Transcript
Speaker: All right, lads, welcome back to another episode of Who's Got the Ball. Myself and Shane back once again. Shane, what was the crack? Just trying to not laugh after the last 30 seconds we decided leading into this. um No crack, just grand choir weekend now and big weekend coming up but up in Dublin. We're watching you talk our student nonsense in...
Speaker: Kennedy's. Fitzpatrick's. No, Kennedy's. Where did they get Fitzpatrick's from? From Kennedy's in Dublin. From half four on Sunday. Get yourselves in. NFL watchalongs, live podcasts. They're giving away jerseys. No, they're not. I'm just making that up. And Mike Parsons is going to make an appearance is what I heard. So yeah, definitely get yourselves down to Kennedy's.
Speaker: Yeah, free po promo there for Gaelic Gritter, and we'll throw that over and Jimmy can use it. yeah But yeah, as Shane said, watch Party this Sunday for the first weekend of NFL football in Kennedy's Dublin City Centre live podcast beforehand. We'll want to get some involvement from the crowd and get your takes. I'm sure Shane will throw out some ridiculous Jets takes and maybe back the Falcons before they play the Steelers and everyone will get annoyed in there we're doing Steelers bar. yup We'll have the Steelers game on. with Steelers came on red zone possibly another game too and there will be giveaways and plenty of cracks so get yourself in there if you're in the Dublin area last weekend though for me was great kae Katie Taylor fight on Saturday
Speaker: man but what an evening like the fights before were terrible yeah okay the actual fight itself wasn't that her toughest but she is 40 the woman she was fighting is 29 and she hadn't been beaten yet it was the mandatory next fight up so katie could only fight what's in front of her and the whole spectacle of the night her coming out the music the sounds everything was perfect And just that moment at the end where she lays her belts and gloves down in the middle of the ring to finish things off.
Speaker: ah Best advertisement little could ever get right on top of their their logo. But yeah, that moment was special and such a special night. I was so happy that I that i got to see it there live. Yeah, I thought she was just... She just did what she does. There is always a thing with with with a boxing match. No matter how good you are how on top you are, it just takes one punch. yeah The fear I had going into that final round is I don't know have ever experienced anything like it. And I'm only a casual boxing fan. And it was just like...
Speaker: Just don't take the one punch. And when she started flinging it at the end of the round, trying to get the knockout, it was like, don't. It's like, what are you doing? You haven't won. Please don't take this one punch. I thought she was absolutely superb. The walkout was, think it lasted seven or eight minutes. And it felt like it was over in a flash. And I'd say it felt like it was a flash for her as well. And she's just, I think she's the best athlete Ireland have ever produced across any sport across Australia.
Speaker: men across women across absolutely anything she's just an insane advertisement and for Ireland she's so so good and she gets to go now and live her husband and her five step kids but when I heard that was a bit like the Tommy Bowman was like i it's But yeah, yeah don want it see I think it's time for her. She deserves a break and I'm glad she'll be out of the country and for a while where she won't to have the media just absolutely hounding her. She might be as well known in America. as She might be able to get a break.
Speaker: I do want to touch as well. I know a lot of the fights were utterly crap beforehand, but I thought Paddy Donovan, the Emmerich Mann actually did a really, really good job in his fight. It was so professional and the hold he put in your man's head was Oh, no thanks.
Speaker: Nasty. I think, yeah, I thought he was going to win the fight anyway, but to get the TKO and not have to put him on the canvas because they actually were sparring partners before us, obviously do get on really well. So I thought he was really good as well.
Speaker: Yeah, he was. I think it was just a pity. It was over so fast. It's three rounds. We'd like to see a classy boxer like him for longer. But yeah, yeah you're you're right. he was He was really, really good. And Katie, I 100% agree. Undisputed Irish sport and go for me. I think she's top, top class. And she deserved every moment of that, really, to be honest. And Yeah, unbelievable night one I'll never forget. But as you said, we're here to make a great memory of Sunday night, first weekend of NFL football. And we'll see each other for the first time in person in ages. don't know when was the last time when we went to the Leinster match earlier this year, maybe?
Speaker: because that have been the last thing probably was in January or February yeah that was January when and the Rams played the Panthers in the playoffs that same night yes yeah yeah I think it was then I don't think I've been to Limerick since then we're in Limerick before that so it's been too long but uh yeah we'll we'll enjoy the day look we won't take up any more time of yours waffling we'll get into the sports action here um We started off with football. Troy Parris, his amazing couple of days for baddest in the league and also in the Champions League before staying on the Champions League and breaking down Liverpool and Arsenal's performances and wins and the positives there and what they can take into the rest of the season. and Then we moved on to the Manchester Derby this Sunday and gave you a full preview of that and our score predictions.
Speaker: Gone chances back. We gave our picks there. NFL then. Seahawks versus Patriots recap. An interesting game to start the season and injuries lettered across it, but some interesting storylines coming out of it and what that means for the teams going into the rest of the season.
Speaker: and Then a look ahead to the NFL's action this weekend. Probably the game of the red zone slate is Bills and Texans, so we previewed that one and gave our predictions. And then Sunday Night Football, Giants and Cowboys, a huge one in the NFC East. All our thoughts on that one and who we think is going to come out on top.
Speaker: And then we finished off with our power incomes, a little twist, a little different than last season. We'll have to stay tuned to the end to figure out that. and But let's get into all the good stuff. And just before we get into all the good stuff, if you're watching on YouTube, I apologize so much for my lighting. It's after to getting so dark so fast. I don't know what this light is doing to my left. I don't have any other lights around me. I could just flick on. So I'm sorry you don't get to see my my wonderful figure for in 100%, but I'll make sure it's it's back for next week. Goodbye. So where else to start then with Troy Parris?
Speaker: Considering Real Betis are treating him like he's George Clooney with all the close-ups of his face they're posting in slow motion videos of him getting on the plane, it's pretty mad the level of stardom they they're using him for. and They know all the Irish fans are laughing that up, so they know what they're at. And even Alkmaar still posts and every time he does something good is mad.
Speaker: But actually on the pitch, he scores a winner in back-to-back games for Betis. Huge moments because one is against Real Madrid where they get the 1-0 win. He comes on for the last 20, anticipates a knock back to him from the keeper and finishes it. And then against Lille, he gets the winner in a 3-2-1 where he gets his first full 90 minutes for Betis.
Speaker: Beautiful left-footed finish after selling the defender to the right. So he's done two completely different types of goals. The fans are loving him and life couldn't be better for him right now.
Speaker: Yeah, they're not far off having Real Betis Irish Twitter page up and going because everything they're posting is nearly Irish at this stage anyway. But just just to focus on him for second, everything he does, he just seems to take like a duck to water.
