that. um and I don't think he will be playing. I could be wrong.
00:05:22
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:05:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
and Don't quote me on it. i But with that with that potential news, um how can Arsenal kind of take advantage
00:05:33
Craig matthews
That's a massive boost because he's a good player. He played well in the Euros last year, scored a couple of great goals. So him not playing going to a massive boost for Arsenal, but don't underestimate their team because they have another player in their team who is very good. think their winger, their other winger, when we played against them through the season, it was very tricky as given I can't remember if it was California or I think was a um it goes long one of our defenders was doing a lot of tricks against them, like very tricky winger.
00:06:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:04
Craig matthews
They have got good players who play some of their squad that can cause us damage if we don't take it seriously. I don't think Artes are going to set the team up for us not taking it seriously. as well yeah
00:06:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, looking ahead to this game, I think we've got some really good potential here. I think we've got really good potential. And bearing in mind, actually, we're on early.
00:06:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Like, that's that's that's normally something I wouldn't say. You know, it's a bit weird that we're on early. bit annoying because I'm at football training tomorrow. So, um again, you guys are going have to be my eyes and my ears while I'm while i'm training tomorrow.
00:06:34
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:06:35
JD
Yeah.
00:06:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
But so in terms of in times of this game as well Among the fan base, there seems to be a lot of ease because, again, great performance over against Forest, ah which we will be doing a review of a little later on in the week.
00:06:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
But there's a lot of calmness in the fan base. And that's something we've not had in ah in a little while building up into inter into Champions League games because we're either worried about injuries and this, that and the other things.
00:07:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
But how do you guys feel about all the... How do you guys feel about the calmness amongst the fan base ahead of this game?
00:07:21
Craig matthews
Do you want to go, Josh?
00:07:22
JD
Me? oh I was going to let you go because you had the game, so you're probably a more of an expert than me. You have this one, Greg. You have this one.
00:07:30
Craig matthews
OK.
00:07:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on, Craig.
00:07:32
Craig matthews
I feel that the fan base happy now because this is the best Arsenal's backup squad that we have in a along in years. Even under Arsene Wenger, we never had a backup. When the main players got injured, we would crumble because didn't have a good backup on the bench. Now, we're one of the strongest bench in the league.
00:07:49
Craig matthews
Only Liverpool, Man City, I would say, and Chelsea have got on the same level when comes to strength and depth. It's the best we've got on. like Obviously, Saka's injured. Madawake has come in and done the job.
00:07:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:01
Craig matthews
but Oedegaard has been injured. Weneri comes off the bench and slots in. Saliba's been injured. Muscaro's had a solid game, done well. um So, weve we've got good replacements already and everyone has to fight for their place.
00:08:15
Craig matthews
but Even Deca & Watton started the other day and he starts all our games.
00:08:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:08:19
Craig matthews
So, and Nick Amruna had great game as well. So it goes to show that the manager can swap, can take out some my key players, can tinker the team a little bit, I would still be strong.
Title Aspirations and Transfer Impact
00:08:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know what? That's a very good point you make. And J.D., I'll put this forward to you, actually. But we we kind of discussed ah ah briefly about it last week. But going on to what Craig said about, you know, fighting for your place in the squad, how important is this season going to be to try and fight for a position that's going
00:08:52
JD
um Hugely, hugely. I think you can see defensively, think every position we're pretty solid. I don't really worry about that whole back four and even the come off the bench. Usually when i you before we have someone like Salaglachi or someone come the bench, say excuse me, and I'm about to swear there, it'll be a terrible show.
00:09:13
JD
about to swear there.
00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:09:15
JD
I realise I can't do that. PG, guys. Yeah. um But yeah, no, honestly, everyone's got fight for their place. The only person hasn't got to fight for their place is Druckerhead, you know, because he's probably now dead.
00:09:26
JD
That's the only part I'm probably a bit worried about, because if he does get injured, we're back to not having a number nine again. you know what I mean?
00:09:32
Craig matthews
Mm.
00:09:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:09:33
JD
We're literally back not having a number nine again. Do you put Trostas in a false nine? I don't know. I'm not sure Jesus is coming back anytime soon. We don't really have any... I even heard he's not even the 25-man squad for Champions League.
00:09:44
JD
He's never been selected.
00:09:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, he's not. No.
00:09:46
JD
So, you know, it's those things that that's the only thing that kind of worries me. But apart from that, I think Manuake, it's still early days. i'm I'm not going to get too carried away. It's still early days.
00:09:56
JD
But so far, he looks all right. I think all the signings so far I've seen so far have looked really, really positive. And it's what we've needed, that squad that we've needed that for a couple of seasons now.
00:10:07
JD
I know a lot of Arsenal fans are saying that Arteta needs to win something of the Champions League or the Premier League. But I think in the last couple of seasons, he's been very lucky to compete with such small squad.
Arsenal's Squad Depth vs Competitors
00:10:19
JD
You know, he's literally relying on players to stay fit.
00:10:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:10:22
JD
And that's, you know, we've shown Liverpool over the years, they've had injuries and they've had their squad and it's affected by them, you know, them finishing, not even challenged for the title. you know And you can see we're a fit squad. Everyone says they're favourites, but they haven't really changed their squad only this season.
00:10:37
JD
Last season, they had the same squad from two seasons ago. They just did you had injuries.
00:10:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:10:41
JD
That's what it is. So we've we finally got a squad now. We've needed this for years. this yeah do Do you think we can really win something big this season? that's that's um' Because I'm still not convinced.
00:10:53
Craig matthews
I think we're a striker away and a winger away from doing that. I know we've got a lot players in the summer.
00:10:58
JD
Yeah. Yeah.