Speaker: So the move Alkmaar just worked like an absolute charm. Then he gets his big move to Betis and avoided the championship, which everyone was like all joke is like, oh, what a mad move. Why is he...
Speaker: going to play in La Liga and this is Fylde he could very easily get 20 goals this season for betters with the way he started two as you said two very different finishes but the one the other nice is just so good because he so much time to think about it he's on his weaker foot and he doesn't snatch it just literally picks a spot finds the side netting and they hold on then to win 3-2 it did help that Lille went down to 10 men shortly after with the other Mbappe getting sent off madness But everything he's done in the last 12 or 18 months has been so beneficial to his is the way he the way he is now. and His hat trick for Ireland, his goals for Ireland in general over the last kind of year have just been so important. like None of them have been the fifth in a 5-0 win because we don't get to have 5-0 wins. Everything has been an important goal.
Speaker: And now his first to go to bed is are two So two of the most important goals they've scored so far this season. And it's just great to see that once you get out of England, things can happen. Like not being able to, not doing it in the Premier League isn't actually the end of the world for anyone really.
Speaker: Yeah, we've seen guys go to like the the Dutch League or a lot in the Serie A where it hasn't worked out a whole lot recently. But in particular in the Dutch League, we've seen guys go there before and then after like a long move, they'll move back to England and they just fall to pieces.
Speaker: Whereas with him, he went to Excelsior first and then stayed there in that league and was like, this is where I'm going to... really break through and he did that and like you said if he gets 20 goals in la liga i saw someone uh in a group i was in the other day say he has the potential to be like a hostile type of fella that gets 20 25 goals in the league and then real madrid or barcelona buy him as like a backup striker which is crazy to think about if he actually made it to that level um but it's not that far-fetched if he did have a good
Speaker: couple of seasons with bettas where i think he should stay um for at least a couple of years because pellegrini is doing a superb job there they're in the champions league they're doing well in the la liga once again and stadium is getting worked on so all positives for him really and you mentioned the mbappe um elbow that was just outrageous to get himself sent off ethan mbappe and then days prior killing mbappe misses a massive penalty against bettas so few bad days for the Mbappe's against Real Betis. And that that end of that Real Madrid game was superb as well. Just like so many mad things. It was this loud goal for offside for Madrid. And then the penalty looked like it was going to be retaken for encroachment. And it wasn't. And it all culminates in Troy just standing in front of the Betis crowd.
Speaker: And they're in a stadium that's bigger than their usual one. And there's like 60,000 people there, which they never get that capacity at those games for Betis. And he's able to just soak it all up, which is like an amazing moment.
Speaker: Yeah, it's one of those where like nothing in has fazed him. And I know I said already when I said about him at Duckwater, but literally nothing has fazed him at all over the last 18 months. And he's still only 24. Like he is still very, very young for the kind he now has the weight of his country on his shoulders because of what he's done over the last while. He now pretty much has the weight of Seville, half of Seville on his shoulders for Bertus as well. And It's actually like he's still playing football in the park. And again, I'll just say, just give like to any Irish, young Irish lad, getting out of England and not going to England can actually be far more beneficial than going straight there and plumbly in the under-21s for a couple of years. Just go and make a name for yourself in Holland, in Spain.
Speaker: And 24, like at 27, as you said, Barcelona or Madrid could be signing him or he could be... ah he He could be playing for Arsenal instead of Havertz. I know it's like that's quite a leap now, but like you never know. Maybe not Arsenal, but they're playing for Spurs. But if Ezek doesn't work out at Liverpool, who knows? That kind of thing. like If he can score 60 goals in three years for Betis, then there's no telling where he could go at 27 when he's at the peak of his powers. I just think it's it's such a good story and it's so great to see someone like that, an Irish lad. He always comes across as really kind of quiet and unassuming.
Speaker: And then he goes out the pitch he's just the loudest man there is to see. Yeah, like the the video that he took and recorded for Katie Taylor before the fight yeah is just hilarious because he just looks like a schoolboy. Like he's there with his two arms like by his side and looks so awkward. Doesn't know what to do with himself. And then he gets out on the pitch and it's just a whole different story. Like the confidence comes out.
Speaker: So it's great to have him. He's definitely like a role model for a lot of young Irish lads, which is good for them to have because... in terms of his football and level and his skill and like his commitment to the game. I think it's good when you go to Ireland games now, you see all the young lads have like Troy Parrott jerseys, hats, they're screaming his name, which is, it's kind of nice to have an Irish star like that. So we'll be watching him throughout season and plenty more updates to come.
Speaker: But to stick with the Champions League, we wanted to look a little bit at Liverpool and Arsenal and how they got on in the last couple of nights. Man Utd playing little bit after we record this, so you'll be aware of of what's after going on in that game, but we'll focus on the ones we've seen so far.
Speaker: First up, Liverpool versus Atletico Madrid. 2-1 win, an important win against a big team. and Definitely good for the confidence going forward. What were your main takeaways from this one?
Speaker: The first half and second half was literally like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They were so, so bad in the first half. they Irioli came out after and said he wasn't expecting Aledhi to set up the way they set up with the back five.
Speaker: And then Llorente again is just a menace. He's seven goals in three games at Anfield. It's actually silly. like And he's playing right back. But he is he has always been some player. But then they come out in the second half and they score early. Scored late at the end of the first half and early in the second half. And it's kind of just...
Speaker: it's just the confidence they got from being two and up. They were just like a different team then, just completely controlled the game, didn't really give away any big chances. don't think Alisson made any save of note in the second half. They just saw it out. Barcola going off injured i really scared me, but apparently he was only cramped, so he is actually okay.
Speaker: So that's good as well. This Liverpool team are going to take a while to kind of get up to speed with what Areola wants, especially in the centre the midfields. But beating your pot one team at home is the most important game you can win because you you expect to beat your two, three and four pot teams at home. So getting three points from your pot one team at home is so important.
Speaker: yeah Yeah, I'd agree with that. I just checked on that Lorente. I think it five in three games. was thinking seven a bit crazy. You'd have to have scored two. Oh, sorry. Yeah, no, it was two, two and one. Apologies. don't know why I said seven. I was thinking that. It's crazy. He has a dog called Anfield.
Speaker: That's nice. Because of it's, yeah. that's shithead yeah ah Yeah, he loves to cause a bit hassle. He's constantly nicking in on lads and that's the same thing he does for Spain, but That was one thing I noted from watching this game back.
Speaker: The space in midfield was probably the biggest issue for Liverpool. The attack looked good at times. and But that space in midfield was a bit like alarming. when Especially for the first goal. like Alvarez has so much space and he's able to pick out that pass. I know the line wasn't great, but the the space in midfield shouldn't be there for him. And then when Alisson made that great save as well off a long ranger from Alvarez. one closing him down. Alvarez had the space even before that when he did the first pass and then he received it back and he had space again.
Speaker: and So that was a bit concerning. But overall, some good moments for Liverpool, like that Araujo little pass for the goal was class. What a player.
Speaker: The McAllister goal was really, really good finish. I i love Ali McCoy who just says things that are just downright wrong. Like, McAllister hammered that ball in with his laces into the bottom corner. And McCoy must have said like four times, he doesn't hammer it, he doesn't hammer it.
Speaker: and so what like What are you talking about? He used his power. He can use precision with power at the same time. like And then he compared it to Steven Gerrard, and Gerrard's there beside him. He has to laugh along and say, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. He's not unlike Steven Gerrard. So just keep your... just He's like Darren Maloney on RTE. He gets way too overexcited about things and says random stuff. and But I want to get your thoughts on Barclay, because you mentioned he went off with injury, but he has to score those two chances. Maybe the first one you let him off, but the second one, it's...
Speaker: it's bad like you're one-on-one you have so much time to think about it you need to finish that and it's similar to what we saw in the champions league final with him so what did you make of him overall and outside of those two shots Overall, I thought he was brilliant. There was times where he was, he was further back than O'Reilly doing to defend him, which was like, honestly, I didn't think that was the sight game he had in him, that he was tracking the whole way back, which is good to see.
Speaker: i think the first miss, I'll give him a pass on the first miss because Oblak is out him really, really fast and it it is a good save and we scored from it anyway. So it's not the the world. The second one, I think he just, he has to find the corner. As you said, he has so much time. He's so close to the keeper that he pretty much has the whole goal to him and he can put it over him, he can put it under him, and put it through him. To pull that past the post it was very frustrating. The whole crowd was celebrating when he kicked because everyone thought there's no way he's missing here.
Speaker: But there were so many more positives than negatives. Outside of those two finishes, I don't think there was a single negative from what he did. He's so fast. He's actually electric. It's a joke. like We haven't had pacey wingers for a while now, to be perfectly honest. And now himself and Munoz both look like they could run 100 metres in Usain Bolt's time.
Speaker: I thought there was a lot of positives and hopefully he's fitting up for the weekend. And I think if he gets one goal, Eddie... ah in like If he gets one goal in his first three games, then I think he could easily go on a run of scoring like or 10-12 or something like that. I think he has it in him.
Speaker: But as you said, scoring that goal at the top end would have been the perfect way for him to start. Yeah, yeah. Well, overall, there's a much better performance. I think your best performance of the season in that second half. Yeah. First half was a little bit more of what we saw in earlier games. And when we saw with Bournemouth, when Areola came in, they took six months to get up to his level of what he demanded.
Speaker: And so it's it's early days. Yeah, plenty to go. Napoli versus Arsenal then. This one was, the scoreline really didn't do it justice. First off, I want to say Arsenal with the red jersey, red socks and red shorts. That looked nice. That was a nice... It was class, wasn't it? Yeah, it was. was class.
Speaker: You don't see that often, but it was nice. Domination from start to finish, to be honest. think Arsenal had like 4xG to like less than 1. Yeah, 4.05. Yeah. it's madness and Marino really good chance first half has to score it after the good work by Saka and as they set up and Capier's sitter I have no idea do he think he was defending like he just almost flicks it up and blasts it over the bar has to score Saka's missed as Yeah, and then you add Madueke at the very end where he's one on one. He also has about an hour to think about that one. And that is so horrible what he does with that. And that's the type of thing that can kind of let you down big time because you're one of love. You have a big chance and then they go and nick one and all your hard work is undone. But Odegaard, beauty of a goal. Somehow they worked that for it. When every Napoli player was in there, it was really nice football. And then he bangs it in off the inside of the post. He's been great. Four goals and five in all competition so far. So he's a really bright spot for Arsenal. And I think they had a really good performance in this one away from home.
Speaker: Yeah, 26 shots to five. Not only was this not a Napoli we're used to seeing, like Arsenal, when they're looking for a goal, actually play some really, really nice football. ball It's just when they take the lead that they just drop into this 4-4-2, extremely low block, and that's when you get really frustrating to watch. I just watched the extended highlights of this, I presume the same as you. yeah i was watching Liverpool at the same time. five big chances missed and one of those games where if this had finished to Arsenal it would have been the fair result. and the fact like If they had come out of this with a nil all it would have been very unjust and I'd have obviously been loving it as a a self-proclaimed Arsenal hater but it's one of those games where you just can't deny that they actually looked like possibly the best team in Europe outside of PSG who went and absolutely battled Slavia with some serious goals and that as well. Faring towards parentors' incredible but
Speaker: Yeah, this is just one of those forms of Arsenal. If Arsenal played football like this all of the time, they they probably wouldn't win the league, but they'd be is such a more enjoyable team to watch and they'd actually be of looking for a bearable to watch on a a week-to-week basis.
Speaker: Yeah, i think that's what a lot of people are looking for, especially you come out early, you have that Villa game, Villa have a depleted team and Arsenal just completely sit in and it's a horrible game to watch. And then they can do this away from home in a tough place to go in Naples. like I think it's just night and day and if they did this every week, everyone would be much...
Speaker: happier to see them win the league I don't think rivals would want anyone else to win the league only their own team but he'd be more accepting of it because you you don't want negative football to win it as it did last year any other thoughts on Odegaard because for me I think he looks back to his very very best after a strong world cup and then last night was his first 90 minutes in the legs as well of the season which is big too so he looks like he could have a massive year for them He looks so much fitter than he did from like February on last year and he was half player he was. The World Hope seems to have given him the confidence he's been kind of locking in Arsenal in the last while. It was actually like the armband was becoming too much of a weight for him.
Speaker: But then he goes off to the World Cup. It's a great World Cup. I think he's also so captain of Norway and comes back. I think the goal in the Community Shield is really important for him. And then his finish against Chelsea was absolutely superb. And his one last night is probably even better because that goalkeeper, I'm pretty sure, is Yeah.
Speaker: yeah And he literally puts it in the perfect spot in off the post. There's no stopping it. He just looks, he looks incredible. I think Havertz looks incredible to start the season and as well. The two of them have a really good understanding where they're kind of playing as split tens.
Speaker: Havertz's not really playing as number nine. They're both playing as a kind of maybe a nine and a half and a ten. I can't believe I'm talking like this, but they're both kind of filling they're They're filling the space for the other one all the time and it's just working so well.
Speaker: It's just who goes in there when he doesn't ever get the injury is what will happen. But four goals in five. have no idea how many goals he got last year, but I'd say he's probably close to matching his tally already after five games.