00:10:58
Craig matthews
ah Maybe January.
00:10:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:11:02
Craig matthews
Let's give an example. What PSG did last summer, yeah, they got a different... Mbappe went to Real Madrid on a free transfer. they didn't buy him no plate They didn't buy any players to replace him. they They were stronger than the Champions League and they they got out they got through the group stages the Champions League.
00:11:17
Craig matthews
And what they did was, they went in January and went and bought Kav Scalia from Napoli. And that technically made them win the Champions League.
00:11:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
What signing that was.
00:11:26
JD
and Yeah, it was.
00:11:26
Craig matthews
he transformed He transformed their team. So then in January, if we have to make a fire, say we sell Jesus or maybe a Trotter or someone in January, we go and buy a marquee player to replace him, a striker, back-up striker to Aguokarez and a back-up winger to maybe Martinole or Eze. That could take us over the line to the next level and maybe we could win something big.
00:11:50
Craig matthews
It's all about, that's what I think honestly. If we could do that and try to do this in January and get someone, two players that we need in key areas, then maybe we could do this here for what PSG did last season. I wouldn't have been big.
00:12:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do know what, JD? In answer to your question, I can see us winning something.
00:12:09
JD
Really?
Future Transfers and Sales Needs
00:12:10
JD
Yeah.
00:12:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah just couldn't tell you what it is. I don't think it will be the Prem.
00:12:14
Craig matthews
ah
00:12:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going to be really honest. I still still stand by what I said when we done our predictions.
00:12:16
JD
Yeah.
00:12:18
JD
yeah
00:12:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I could see us winning something. Don't know what it is, but I can see us winning something.
00:12:24
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:12:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
The only thing I will kind of question with you, Craig... is, and I will quote what my girlfriend said, she turned around to me and said, do not complain if you do not buy anyone in January after the money you've spent in the summer.
00:12:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I said, you know what?
00:12:42
Craig matthews
and
00:12:42
JD
There's no chance.
00:12:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Normally i would complain, but I wouldn't.
00:12:45
Craig matthews
yeah
00:12:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
But what I would like to see is maybe Arsenal go and do like maybe a pre-contract agreement. If we can't agree for someone in January, I think we then need to start maybe thinking a little bit ahead then.
00:12:54
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:13:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know if we go and If we go up to...
00:13:00
Craig matthews
the
00:13:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know. I'll just use use it as a random example. Say we go to Semenyo and we say, right, Semenyo, we'll let you stay at Bournemouth for the rest of the season. But you know as of July 1st, we'd like you to sign a contract with us.
00:13:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
We can offer you X, Y, Z. This is what you would get. Do you know mean? All that contract stuff, pre-agreement.
00:13:21
Craig matthews
yeah
00:13:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
If we'd done something like that, that would reassure me. But I think, again... For me, it's that left side. It's just, yes, we've got Eze that can play there, but I want to see Eze being played more in that cam role. I said this to you guys off air as well, but I said to the boys, I would like to see Eze tested in that number 10 role.
00:13:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we've we've seen it for Palace. His link up play with Matete has been great. He's done it on the left, but I've always said it, his strongest position is in that cam role.
00:13:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
But... I think for me, if we try and sell on Martinelli or Trossard, or potentially, but maybe even both, depending on the season that Martinelli has, I would start thinking of profit. We do need to start thinking of profit one way or another.
00:14:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because, you know, let's be honest, have we really sold anyone?
00:14:14
Craig matthews
hmm not for good money no crap money
00:14:20
JD
No, no,
00:14:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. and And, you know, everyone was saying to me, oh well, the last big big so selling you made, I still can't believe this. Oxlade-Chamberlain for £35 million.
00:14:31
Craig matthews
that's like 10 years ago isn't it it's almost 10 years now
00:14:34
JD
Yeah, 10 years ago, yeah.
00:14:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:35
JD
think 2015, yeah.
00:14:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's crazy.
00:14:36
JD
Yeah. But...
00:14:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
A decade.
00:14:37
JD
yeah
00:14:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
A whole decade. And yet you've got players like potential... You've got teams like Brighton who sold Ben White for £60 million um and so on. you know I mean?
00:14:49
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:14:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
So... I don't know. i i don't know, but I do see us potentially winning something, but I just don't think it's the Premier League, though.
00:14:56
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:14:58
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:14:58
JD
Just to add what you said is...
00:14:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, you know, I eat my words at the end of the season and we win something good, but we'll have to see.
00:15:06
JD
to just what yeah Just to add to it, before we go to an advert break, I know you're going to go to a break.
00:15:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on.
00:15:11
JD
Just to add what you were saying as well. and You have to give credit with credit too, because Arteta normally does do his little negotiations early. The Deca and Rice deal, he was
Arteta's Strategic Planning and Negotiations
00:15:19
JD
chatting in his ear well before the transfer was done.
00:15:21
JD
And Ziba Mendy, I think he did that.
00:15:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
right
00:15:24
JD
I think he literally said him, look, We can't get you now, but we're gonna get you in the summer and this is the plan. And I think Zubmendi actually, you know, listened to and this why he's at club now. So I think Arsenal do do that.
00:15:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:35
JD
I think Arteta does do his his he contact beforehand, you know, his pre-agreement. It might not be official, but he obviously knows how to...
00:15:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:43
JD
I've heard as well that he knows how to get someone in a room and literally sell them the vision of what he sees Arsenal doing. And fair play.
00:15:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:15:50
JD
he he's He's gotten... i remember the days where, you know, before... We never need to get anybody. Anyone that was linked to us, they would say no. They don't want to come to us.
00:15:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, because it was the...
00:15:59
JD
Was it Thomas Lamar? He turned us down. Was it Transfer Deadline? He turned us down.
00:16:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, Thomas Lamar, I think it was, what was it?
00:16:02
JD
It like 97 million or something like that.
00:16:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
90 million we offered him and he didn't want to come.
00:16:05
JD
Yeah, something like that. Yeah. And he turned us down.
00:16:06
Craig matthews
hmm
00:16:08
JD
You know, I'm really intrigued. Probably the worst mistake he ever made. Really, if you think about it.
00:16:12
Craig matthews
hmm yeah
00:16:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Exactly. Exactly that. But guys, we're going to take a quick ad break. And then when we come back, I want to speak more about our potential starting XI and who we could potentially see feature in this Champions League game. So join us after the break.
00:16:41
Craig matthews
Thank you.
00:17:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And welcome back to the second part of our Champions League preview as we look ahead to our away game against Athletic Bilbao.
00:17:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right,
Squad Rotation Debate for Champions League
00:17:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
guys, we we spoke a little bit about Arsenal's depth. Now, my question to you is, what changes would you make from the Forest game going into the Champions League game coming up?
00:17:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
but Craig, let's start with you first.
00:17:42
Craig matthews
maybe maybe rest timba and put ben white in get fitness ah again yeah get um timba ready for our man city on sunday
00:17:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah?
00:17:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough. Anyone else?
00:17:55
Craig matthews
maybe rest california and bring in to um on the new guy and pack it give him a debut and left back so he can do
00:18:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, Hincapié.
00:18:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah? JD? Now...
00:18:09
JD
um
00:18:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on, actually, I was gonna ask you a question, but go on.
00:18:14
JD
No, just to add to what um what Craig was saying, I wouldn't change the back four too much only because it's the first Champions League fixture we've had in this season and you kind of want to get solid.
00:18:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:18:26
JD
So I wouldn't change too much. yeah is Is Ben White still injured? Is he easy fit now?
00:18:31
Craig matthews
on the bench on Saturday. he's on the but He didn't come on.
00:18:32
JD
Yeah, he was on the back four.
00:18:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah He was on the bench Saturday
00:18:34
Craig matthews
then Come on.
00:18:36
JD
I think he's the only one i might change if he's fit and ready because he's a bit reliable.
00:18:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah
00:18:41
JD
um But yeah, I think probably Reyes coming into play, probably starting him as well. I think you have got to start Ranieri. I think you need some sort of creativity.
00:18:52
JD
I think on Saturday, he kind of showed that if Odegaard doesn't really pull his socks up and start putting better performances, he's going need his place.
00:18:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Mm.
00:19:01
JD
Because Odegaard...
00:19:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:01
Craig matthews
um um
00:19:03
JD
The last scene I gave him the benefit of the doubt, he was carrying an injury, this so-called injury.
00:19:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:08
JD
and
00:19:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:19:08
JD
he wasn't fully fit. And, you know, you could kind of see it. This season, I know it's too early, but I've not really been impressed certain games. United game, was a bit slow. What he used to be so good at making those final passes, making the right decisions, is that this season, he's a shell of himself.
00:19:25
JD
He just doesn't do it as much as he we know he can do.
00:19:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:19:28
JD
You know?
00:19:29
Craig matthews
and
00:19:29
JD
So it's not a thing where trying to have a dig at him. It's just, I know what you can do. You need to be better. Same with Martinelli. I know what you can do. You need to be better. um
00:19:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely. I absolutely agree with you. You know, when you when you started speaking of Odegaard, the first thing that kind of came to mind was when a ball got played into the box, his kind of like last minute run to the penalty spot and him being there just to finish, i that's the Odegaard I know.
00:19:53
JD
Yeah.
00:19:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
and that's the Odegaard I've not seen for a while.
00:19:59
JD
Yeah. Yeah.
00:20:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, and it is is very worrying. um JD, I was going to ask you, actually, um in terms of, you know, there's been a lot of discussion, right, amongst Arsenal fans that we should rotate the squad.
00:20:05
JD
yeah
00:20:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
And you've obviously said that we shouldn't rotate it massively.
00:20:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
what who would you Who would you want to see come in and who kind of really starts for you?
00:20:26
JD
I mean, we we do need to rotate the squad, yes, but we don't need to do it. It's still early on. you know the The season's just started. The guy's come off an international break.
00:20:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:20:35
JD
It's been four games. I don't think we need to rotate too much so soon, but the fixtures will come fast and you're going to see a lot of rotation. I think you keep the back four. You might want to swap out Ben White.
00:20:47
JD
You can play the new guy if you want to play him as well, maybe.
00:20:47
Craig matthews
Thank
00:20:50
JD
I personally would just keep the same back four. I'd probably put Rice in there, probably with Manieri. and And Zubin Mendy. Yeah, Zubin Mendy as well.
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:21:01
JD
I think Eze keeps his place. I don't think Martin's any. Unless unless he's carrying anything or he's not not fit, I think he's placed his face.
00:21:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Are you putting Eze on the left or you maybe putting him in a cam role on the left?
00:21:13
JD
Yeah, on the left. On the left. On the left.
00:21:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough.
00:21:15
JD
I think Wanyeri goes on the camera only because if... I know you said off-air you wanted to put Wanyeri on the left, but I just don't think he'll be as as effective as he would be in the middle.
00:21:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:25
JD
Even though I think Eze is probably better in the middle.
00:21:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
What if... Okay. What if you was to put, say, Madweke on the left, Ethan on the right, and Eze in the cam?
00:21:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
do Could you see that working?
00:21:39
JD
Nah, I prefer Medvedic on the right.