Speaker: Yeah, I think he must be close enough to it, to be honest, at least in the Premier League alone. Yeah, check that there. But the split tens comment, yeah, that's exactly what the old lads say down in the pub nowadays to be talking about split tens. I know.
Speaker: It's just all these football terms that have come in into the vernacular. Yeah. But while you're checking on that, we'll move over into the Premier League side of things because we're going to look at a massive game this Sunday. um So we've got the Manchester Derby in Old Trafford at half four on Sunday.
Speaker: There's no bigger one than this really for Manchester-based football fans and a lot of football fans in the Premier League. It's such a huge game. He scored one last season. Wow. In the Premier League or in total?
Speaker: and No, in in all competitions scored one goal in 36 games last season. That is nuts and he's on four so four times 400% increase after those five games. Yeah, fair play.
Speaker: Very good. um So looking at the form coming into this one. Man City got a good win against Porto in the Champions League. Haaland scored twice after winning their first three Premier League games on the hop.
Speaker: They look dodgy against Coventry, very dodgy. They they could have conceded a goal. They probably deserved to only get a point from that one. And and United it then, on the other hand, they're playing tonight, as we said. You could probably pencil in a win there against Saba, who are only nine years old, if you're not winning that. you're in trouble in all trafford an extra two days rest for city too but united throw away a scrappy hard-fought win and what it looked like against everton with a 95th minute screamer from maitland niles now you would say two unbelievable goals against you in a 2-2 draw away to everton you'll take the point but you can't take the point if after getting beaten by hull so that's the mindset united come into this game they need to win
Speaker: they they can't have anything but a win because seven points after four games wouldn't be horrendous if it meant getting the win against City and you're only two points behind them but you lose your eight points back from them and up until Christmas all you're hoping for is to scrap back into the top four.
Speaker: Yeah, I think this game is far more important for United than it is for City. um I don't think City have looked good in any of their matches so far. The first half against Porto, they were so wasteful. Then they scored early in the second half and they just kind of keep Porto at arm's length.
Speaker: porto But Porto made it very easy for them. Every chance they had to attack, they were offside. It was actually quite a frustrating game to watch, to be perfectly honest. I just don't see how United can hold City out from scoring, especially with Haaland with the form he's in. Again, Shirky was so bad against Porto that he either he's on a bounce-back game or they'll bring in Foden, who has looked okay to start the season. But again, he's not the same player as he was three years ago. post With Haaland, there's always a chance of scoring goals, and especially against this United back four, which doesn't really have many rotation options outside of Masraoui and Jorou.
Speaker: Yeah, Masraoui and Jorou. And outside of Das, like the only one left back, it's going to be Maguire and Lissandro, I'd imagine, and maybe Dalot. And I just think it's a very get-at-able back four, especially for someone like Haaland.
Speaker: um Harry Maguire is going to need to have such a big game for United if they're going to get anything from us. Yeah, that's probably the tactic and because the lineup against Saba is Jaro and Martinez, two centre-backs. So Maguire is rested for this one, which would point to him starting and probably man-marking Haaland being physical.
Speaker: the Luke Shaw issue has already reared his ugly head. He doesn't even make the squad tonight against Saba. Oh, gosh. So tonight you're looking at Dorgu left back. I would imagine if Shaw's unavailable, it'll be Maserawi left back and Dalo right back, which I don't overly hate because it's a bit more defensive.
Speaker: Rashford rested, which guarantees his start on the weekend. I'm surprised they didn't trial the Santos and Maynou combination in midfield tonight because you might need a bit more defensive play. And they've gone back with Maynou and Tielemans in the Champions League. So I'm a little bit surprised at that one. But Cesc does start. So... I'd like him to start this weekend if it means Mbumo on the right again because he looks he looks pretty good on the right and Cunha up top isn't working too well. He's way better off the left.
Speaker: Last year, United's probably best performance of the season was at home to City. after karik had just come in two nil win dominated them could have beaten them by more and another point i'll have is this will be the first game all season where united will have had less possession than the opposition because city will dominate the ball even though it's in old trafford and that will suit united because they can hit them on the break with pace it's just a pity that ahmad is injured because he terrorizes them usually so i look i think city are going to score united's defense is not good enough two goals conceded in every game so far
Speaker: Donnarumma, his howler is due and it's coming at Old Trafford. He's been on the brink. Especially after how good he was against Coventry where he he he won him that game almost single-handedly and that was against Coventry. So yeah, there is a howler coming for him. But he almost had a howler against him letting the ball into the net as well. So he has that in him and I think it's coming. I think it's on the way.
Speaker: As long as we've got that attacking threat, whether it's Sesco from the start or with 30 minutes left, I think you United did have enough to get over this City team because it's such a big game for them. i think they'll be aware that it's such a big game for them.
Speaker: And I think the big players will step up and grab it by the scruff of the neck. So I'm going with 2-1 to United in Old Trafford to put a bit of positivity on this side of the international window.
Speaker: I'm sorry, is the first time we're going to be going opposite ends at the scale for the first time this season. I just think even though City haven't been, i wouldn't even say impressive, they haven't even been good I think this is the game where they they might kick into life.
Speaker: They have won all their games so far still. There are seven goals scored, two conceded. I think this is going to be high scoring and I'm going 3-2 City. late Haaland goal get him over the line. It's what I've gotten in Superbrew as well. So I'm not just saying that there's actual money on the line for me with this as well. So I'm not just saying it to get in your head. do think it's going to be high scoring. These games are normally really, really good. So I think it'll be a good watch for a neutral, not for a United fan.
Speaker: Okay. What time is that? It's 4.30. So live podcast for Gaelic Gridiron kicking off at 5pm-ish. So I will probably miss a good bulk of this game. So if your prediction is right, I don't feel too bad missing it.
Speaker: and And that's the way a lot people are leaning. I'll be sitting in the crowd in front of you putting my fingers up telling you to score every couple of seconds. Yeah, so we'll have to get on the screen to the side there and I'll try focus on my on my NFL opinions from Kennedy's. But yeah, so that's that's Premier League side of things wrapped up for this weekend. we'll We'll move into something that is a staple of this podcast, but I haven't been going on in the summer.
Speaker: If you are a new listener, I'll explain this for you. It's gone chance, which means no chance in Irish or French. without chance so we're gonna pick three teams every single week who are underdogs in their matchup the team that they're playing against has to be either odds on an odds on favorite so evens or lower so it could be four to six could be one to five if you're mad enough to go for a team against ah a one to five odds So you're picking the underdog in those matchups across the NFL, and NBA and Premier League. Now, no NBA yet. So we've got three. You can go to NFL, to Premier League, whatever way you want to swing it. But when we get the and NBA back, it'll be one from each.