00:21:39
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:21:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nah. Both of you say no.
00:21:41
JD
Yeah, I prefer Medvedic.
00:21:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:21:43
JD
I've seen him on the left too many times for Chelsea. He's not good enough there. You know what mean?
00:21:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough.
00:21:47
JD
He's not. you What we saw, we and he's Saka's replacement.
00:21:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:52
JD
What we saw him do in Northern Forest game, that's what you need him to do.
00:21:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that is...
00:21:54
JD
i don't need him to get 20 goals a season. He's the backup. He knows he's the backup, right? He just needs to go out there and play.
00:22:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:02
JD
Go out there and stretch Just keep them busy. And that's what he did. you know what mean? that That's what he did. So, yeah, I think he definitely keeps his sport.
00:22:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, yeah.
00:22:12
JD
Definitely keeps his sport. And then Jokic, obviously, he's the man up front.
00:22:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Fair enough.
00:22:14
JD
he He's the only one that can play up front at moment. So, he definitely, I think that's your start.
00:22:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:18
JD
I think that probably will be the start in the XI. Unless there's some injuries there, I don't see him changing it to too much.
00:22:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Craig, how about you would you? Would you make any changes to the starting 11 that JD just mentioned there?
00:22:33
Craig matthews
No, I agree with J.D. I wouldn't change it too much because we've only got a couple games this season. only think about the defence rotation because players have played a lot of games recently in the international football.
00:22:44
Craig matthews
I thought maybe you can rest Califori because of his injury record as well. I think if you rest him out, give han to the new guy a chance see what he can do and then maybe bring on Lewis Skelly.
00:22:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:22:55
Craig matthews
Maybe start Lewis Skelly.
00:22:57
JD
Yeah, um not I'm not against it. Yeah.
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, to be honest, we saw him come off from the bench against Forest. And I mean, did a very solid job for, you know, done a very solid job towards the end of the game.
00:23:05
JD
Yeah.
00:23:05
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:23:10
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:23:10
JD
yeah
00:23:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
That, you know, ah this is, and again, this is what I like. The fact, the fact that we, um The fact that we were able to go out there and just play our football and so on.
00:23:25
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:23:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
it are Honestly, so, so good.
00:23:30
JD
I do have a question though.
00:23:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, go on.
00:23:31
JD
I do have a question as well. I don't know if you remember, but you don't remember when Arsene Weng was around, he always used to play his second keeper in Champions League. I don't know why, he used to play his second keeper in Champions League.
00:23:40
Craig matthews
so
00:23:42
JD
Do we play Kepa?
00:23:42
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:23:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:43
JD
Do you want to see Kepa play? Because don't.
00:23:46
Craig matthews
No, next week. Next week, Nikov against on Port Verde can play in that game.
00:23:48
JD
Yeah.
00:23:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know what? I was really, and I mean, i was really umming and ahhing over this. And do you know what?
00:24:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
You've got to start him in some, you've got to start him one way or another. But my thing is, I wouldn't have Kepa as a cup goalkeeper. I would, I'd play him in the odd game. i would happily play him in the odd game.
00:24:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
But for this game,
00:24:20
JD
Not cupkeeper. I'd take him a cupkeeper. Not Champions League. no and No, no, no, no. What Craig said.
00:24:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, OK. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Do you know what? Don't get me wrong. I would play Kepa in a couple Champions League games.
00:24:30
JD
yeah
00:24:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
So, you know, we've got...
00:24:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um
00:24:34
JD
Them games that mean nothing.
00:24:35
JD
That's what you play him when we've already qualified.
00:24:36
Craig matthews
Dead robbers, dead robbers, dead robber games.
00:24:37
JD
Yeah.
00:24:38
Craig matthews
So, we're really qualified to play.
00:24:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because I was going to say, um what's the game?
00:24:40
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:24:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
that um The team from... Is it Kazakhstan?
00:24:45
Craig matthews
Co-Ats. Co-Co-Co-Co-Co-Co. Let's hear that beat.
00:24:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't know how you pronounce their name. I completely forgot. But, yeah, my point. That's exactly exactly my point, basically. but You can play them in them kind of games. and And don't forget, you know, JD, going back to a point you kind of touched on as well, is the fact that, you know, games are going come
Arsenal's Upcoming Busy Schedule
00:25:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
in thick and fast for Arsenal.
00:25:06
JD
Yeah, yeah.
00:25:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we've got City, you know, we've got this, we've got the game against Bilbao tomorrow. Then we've got City over the weekend, Port Vale, and then Newcastle the following weekend.
00:25:18
JD
Yeah, it's so it's a lot.
00:25:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
So...
00:25:20
JD
It's a lot.
00:25:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Again, this is, I think, again, this will be a mini test on our depth here.
00:25:28
JD
Yeah.
00:25:28
Craig matthews
a
00:25:28
JD
Yeah.
00:25:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think this will be a mini-depth on our test. It will be a real-depth tester, really. I think, for me, as long as we're giving players the minutes, but I think also, as long as players gel, I think that's my main concern, is if you start ringing in, say so say but tomorrow's safe for like for this game, right, say you start ringing in five changes, right,
00:25:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Maybe that's the only concern I have is how well will them five players gel with the other six that are all that, you know, already got to know each other and all already kind of used to their playing styles.
00:26:06
Craig matthews
Yes.
00:26:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you know what I mean?
00:26:09
Craig matthews
here
00:26:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Question, does Mascara start?
00:26:13
Craig matthews
yes
00:26:14
JD
Yeah, yeah, I think
00:26:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry, I'm not nodding my head. I'm not I'm not disagreeing with you guys. I've I've just seen something on my football group chat, which I'm a bit concerned about. And it is to do with my number 14 shirt. Oh, dear.