Speaker: We keep our points tallies across the season. It's one point for a win, getting the correct. And if you get three right in one week, it's a five pointer. Shane won in the first season I came back and dusted him off last season so we're 1-1 I walked the first season it was embarrassing by the time it was so close and this one it was embarrassing by the time it ended last year was an absolute whitewash so let's see who gets the win this time around I'll i'll let you go first since I've done all the explaining there
Speaker: I'm going to go two NFL and one Premier League since it is only coming back this week and I have missed this over the summer. I don't bet but I love looking at odds. I'm going to start with my own wonderful New York Jets at 21-20 to beat the Tennessee Titans.
Speaker: I don't know why, i just i don't even have a feeling. I just want them to win it so badly that I'm going to put my my yeah my reputation on the line for them to start the season. I'm going to go with the Falcons to beat the Steelers. The Falcons are The Steelers are 8-15. This one's for Conan.
Speaker: I think Bion is going to do... he's He's just the mustard and he's going to do the the the job for me here. And in the Premier League, I think Palace are the 17th worst team in the league.
Speaker: I think Ipswich might be better than them. I think Ipswich at 3-1 is a really good bet here against Palace are 17-20. It's going to be one of those nip and tuck games. I think Ipswich will just get over the line. So I'm going Jets, Falcons and Ipswich.
Speaker: Nice one. You'll be in a band the same you'll be in a bar full of Steelers fans with the Steelers game on and Kennedys and cheering for the Falcons. So that'll be a great one. We have one the same.
Speaker: I've also gone two NFL, one Premier League. I've gone with the Jets to beat the Titans as well. I think the Titans are horribly bad. and And I just think this Robert Sala coming back to the Jets thing is not going to work out. And the Jets are going to get a win.
Speaker: It's probably their easiest game, barring the two Dolphins matchups. So they need to get the win if Aaron Glenn wants to keep his job, even though it is only week one. So they're 21 to 20, as you said, Titans 4 to 5, 6 p.m. Sunday.
Speaker: The other one in the NFL is Monday Night Football. The Broncos to beat the Chiefs. Broncos are 5-4. Chiefs are 4-6. Mahomes first game back off the ACL.
Speaker: Broncos look great. I don't know why they're so underpriced across the season. I think that really the bookies have given people a lot lot of money to win with the broncos across season-long bets and already in week one for them to be the underdog i'm surprised then my premier league one is everton 13 to 5 away to spurs who are evens as 5 30 pm on saturday i'm very surprised spurs are evens is probably because they're at home i think everton haven't looked too bad this season they're unbeaten so far including the cup And they look pretty solid defensively. I think it's kind of us against the world kind of mentality that Moyes has instilled in them since the transfer window didn't go their way.
Speaker: So those are my three picks, Jets, Broncos and Everton. So NFL, proper chat now after giving our predictions. We did a full preview episode earlier near this week, so if you want to get all our predictions for the season ahead, you can jump back and listen to that one from Tuesday this week. and But we had our very, very first game of the season, opening night, Seahawks 13, Patriots 10.
Speaker: Wasn't an amazing game, but Drake May is the story of this one, to be honest. Worst EPA ever of a quarterback in a playoff run last season. And he follows it up with this performance after getting out to a 10 and 0 lead. All they needed to do was just play bland football and run out the clock and win this one. And they would have done it. But he throws three interceptions, each one worse than than that than the last. The one to end the game is unforgivable.
Speaker: You cannot pass that there in that situation. And if you're going to, you cannot do it that way. It was such a bad pass. all three of the passes were really really bad i don't know what was going through his head to be honest i I can't imagine that those were all the calls from the sideline because there's no way McDaniel called those plays in all those three positions I feel like may at least have to have made that decision on two or three of them because it's it's just inexcusable like thrown into double coverage under throwing passes completely changes the game up
Speaker: by by giving the Seahawks the lease of life with that first interception and then handing them the game with the last one when you could have brought it to overtime with a field goal. It's one of those where he hasn't had a reset in the off season at all.
Speaker: He's come back out in the same, the exact same form as he was in heading into the Super Bowl. Nothing has changed him. He hasn't, like he looked at, he was okay at the start, but once things started going wrong, they just went very wrong. it was the same in the Super Bowl where he could not get back out of the dirt after he was put into it. 54.9 passer rating is just horrendous. And The three interceptions, yeah. All three of them could be a podcasting themselves and with with how bad they were. It just made no sense.
Speaker: I just thought I wasn't brave enough to stay up to watch this live. So again, I was watching these extended highlights this morning. does Everyone kind of let him down as well. When we were dropped, dropping all three passes is horrific. AJ Brown, three receptions of 26 yards. But other than that, he didn't really make have that kind of explosive play.
Speaker: Matt Collins, four for 41. like Outside of Raimondre Stevenson, who ran for 51 yards, no one was really doing anything to help him. I'd say he just doesn't think he can trust the run game.
Speaker: Raimondre Stevenson does love a fumble. So it's either throw it up and hope the best or give it to him and he might fumble it and you lose the ball either way. Either he's going to need to start trusting people or they're just going to need to maybe sit him for a couple of weeks and just sit and get his head straight because that was just a really, really poor. I know they won't, but that was a really, really poor start.
Speaker: On Drew Locke, the Jets should have signed him instead of Jean-List Mek because he looked superb when he came in. Yeah, but the Jets don't have the same coaching staff as the Seahawks. No, I'm being been facetious. But like he looks good there, but i saw for the Giants, he was our backup or third stringer a couple of years ago. And the fans did love him when he came into play because he had the big playability. and Ben just puts balls on the table sometimes and goes and does whatever you want. I think he was really reserved in this game at the start, which is what they needed. us He didn't go and do anything stupid.
Speaker: he He came in after Darnold obviously goes out on the third, second or third snap of the game, which is a real rough one for the Seahawks. Apparently the news coming out is he'll miss week two. He's avoided fracture in his hip and any severe damage from all scans. So he should be back maybe week three. If not, then week four.
Speaker: But Drew Locke came in and look, he did he did shake the rust off after about... maybe two or three drives and he played playing football which he doesn't often do jsn for when you have him and you have that really really nice play call on that fourth and one where they rarely go for those in general as the team the seahawks under mcdonald and then to not run it in that situation and have that pass to jsn on
Speaker: you just saw the Patriots were completely empty in the backfield then, or in the secondary then. And that's kind of unforgivable too, because they really didn't read that at all. They left it so light back there. And JSN, once he caught the ball, he was through. There was no one of any pace able to keep up with him. You have linebackers kind of trying to chase him. And then further down the field, I think Barner was throwing blocks.