00:26:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
but
00:26:27
JD
You're not allowed to wear or something.
00:26:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Huh?
00:26:29
JD
You're not allowed to wear it
00:26:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
No. ah damn it. Right. Basically, cut a long story short. Someone else has also got the 14 shirt. Oh, dear me. This is not this is not happening.
00:26:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it turns out I'm going to have to change my 14 shirt for another number. That's brilliant.
00:26:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Right.
00:26:46
JD
Wait, is this for a league a league game or something?
00:26:49
JD
called
00:26:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
um So this will be like for future
Personal Anecdote: Jamie's Shirt Number Conflict
00:26:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
league games. And now I've just found, I've just been told now that I'm now the one that needs to, I'm now the one that needs to change their shirt.
00:27:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
So need try and look for another number.
00:27:04
JD
It should be who got it first. Who it first? got number 14 first?
00:27:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, someone got 14 first, but didn't bother to say anything until now.
00:27:12
JD
I don't think it counts then, does it?
00:27:15
Craig matthews
Yeah,
00:27:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
I feel a bit ripped off, mate.
00:27:16
JD
I think you've got to fight this one.
00:27:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
I feel so ripped off.
00:27:19
JD
Jimmy, you can't be nice, man. You've got to fight this one. know what I mean?
00:27:22
Craig matthews
you don't fight this one, man.
00:27:23
JD
Yeah, you've got to fight this one, man.
00:27:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Actually, to be honest, I ordered mine last year as well, actually. ah I'll sort this out after. Deary me. Anyway, got we've gone a bit off track. But anyway, um speaking of speaking, obviously, ahead of this game, I just think the depth we've got is really good.
00:27:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, the same time, ah just don't want too many changes being made.
00:27:51
JD
Yeah, I think it's too early to make any to changes.
00:27:51
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:27:53
JD
I think you've got to win the game.
00:27:54
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:27:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
You can make maybe like, the you can make two or three, you can make the odd two or three, you can make the odd two or three changes, but again, i would, ah for me, i would just, you know, nothing more than that.
00:27:56
JD
The odd two. Yeah, the odd two or three. Yeah.
00:27:59
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:28:08
JD
Yeah. Yeah, I agree.
00:28:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But would, do you know what, there's one player I'd really want to see play, I'd want to see him in Capier.
00:28:16
Craig matthews
That's what I'm saying.
00:28:16
JD
You really want to see him?
00:28:17
Craig matthews
Playing left-backs.
00:28:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:18
Craig matthews
Playing left-backs. Playing left-backs.
00:28:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:20
JD
no
00:28:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
JD, you're not convinced. Why?
00:28:24
JD
It's not that I'm not convinced. is is I'm happy with the back fours already. you know yeah um ah Honestly,
00:28:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:28:31
JD
you know i've I've watched Arsenal backs four for many, many years now. The last I've been convinced like this was when Soul Camel was playing for us.
00:28:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:28:39
JD
Do you know what I mean?
00:28:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wow.
00:28:40
JD
i'm I'm being very serious.
00:28:40
Craig matthews
Whether it is World team or o two or one the
00:28:41
JD
Yeah.
00:28:44
JD
But both those teams, that's the last time I've been comfortable with Arsenal, like, yeah, this team, they're going to be all right.
00:28:46
Craig matthews
Okay Bro,
00:28:50
JD
ah Honestly, I don't worry about this team defensively. They're they're pretty solid. I mean, they've only conceded one goal and that free kick. And I know you guys think Rhea could have saved that. i want You know, we could talk about this all day.
00:29:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
thank you thank you
00:29:01
Craig matthews
la bra bro, should have saved it man
00:29:02
JD
I think you're going to be in harsh, you know.
00:29:07
Craig matthews
He's going to save it, man. He is too far. It was too far wide of the post, didn't On the right. two more. it He wasn't in the centre, innit? That's the problem.
00:29:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
thank you
00:29:15
JD
I
00:29:15
Craig matthews
He wasn't in the centre.
00:29:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
thank you
00:29:17
Craig matthews
He was in the centre. And he tried and i i and he couldn't save it. would say, yeah, but he was too... He wasn't like in the middle of the goal, innit? So the guy had a good free shot in there.
00:29:29
JD
i think i think that's harsh, man. I think that's really harsh.
00:29:33
Craig matthews
Alisson... Alisson would have saved that chance.
Goalkeeper Performance Analysis
00:29:35
Craig matthews
That free kick.
00:29:36
JD
ah I think he goes in. i said Look, he won't go to the Mumps. He won't go to the Mumps. Come on, man.
00:29:40
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:29:41
JD
You've got to give your hats off and be like, you know what?
00:29:42
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:29:44
JD
Fair play.
00:29:44
Craig matthews
Donnarumma? Donnarumma have saved it?
00:29:46
JD
if ah yeah but Today, the truth, isn't he like 6'6 or something like that? yeah
00:29:51
Craig matthews
Yeah. but
00:29:53
JD
i You know what I mean?
00:29:54
Craig matthews
I'm just saying that's rare. That's rare too short, isn't it? That's why.
00:29:57
JD
Yeah, i've read he's quite a short...
00:29:57
Craig matthews
you need to get it?
00:29:59
JD
Well, for a keeper, he's quite a short, isn't it? probably a third centre-back or something like that, isn't it?
00:30:04
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:30:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:30:04
Craig matthews
Oh, man. eat of
00:30:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, deary me. But guys, we're going to take a quick break in the meantime. When we come back, we are going to discuss score predictions. And you know what? Since it's match day one, I'm going to get a prediction on where you think Arsenal will finish in the league phase. So join us after the break.