Speaker: So any DBs that could have gotten near him couldn't. And I think it's just that was bad coaching from one side and really, really good coaching on the other side for the Seahawks, which is the the call of the game. It completely changed it. And that really inflated Locke's stats and as well.
Speaker: But I think, look, Darren being back in a couple of weeks is big. You mentioned AJ Brown there for the Patriots. Him getting injured is not good for the Patriots. Hopefully it won't be too long for Patriots fans, but he did go out with the game. It looked like he might come back in. He didn't.
Speaker: Romeo Dobbs that drop from the pass from Drake May behind him he has to catch that and it's it's a very big moment in the game because a couple of plays later May throws the interception the second one Now, I wouldn't put the blame on Dobbs because wide receivers have those games. The one that the first interception that was thrown to him, it was a terrible pass thrown into double coverage where the safety is coming across the field.
Speaker: May doesn't read it at all. And then he knocks it down and you get the interception from Pritchett, who just won the starting job. And what a way for him to get that. But I wouldn't blame Dobbs on that one. But the other two, yes, two drops doesn't lose you a game. Three interceptions does.
Speaker: and the Seahawks once again defensively looked so, so good. I thought, Nowosu looked brilliant. He could have had another interception on a pick six like he did in the Super Bowl. He almost had his hands on it. Witherspoon coming off the edge um is just, I don't know how he does it so well for his size. He's just a monster. And then Eamon Warrie didn't even play this game. So Seahawks' defense is going to continue to be great. But the offense, I wouldn't say we'll get too many great Drew Locke performances, although they play the the Cardinals next week. So it is a pretty handy one for him to be starting in.
Speaker: Yeah, I think the main issue the Seahawks are going to face is they're they're going to miss Kenna Walker. I do think they will. I know Denarian Price got 52 yards last night.
Speaker: Kenna Walker, if he gets 10 carries last night, is pushing 100, I think. and there was just There was times where Price just kind of, it's it's like he doesn't back himself at times.
Speaker: And maybe he just needs... He's only a rookie. He had eight carries and he he had one a couple for like 10 yards, I think. he's me Yeah, his long was 13. I still think he's coming into a team like that, he might be better off not being the main man from the off.
Speaker: But what do I know? I don't know much about Cladish football. So I'll obviously give him a chance. But I just say, I think they will miss Kenneth Walker and they need Sam Darnold back ASAP as well, 100%.
Speaker: Yeah, I think you're probably right that he shouldn't be the starting back and so early after not being it in college. So that is a good point. i did I think that when Charbonnet comes back from his injury, he'll be the lead back.
Speaker: And they kind of need to have price for now. look walker had 27 carries in the super bowl and he had 135 against this team 135 yards like there's a big difference between 27 carries 27 and 10 on your very first game of the year like having having 10 carries so i think he will come into his own price he's not walker yet but i think he has good potential and i think It's not good for the Patriots. Although you would say before the game, you'd say, look, if we lost to the Seahawks, love it doesn't matter. like It's a big game. They just came off the Super Bowl. We're in Seattle. They just got their rings. And you're going to lose that game. It's the fashion in which they lost it. Against Drew Locke, 10-0 up. You throw three interceptions. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth. And then you look at the Patriots' upcoming games.
Speaker: They have next to Steelers, they should get that win, but then you've got the Jags and the Bills after that, which are two good teams from last year. So yeah, it's going to be interesting to see how that shakes out for them. I think plenty of question marks still hanging over them really.
Speaker: Yeah, I said i i think there'll be two and two after the first four and they can kind of they can move from there then. Yeah, that would be a positive start, I think, after. i think you'd take that going into the season.
Speaker: and And they're really hoping for a wild card, I think, most fans are, if they're being realistic. So we'll move into this weekend's games first. Next, should I say, and preview. We've got one from Sunday, and then we've got the Sunday night football game as well to talk about. So Bills versus Texans first.
Speaker: What do you make of this matchup coming into Sunday? I think this is so tight. I think these are these are two of the teams we mentioned as two of our our Super Bowl favorites from mirror when we did the episode the other day. And if you haven't listened to that, you definitely should go and listen to it because it it is a good episode.
Speaker: I just think the big thing here is going to be Allen against this Houston pass rush. Will Anderson Jr. coming off the edge along with every other player that you could ever think of who just loves defending is where this game is going to be won and lost.
Speaker: Buffalo's receiver room is apparently a bit dinged. Khalil Shakir is questionable. Cian Coleman is just coming back to fitness as well. So is it going to be kind of DJ Moore or bust coming into this game would be another big talking point. But I've already backed the Texans in Ganshant.
Speaker: i kind of threw it away there, but I'm i'm obviously going to sink the Texans in this as well. I just think they're going to come in with a lot of confidence after how last season went up until it went bad.
Speaker: um I think they're just such a good team. They have weapons on the offense as well all over the place. Nico Collins in particular, if he can get back to any sort of level and CJ Schardt, if he can just show the tiniest bit of confidence that he hasn't shown the last while, then I think this game is very winnable for him.
Speaker: Yeah, just to jump off the back of your gun, Shantz mentioned did ah redo that one in case anybody's confused by your comment there because you don't have the Texans anymore. You've got the the Jets in because the Texans are even. So yeah, they wouldn't have qualified in that.
Speaker: Both teams are our money on. But I think this game is one that the Texans are going to come out on top in. They're at home, Houston, to start the season. You mentioned the the issues health-wise for the Bills at wide receiver. Shakir a big loss because he is Allen's go-to guy.
Speaker: James Cook is obviously important, but the Texans are so good against the run that Alan might have to try go hero ball a little bit as he has done so many times and Derek Stingley is an unbelievable cornerback probably the best in the league and you still got Jalen Petrie and a whole plethora of other guys back there capable of making plays Bullock you name it and I think we could see maybe a pick from Alan if not two as he tries to force this one I think it will be a close enough game but I do think the Texans will win by a touchdown because The Bills' defense, it's it's big play or nothing really with them a lot of the time. And I think CJ Stroud is going to come into this one kind of with renewed energy and a much better offensive line this time after adding Keelan Rutledge and investing in that through free agency. It was a massive issue for them last year and the year before. And maybe not back to his rookie year level because that was a lot of unbelievable plays, big highlight plays. It might be a bit more...
Speaker: reserved relying on the run game with david montgomery and a better offensive line i think that montgomery to get a touchdown anytime would be a nice bet to take on but i do think that the the the texans have the upper hand in this one and you mentioned will anderson jr i'm so excited to watch him first game the season because these are both of our defensive player to year picks Yeah, I think the man's a monster.