00:31:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh my goodness me. Right. Guys, welcome back to the third and final part. um Guys, just to give you an update, I might have to take... I'm now trying to can convince... I'm now trying to see if I can get in the number 11 shirt.
00:31:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hopefully I can... Yeah.
00:31:23
JD
Look, you've got to pull your socks out, right? And you've got to get that 14.
00:31:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I'm a striker.
00:31:26
JD
There's
00:31:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, but they're they saying that one player got the shirt before I did.
00:31:28
Craig matthews
I'll get a number. good
00:31:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm like...
00:31:32
JD
and no proof of that. There's no proof. There's no proof of that.
00:31:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Huh?
00:31:35
Craig matthews
There's no evidence. There's no evidence.
00:31:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
There is. On the group chat, he went and put a photo up of, of like, the photo. I don't know at this point. Oh, so fingers crossed now I need to try get the 11 shirt. If not, I don't know what shirt to take.
00:31:47
JD
What you do is just injure him.
00:31:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Guys, any suggestions on what numbers I should take out of curiosity?
00:31:50
Craig matthews
nine head
00:31:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Huh?
00:31:51
Craig matthews
ten nine ten nine ten nine
00:31:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Nine's already been taken.
00:31:55
Craig matthews
and
00:31:55
JD
Just injure him. Just injure him. That's it. You know what mean?
00:31:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
ha ha!
00:31:59
Craig matthews
Yeah man, making me out for like the whole season or something man.
00:31:59
JD
Just injure him. Yeah, man. does you Just get a little, you know, in trainers, give little nab.
00:32:03
Craig matthews
Just crunch him, give him a little crunch in training man.
00:32:05
JD
Yeah, show him why you're number 14.
00:32:06
Craig matthews
Oh man.
00:32:07
JD
yeah
00:32:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Um, just to let you know, he might be at training tomorrow. So, um, you know, tomorrow's episode could be very interesting.
00:32:11
JD
and
00:32:15
JD
oh
00:32:16
Craig matthews
um
00:32:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh dearie me. Oh, well, anyway, we'll see what happens. But guys, um, Quickly, um but first of all, actually, we this is match day one of the league phase.
00:32:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
So my prediction to you guys is, well, question is actually, where do you see Arsenal finishing up in the league phase?
Champions League Predictions
00:32:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Craig, let's start with you.
00:32:41
Craig matthews
Second.
00:32:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:32:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
OK. Any reason behind that?
00:32:48
Craig matthews
feel like the teams we've got in the Champions League, the only team I worry about is Bayern Munich. All the rest them will beat them. We'll draw against Atletico.
00:32:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:57
Craig matthews
We need to beat Inter after what happened last season when they beat Arsenal.
00:33:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, okay.
00:33:00
Craig matthews
That game was a ring. I feel like we'll finish second ba behind. and I think Bayern will top the group.
00:33:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
So you think Bayern will be top. Okay. JD, what about
00:33:13
JD
um to tell you the truth from first to eight doesn't really matter does it do you know i mean as long as you qualify
00:33:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Technically, it does. I think the higher you finish... I think but if I'm right, the higher you finish, the easier it is to progress, I believe.
00:33:32
JD
how how though
00:33:33
Craig matthews
No, look at Liverpool. Liverpool last season, they won all their games, or they lost one game, dead-run game. Then they had to play 3-2 in the knockout round, they got lost.
00:33:41
JD
Yeah, I and don't think it matters.
00:33:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly. i don't I don't get the whole... but I still don't get it. I don't get the thought process behind it, but yeah.
00:33:47
JD
I think you get the first... i think you play first at home or something like that. I think you get that out of mind.
00:33:52
Craig matthews
Yeah, first at home, yeah.
00:33:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, I think, yeah, you get home advantage or something.
00:33:53
JD
get that...
00:33:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, probably.
00:33:54
JD
I mean, as long as we finish in top A, it doesn't really matter, does it? you know mean? don't really...
00:33:58
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:33:59
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:33:59
JD
The way they've done the Champions League is one of the ones where, don't get wrong, the league phases, you've got to take the game straight away.
00:34:07
JD
Every point matters.
00:34:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:08
JD
Every game matters.
00:34:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
It literally does.
00:34:10
JD
Yeah, every game matters. But at the same time, if when you finish and if you can finish eighth and finish first and you still qualify, it doesn't really matter. As long as you get in that qualifying part, that's the main thing.
00:34:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, as long as you don't finish below eighth.
00:34:21
JD
So I think we'll definitely qualify. we should We have enough to qualify. If we don't qualify, I'll be very disappointed. Very, very disappointed.
00:34:28
Craig matthews
a
00:34:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd be very worried because you think back to last season, we finished third in the group last we finished third in the league last season, didn't we?
00:34:34
JD
No, second. second and
00:34:35
Craig matthews
I think it's second, it's finished second.
00:34:37
JD
Yeah, second, right behind Liverpool.
00:34:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, yeah, yeah, just above Barcelona. Yeah, course, I forgot.
00:34:39
Craig matthews
Yeah.
00:34:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so...
00:34:42
Craig matthews
thought I said second again because I know it's going to some hard games in Champions League and it's unpredictable because some games especially Bayern and maybe Atletico, Inter, they've got some good players and they've got some good managers as well. I know Diego Simeone is going to part the boss.
00:34:59
Craig matthews
He's just going to part in the boss and go for a 1-0 win.
00:34:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:35:01
Craig matthews
He ain't going to attack. He'll get one one attack and he'll score then part the boss for rest of the game.