Speaker: And he just fits perfectly into this Houston defense where it's just a team of monsters, but he really is the the leader of that pack. And if he gets off to a good start, a everyone will kind of follow him as well. He's the kind of player that gives confidence to everyone around him.
Speaker: And if he gets off to good start, then they could actually be unstoppable. And Josh Allen, he might be the best quarterback in the league, but he could have one of the roughest nights of his life if Dallas come out firing the way that I actually expect him to. I think there'll be low scoring, which you don't say often about Bills games. But I think this could be a really tough matchup for both sides.
Speaker: Yeah, I saw like a Yahoo article. Now they just throw as much crap at the wall as possible at times when it's some of their lower level writers. But I don't know who wrote it. Now it could be a good writer. or I didn't click into it, but I'm surprised by the headline. It was like... ah the overplay is the good one in this one i just can't see that because the texans defense is so so good and cj stroud for all i do think that he's going to be good this season i don't know like is he going to be coming out the gates putting 40 points on a team like so it's 44 and a half is the line i think it will go under i think you're right so yeah like we're both going with the texans here i guess i are are you going with the bills I've got the Texans by touchdown. Texans though.
Speaker: Yeah, I have the Texans by, yeah, about that as would say. It might be a bit less, maybe four. Texans by four. Yeah, I knew you were hyping up the Texans a good bit there, but I wasn't sure if you might pivot on us last second to the Bills. No.
Speaker: Next up then is Giants versus Cowboys. Sunday night football, a huge game in MetLife Stadium. Obviously a lot of hopes on both teams coming into this. I think it's it's very interesting because... Last year's best offensive team and worst defensive team combined was Dallas.
Speaker: Both sides of the ball were night and day. Versus a growing John Harbaugh led unit in New Jersey one week out, ah one one week into the season. like It should be fireworks to end Sunday night. I think it's going to be a really, really interesting game.
Speaker: Last year we had Russell Wilson versus Dak Prescott in this one just teeing off on each other. i don't think it's going to be to that extent because i think the Dallas defense is better. And also the Giants' defense will be better because they have a decent play caller in there now. So I think it'll be a lower scoring one than last time around, but still a really exciting one.
Speaker: Yeah, I have bad news for you. These two have opened the season against each other 12 times. We never beat the Cowboys. Dallas have won 11 of them. And they've won all five primetime opener meetings since 2012. So...
Speaker: i I just, I have a feeling about New York this time. um I think Harborough is obviously a massive difference maker for him. I think it's going to come down to gun-slinging contest between Prescott and Jackson Dart and I know Conor had Jackson Dart in as his MVP, but i think think... Yeah, I said Prescott, yeah. I think Jackson Dart's going to be a man on a mission this season.
Speaker: He had a tough summer off-field. A couple of issues, him and Abdul Carter had a bit of a back and forth on Twitter, which lasted about three minutes, and then they got over it bussed. I just think he's going to come out. The spotlight's going to be on him and he's just going to start slinging it around. He has plenty options now, especially with neighbours back. and I think he's a good option if they can get him going early.
Speaker: I think he will be close. I think this one will be high scoring. Mostly because I don't know a single thing about what the Giants are going to do defensively bar Arville Rees and Abdul Carter. I'm not 100% sure on them. And I think, as you said, the Dallas offsense last year was poor, but they have kind of...
Speaker: upgraded it in some care key areas. So we'll see what they can do this year now. But if Javante Williams can do anything in the run, then New York could be in trouble. But I i don't think they will.
Speaker: Well, the their offense was unbelievable last year. It was the defense that was struggling. Yeah, and yeah. but I think the Giants have holes still. Cornerback, their cornerbacks could be better. Safeties could be better.
Speaker: They're very good at linebacker and and off the edge. And the DT room is is okay. So I think that they have so much talent there though off the edge and at linebacker that they're going to make it tough for Prescott. I think that whatever they'll dial up will be strong. Denard Wilson called in his first game as the as the Giants defensive coordinator.
Speaker: He was the rams db co or the Ravens DB coach a couple of years back. That was the Jesse Minter role in 2020 and the Mike McDonald role in 2017. So there's a good pedigree of guys coming from that position. Obviously, John Harbaugh believes in him.
Speaker: And I think there's reason he brought him over. And that's why I don't think it will be as much of a shootout because I do think, as you said, the Giants... have some good players on defense and the cowboys have improved slightly there but i'm worried about the defensive backs the giants have and i know that jackson dart has that kind of elusiveness that he can make big plays out of nothing and cam scadabo coming back off an injury malik neighbors is one of the best wide receivers in the league, in my opinion, and he's coming back to his full health. So I think the Giants will definitely make plays. The Cowboys' CD Lamb and Pickens will definitely make plays. But it's about how much time those guys have in the pocket, how well the Cowboys can now dial up a pass rush with some of their new guys, how well the Giants' pass rush can get beyond that Cowboys' offensive line.
Speaker: and So I think that'll be kind of the tale of the tape, really. Whoever gets the best pass rush in this game and puts pressure on the quarterback into making mistakes. And if both teams manage to do that, I'd take the Giants because Prescott in an unhealthy pocket doesn't work, whereas Jackson Dart in an unhealthy pocket does. Can do what he wants. So...
Speaker: i think I think there's question marks on both teams, so many question marks. and We're not going to get all of them answered in the first week, but it will be an interesting game. and i I have the Giants winning by a field goal. I think we'll get it on top because we're at home. I know the record against Dak Prescott is really, really bad for the Giants, but it's a new dawn. I think we'll split this season. I think they'll beat us in Dallas, and I do think we'll beat them in New York to start off the season with some field goals.
Speaker: Yeah, i go shines twenty eight twenty four and I think could be it will be tight. and I'm not sure if that counts as high-sporing, but it will definitely break the money line. think there'll be a late field goal. There'll be a late field goal for the Giants that seals it, meaning that Dallas have to go it go for it in the last few minutes and Presto throws a game-ending interception. Sorry, Evan.
Speaker: There you go. Ooh. That would be ah yeah thatd be it very, very good ending for a Giants fan like myself. And also to take away the fact that Brandon Aubrey could win it or seal it or tie it or do anything with his leg. Because God knows how many times the Giants have had 60-yard field goals or 55-yard field goals against them to to end the game. And exactly like it happened last year against the Cowboys. He piped one, got it overtime, and then we lose. So to take that chance away from them by making it a four-point game, yeah.
Speaker: Sign me up for that. So that is our our NFL portion of things thrown out there. i do have another quick take before we move on to the power rankings. And that is, we've touched on a 6pm game. We've got Sunday Night Football. For the late window on Sunday, the Vikings versus the Packers.