00:35:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
That is, yeah, that's that's very true to be fair. Very, very true. Yeah.
00:35:12
JD
I think that might get us, though. I don't think we...
00:35:15
Craig matthews
You think so?
00:35:15
JD
Yeah, I don't think... i think the Liverpool and Madrid are really good at doing that, and I don't think we have no firepower to really block break that defence down.
00:35:22
Craig matthews
o
00:35:25
JD
I mean, I'll take a no-no, you know what I mean? I'll tell you that.
00:35:27
Craig matthews
yeah definitely George quick question if in the summer saying that um I don't know I'm hearing rumors like maybe others might get moved on the summer I don't know how true it is because what two years off this contract no wait wait wait
00:35:29
JD
I'll take a no-no.
00:35:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, definitely.
00:35:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh oh,
Potential Backup Players: Controversial Choices?
00:35:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jay. Oh, for those of you that can't see. Oh, my goodness. Me, JD smile was absolutely so big.
00:35:41
Craig matthews
let me
00:35:45
Craig matthews
let
00:35:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
I couldn't even tell. couldn't even describe it to you.
00:35:51
Craig matthews
No, but if in the summer, say that we move him on because he's on big wages and he's got two thousand contracts and we don't give him a new deal and we move him on, would do you guys go for Albers as the backup to Gokeres as a backup?
00:36:06
Craig matthews
ah the back
00:36:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Let me answer. JD, let me answer on your behalf. Yes. um
00:36:11
JD
yeah
00:36:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Listen,
00:36:12
Craig matthews
but
00:36:13
JD
It's true. Yeah,
00:36:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
in his own words, he would say anyone, anyone is better than Kai Havert.
00:36:20
JD
it's true.
00:36:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
So of course he would say yes.
00:36:22
JD
yeah yeah
00:36:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Go on, JD. What would you, what was you actually going to say to be fair?
00:36:26
JD
100% yeah look ah the thing is I don't think Alves would come to play back up that's the only thing I don't think you will kind I think he'd want to start but yeah i get like basic listen I'll take Jim Vardy over um habit I'll take I'll take Calvin Lewin I'll take a lot of guys I'll take Huelen over him
00:36:40
Craig matthews
Hallelujah.
00:36:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jesus almighty, Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy.
00:36:47
JD
Listen, you can get something out of them.
00:36:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Goodness me.
00:36:49
JD
You can get something out of them. Havertz is lucky to be in this Arsenal team. Them players around them made him look a lot better. Mark my words. He goes on somewhere else. He's not going to do as good.
00:37:01
JD
Mark my words.
00:37:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, i i wouldn't I wouldn't disagree with that, to be fair.
00:37:07
JD
Then he's not good enough. He's never been good enough. enough I don't understand. i don't know why people like this guy.
00:37:11
Craig matthews
rama well What about John Durant? He's back in Europe now. What about him as a backup to go career?
00:37:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:37:16
JD
Yeah, hunt all day.
00:37:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Actually, do you know what?
00:37:18
Craig matthews
John Durant would be a good signing for us, know.
00:37:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
I actually think he would fit Arteta's system well. He's young. He's young. And don't get me wrong. Again, Jokerez has done it. You know, we saw with the Eze assist.
00:37:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
All Duran needs is service. Just like Jokerez, all he needs is service. And I think he'd get that Arsenal. And he's still young.
00:37:42
Craig matthews
And he can shoot as well. The guy's got shot on him. That guy's got lots of faster than Villa from 30 yards up against Everton.
00:37:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
I never forget.
00:37:48
JD
Yeah.
00:37:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
What was it? The game? Wasn't it the goal against Everton?
00:37:51
Craig matthews
Everton. Everton game.
00:37:52
JD
Yeah.
00:37:53
Craig matthews
When he hit from... Hmm.
00:37:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Some strike. Some strike.
00:37:58
JD
But well speaking of Jokridge though, a lot I was speaking to my cousin earlier and he was saying that he's like, ah I don't know about him, you know, he just doesn't, he looks a bit sluggish.
00:37:58
Craig matthews
o
00:38:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:38:07
JD
i was like, I said, let's be honest. Give him bit of fear. You know, he's not really had a pre-season. He's probably still kind of catching his feet.
00:38:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
i
00:38:15
JD
He's probably you're not even fit enough. He goes, nah, I don't know about him. don't want to see him run with the ball, you know. he it's Seeing him run with the ball is painful to watch. That's what he was telling me. I thought it was a bit harsh.
00:38:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I think it's just, it's too soon. It's too soon.
00:38:28
JD
Yeah, thought a little bit harsh. But i I get a little bit what he means, though.
00:38:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, I think...
00:38:32
JD
Him running with ball is not pretty. It's not pretty.
00:38:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
it's not It's not like what we've seen when he's at Sporting, where his runs are explosive.
00:38:35
JD
Yeah.
00:38:39
JD
Yeah. Yeah. It's yeah.
00:38:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think I do get where your cousin's coming from in that sense, because, you know, he wants to see the explosive runs.
00:38:46
JD
Yeah. That's literally what you said literally said.
00:38:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And... Again, we we we haven't quite seen it yet. I mean, maybe saw a bit of it when, was it Madweke that had the ball and he and he's like run from the left all the way round and then shot and hit the post?
00:38:59
Craig matthews
Yeah, and it hit the post.
00:39:00
JD
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That was a bit.
00:39:03
Craig matthews
That post got broken on Saturday, the way you hit it.
00:39:06
JD
Yeah.
00:39:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah yeah Yeah, that's so true.
00:39:06
Craig matthews
We could hear the noise in the stadium, with that hot they hit the hot the shot so hard, went... You know when you hit the ball?