Speaker: I think this is a really interesting game. And with Micah Parsons not playing, Vikings at home, Kyler Murray's first game, a lot of people writing them off already. I think they're going to win this one by at least a touchdown because I think their offensive weapons are great. I think Justin Jefferson, Addison, Jawan Jennings is a great pickup.
Speaker: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, great offensive line. And Brian Flores, if you're going up against a Packers offense that you're unsure who's the first receiver, who's the second, who's the third, or if they even have a first because the room is always questionable,
Speaker: Tucker Craft coming off an injury and no Jacobs and two guys in Lloyd and Johnson that probably will struggle to get things going. That makes it way easier for Brian Flores to scheme up against his team and he doesn't need any excuse to go after Jordan Love. So I have the Vikings at least by a touchdown in this one. I think that that's my take that I wanted to get off there.
Speaker: Yeah, I do agree with there. I think Cardinal Murray could have a field day. I think he's very lucky he's coming up against a Packers team without Micah Parsons to start the season. I think it's actually a really good opener for him to get his feet under the table.
Speaker: I think if he can get a good run early and just build some confidence for himself... it's when he's confident that he's well able to sling it in. He has no issues turning around when there's confidence behind him and there's no Modern Warfare game coming out. So that's when he's at his absolute best. So I think if he gets off to a hot start here, I'd yeah i'd i'd give you that as well. Vikings by over seven.
Speaker: Nice, nice. We're in the same wavelength there. And I think you're right. Confidence is key for him. He has such a high ceiling, but it's all about unlocking that. And Kevin O'Connell, I think, can do it. um So moving to our power rankings to wrap things up, we used to do a little multi-sport power rankings where we picked two teams from the NFL, two from the NBA, and two from the Premier League and ranked them.
Speaker: This year, we're going a little bit different. We're going to visit each one on its own so premier league this week next week we'll hit nfl and then we'll rotate like that we'll get the nba involved when that's back there and do a top five so it's based basically on the last three weeks of action because we'll do it every three weeks roughly for each league and so it's it's obviously the whole season but also really an emphasis on the last three weeks so starting with the premier league this week what is your top five power rankings I went first on Don Chance if you want to go first on these. I had a mind showing him out, Buss. Okay, okay. He's being very nice to me here. I'm going to go ahead then if you're offering it. and Yeah, but we we can rotate them every week then. one of Whoever goes first in power rankings goes second on the other one, whatever it is. Yeah, go on anyway. Superb. Yeah, a bit of planning on the on on ah on the podcast live. You're getting to see behind the curtain here, guys. So first of all, I've got Arsenal. I think they've been the best team probably in the Premier League so far this season. They've won across all competitions. Another game they did well in last night against Napoli in the Champions League, won the Community Shield well.
Speaker: just after winning the premier league so that they're right in the conversation obviously they're topping it for me second i've got hull look they started off so well beating united they win their next game as well and they they haven't conceded the goal yet and they're three games in yeah the only team that's incredibly powerful for me and i think they've played some good survival style football where you grind out wins and look we might never get a chance to put them on this again so gonna get them in what i can we won't man city then are in third they've won all their games they haven't been overly convincing but they have won all their games and they've scored quite a lot of goals and holland looks dangerous so they're in third chelsea
Speaker: They're coming in next for me. They've won a couple of games. They did lose to Arsenal, but they are incredibly good going forward and great to watch. And they battered Leeds 6-3 last night, um which was quite an interesting game considering they came back and quite quickly in the second half. So they did that in the Cup, and that's another kind of feather to add to their cap.
Speaker: And then fifth, I've got Everton. I think unbeaten so far, look good defensively. They've got five points. Look, there's other teams with a better goal difference than them, but I think they've done very well. They battered Millwall in the cup.
Speaker: I think they'll be happy with how they get on so far, considering the the transfer window. So that's my top five. Arsenal, Hull, Man City, Chelsea and Everton. Yeah, so the top four here kind of picked themselves really. And I have the same order of the top four as well. Arsenal are up there.
Speaker: It was the same last year. If you win the league, it's very hard to knock you down from number one, especially now when it is a Premier League power ranking we are doing. So Arsenal stay top. Hull are second for the same reason as you said. Haven't conceded a goal. And when we come back in three weeks, I'll be very surprised if they're still in the top five most powerful teams in the league.
Speaker: City are third based on the fact they've conceded two goals compared to Chelsea, who are fourth, who have conceded at least two in every game, I think. But I have Brentford in fifth. um It's just that I just like watching them.
Speaker: I think they've they've come on leaps and bounds in the last year and a bit under Andrews. I think they're not... as I was kind of expecting him to be a Thomas Frank team just under a different manager, but things are starting to look up a bit different from now.
Speaker: And St. Gary has been superb. Dan's guard is starting to pick up a bit of form again. He's coming off the bench and actually implementing things. And I was never putting everything in and Liverpool aren't good enough to go in yet. So it yeah had to be Brentford then. So I have the same four as you and then Brentford in fifth.
Speaker: Yeah, i was on the fence between Brentford and Everton, and I think we'll see more. I'll probably have Brentford in at some point this season, them and I think that the there were they weren't good against Sunderland, so that knocked me off putting them in, the min but I think they were right there between between themselves and Everton. So pretty close. it's It's obviously early days, and these will shake up as the season goes on, but ah those are our power rankings of... the top five premier league teams now this isn't the the standings people will say oh you just you put in the top four in the top four or whatever as the season goes on we were looking at the last three weeks of football so things will change it won't always just be the top five teams where you can only go off what's been done so far so this will be shaken up as the season goes on but
Speaker: That's pretty much it. That's all we have for you this week. No NBA action. and We obviously already had our full nba pre our NFL preview already and this week. So a double episode week. Totally enjoyable to get two episodes in. And as we said already, go back and listen to that one if you if you haven't. And Shane, I'll throw it to you to wrap us up.
Speaker: Yeah, just you need to listen to that NFL game. I know game one has been done, but it makes no difference. It was a really fun episode again. Connan is such a good guest have on, and he's really knowledgeable, and some of the stuff he comes out with in the lips. He's sitting there, and he's like, I'm actually going to go against everything I've just said. I was like, of course you are. So it is well worth a listen, and we actually do really enjoy these double weeks. It's not possible to do it every week. Obviously, there wouldn't be enough talk about for a start, but it's also... a lot of time goes into these. So if you would hit that subscribe button, you said last week that it's only like 40% of the people who listen are subscribed. we can get that 80, 90, obviously 100 would be great. Then we'd be well on our way to 100,000 subscribers and making this full time. So yeah, just keep listening. We'll be back next week for a single week episode, think.
Speaker: And thank you so much as always. I'll have to meta data or whatever it is. That's what people keep saying now.
Speaker: and I'm leaving that hacked metadata thing in there because that's ridiculous.