00:39:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
no way. No way.
00:39:18
Craig matthews
The keeper beaten, there's no way to keep them to save it, and it went near those.
00:39:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's...
00:39:22
Craig matthews
You couldn't save that shot, it was gone in. Yeah, man.
00:39:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:39:25
Craig matthews
yeah
00:39:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, that would have been such... that would have been such a long day if that had gone in. oh my gosh.
00:39:31
Craig matthews
Hmm Yeah
00:39:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
would have rung but Would have really rung in the fantasy points for me then. I'd been captained this weekend.
00:39:37
Craig matthews
Hmm
00:39:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I had him and Zubomendi in my team. So...
00:39:41
JD
Oh, you must be laughing.
00:39:41
Craig matthews
you know
00:39:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Perfect. Yeah, i was laughing.
00:39:43
JD
You were expecting Vindamani to get two goals today.
00:39:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Perfect.
00:39:45
JD
i mean, on Saturday.
00:39:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, goodness me.
00:39:49
JD
The first goal.
00:39:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's something else.
00:39:50
JD
I haven't even spoken about it.
00:39:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'll tell you that.
00:39:52
JD
but we haven't even spoken about it.
00:39:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, exactly.
Score Predictions for Arsenal vs Athletic Bilbao
00:39:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll save that. We'll definitely save that. um We'll definitely save that for the Forrest review later on in the week. But guys, before we do finish up, I've got to ask the most important question, score predictions.
00:40:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
Craig, I believe you were close with your score prediction for the weekend. We both said 2-0, didn't we? Oh, so you got yours.
00:40:13
JD
Oh, wow. You won it.
00:40:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, crikey. Oh, gosh.
00:40:15
JD
i think you guys need to start putting bets on this, you know? ah
00:40:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, no, no, no. I shouldn't be the one putting bets. It should be Craig, if anything. Goodness me. Do you know what? let's Let's start with Craig. Craig, what's your score prediction, mate?
00:40:27
Craig matthews
and If Nico Willis not playing, I'll say 4-1 Arsenal.
00:40:33
JD
Oh, wow. Wow. That's...
00:40:36
Craig matthews
Goldcrest 2.
00:40:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sorry. I mean, me and JD are just in shock there. Whoa.
00:40:41
Craig matthews
Got Chris to you.
00:40:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, listen, you heard it here from Craig.
00:40:42
Craig matthews
Okay.
00:40:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
4-1. 4-1. all one
00:40:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
JD, have you got a bolder prediction?
00:40:52
JD
Nah, my one's pretty, pretty. I think it'd be a 2-0 win, to be fair. I think, I think, as long as Arteta doesn't do anything silly and change up, make too many changes, um I think we should go there.
00:41:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:41:03
JD
Probably get a first early goal, second half, shut up, shut up, and that's it.
00:41:06
Craig matthews
Hmm.
00:41:08
JD
You know what I mean? Then you rest your players and you get ready for City on the weekend.
00:41:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, fair enough. I think me, I'm going to go...
00:41:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm going 3-0. I just think defensively, if depending on what our defence is, I think we're sound defensively. i can see us really kind of going all out here. I think we'll probably do damage more so in the first half.
00:41:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, maybe we'll get a third goal in the second half. Again, I'm going 3-0 Arsenal.
00:41:38
JD
The only only way I see them scoring is unless we make a mistake. That's the only way I see them scoring, you know?
00:41:42
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:41:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I think if they... Yeah, if there was one mistake at the back... I think they'd be quick to capitalise.
00:41:49
JD
Yeah. and ah And if we're doing the Wenger days, then Kepa's playing and he might make a mistake. And, you know, you change your keeper and then, you hopefully we don't see him.
00:41:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:41:58
JD
I don't think we will.
00:41:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
i mean I mean, I don't want to bring back like bad memories, but do we not remember Neto in goal last season the Champions League?
00:42:06
JD
ah He was useless, innit?
00:42:06
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:42:07
JD
That was useless.
00:42:07
Craig matthews
of
00:42:09
JD
You know what I mean? He might have just had an empty net. You know what I mean? But it made no difference. You know, I'm so... Listen, sometimes you've got to question some of this. Whose idea was to bring net to him? Was that Edu's idea?
00:42:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wouldn't be surprised if it's Edu.
00:42:23
Craig matthews
Mm-hmm.
00:42:23
JD
bet it was.
00:42:24
JD
Yeah, probably was, a man.
00:42:25
Craig matthews
That's an end.
00:42:25
JD
That that guy, he's a fraudulent.
00:42:26
Craig matthews
Brazilian, isn't that? brazil of Brazilian, Brazilian, isn't that?
00:42:29
JD
I'm so happy he's gone. I'm so happy he's gone. He brought in some plays that very questionable.
00:42:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:42:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. He was up there.
00:42:36
JD
you know
00:42:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was definitely up there. But guys, that is pretty much it for today's episode. ah Just quickly, as always, before I quickly do my my outro, um as always, if you want to make a donation towards ah myself and my girlfriend's fundraising page as we are taking part in the Palace for Life Marathon March, literally less than a month away, ah feel free to make a donation by clicking on the link in the show notes.
00:43:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts on social media. Make sure to go and show us some love and support by subscribing to the GSPN Network for all things Premier League, WSL, Serie World Cup and more.
00:43:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
You can find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching Daily Arsenal. I've been your host, Jamie Patterson, who now has to sadly look for a new shirt number. They have been the amazing Josh Duncan and Craig Matthews. Have a good day all and take care.
00:43:36
Craig matthews
Okay.
00:43:37
JD
Thank you.