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Daily Ipswich Episode 114 - Man Utd v Ipswich Town Preview
33 Plays4 days ago
Tom & James are on hand today as they look ahead to Town's trip to Old Trafford this Wednesday night. Tne Tractor Boys drew 1-1 with United earlier in the season, how will their fortunes fair this time as they look to bounce back after Saturday's defeat
The Daily Ipswich Podcast, part of the Global Sports Podcast Network, is the home of all your ITFC. Join us every weekday for the latest news, build-up and reaction in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
Host: Tom Crack
Guests: James Bennett
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Transcript
Introduction and Match Review
00:00:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello everybody and welcome back to another edition of the daily Ipswich here on the Global Sports Podcast Network. The only podcast you can get your daily fix of all things Ipswich Town. We are coming off a unfortunate result at Portman Road this past weekend, which james which Rob and Richard, I should say, looked back on Monday. So we appreciate them taking one for the team with that result because it was not the easiest of scores to back on.
Preview of Upcoming Matches
00:00:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Myself and James were today's show to slightly look back at that game with our quick takes on it, as well as looking forward to Wednesday night's clash Old Trafford against Manchester United. So as I said, I'm joined once again by James Bennett. are you doing, James?
00:00:41
James
Yeah, good, thank you, mate. are you doing?
00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, good. And like I said, I was kind of bit happy we didn't have to look back that in too much depth, I should say, on Saturday's game against Tottenham.
00:00:47
James
Yeah.
00:00:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Again, thanks to Rich and Rob for doing that.
00:00:52
James
Hmm.
00:00:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I'll just quickly get your thoughts. I think Rich and Rob both said, and I tend to agree, like we started really well. don't know managed to capture the started really well.
Ipswich's Performance Analysis
00:01:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then four one doesn't necessarily reflect the overall scoreline, considering the few mistakes and and the many chances we had as well, albeit I think was 17 shots, as Rob pointed out.
00:01:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
And obviously with Wolves' win, it does put us in bit much harder situation, but it's a game-by-game basis. Hopefully Wednesday night can be a slight turnaround from us and the Wolves can do something. But just thoughts on the result, really.
00:01:24
James
Yeah, I mean, I'd have to agree. I don't think 4-1 quite reflected it. and But, you know, this is the Premier League. If you don't take the chances that you get and you make these mistakes, going to get punished and it's exactly what happened.
00:01:37
James
Yeah, we started the game well. And then two quick
Game Dynamics and Player Contributions
00:01:40
James
goals. and I mean, the first half itself was not the worst. I mean, it was you know good goal by Hutch.
00:01:48
James
It was a good goal. He played all right as well. and But the second half, we just didn't seem to... I don't know, show enough, I don't think. And it was just disappointing to see. And then, yeah, obviously Wolves winning as well.
00:01:59
James
Didn't see that one coming. North London did us no favours over the weekend.
00:02:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, they really didn't, did they? But I think just looking at the the team, like you said, I think in the second half, it was really kind of only Wolfie's chance, which um'm I'm sure, like yourself and many other talent fans, did get up and celebrate because my immediate reaction was, oh my God, I'm so happy for him that he scored a Premier League goal, but then it was immediately taken off and he was miles off.
00:02:20
James
yeah
00:02:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
by But yeah, really we not much to go from in the second there. I think like just... The best part the game for us, I think, was that first six minutes where we had so many chances. De Lapp hit the woodwork. He have got a hat-trick in the first six, couldn't he?
00:02:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
It really does show, doesn't it? like Taking your chances, is so it's cliche to say, but it really is the fact, isn't it? And we just haven't done that as much for season as other clubs. Yes, Liam De Lapp has got a lot goals for us, and God knows where we would' be where we would be about him. But even a player of that quality, it shows even he can have a day where just nothing seems to go in.
00:02:52
James
Exactly, yeah. And unfortunately, that's what it's really going to come down to. And it doesn't help the fact that Kunja stayed at Wolves. I really thought he was going to leave. But the fact that e but he stayed, that's a boost in itself because he's such a good player.
Team Strategy and Future Outlook
00:03:08
James
He really is a good player. And we've got a player like that, like you say, a talisman like the lap, yeah, but yeah kind of You can't carry the whole team on your back every single game. and We need to find the goals from somewhere. We need to find somebody else who can finish as well.
00:03:24
James
I think that was what was disappointing, really.
00:03:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
we might I think we may have had that NNC, but unfortunately it seems to be out for a long time. That knee injury is apparently got plagued in prior to coming to the club as well, so it seems to have reared its head again.
00:03:30
James
Yeah.
00:03:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Touched on Wolves there. I mean, we'll go into it now, just we'll move past Spurs again, but going into it now, obviously, yeah, Wolves won at Bournemouth. We are now five months behind rather than two.
00:03:43
James
Yeah.
00:03:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
That may seem like nailing the coffin already, but for me, you know, it's a game-by-game basis. Who knows if Wednesday turns out well for us, doesn't for Wolves. It's only two points again, but... as you said about Cunha there, I mean, when when I saw it as 1-0 to Wolves in that game, i was like, I'll look at the score, but I know scored this goal. And it obviously was him. It's just it's just inevitable, isn't it? Like, it's, you know, you don't want to say like, oh, one-man team, and if he wasn't there, they'd be screwed. But I honestly think they would be. I know we've had, we can maybe make the same argument for us in the lap, but there's been bits of quality all over the field for us this season. I feel maybe it has depleted ever so slightly recently, but it's, yeah, it's it's just kind of annoying that' that's where they are at, isn't it? But hopefully they can turn around. Just, I mean,
00:04:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Where are you at now with like, you did do you still have a positive, I think me and are maybe one of the positive pairings of of of this podcast. Like where where are you at with chance of survival now? I know like it may be a bit bleak, but you know, we're still in the Premier League, still fighting.
00:04:34
James
Yeah.
00:04:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
We still got to play Wolves, still got to play Leicester. You know, there's there's chances, isn't there?
00:04:39
James
Yeah, well, that's the thing. and Not to sound too, like you've you've said it already, but not to be sort of too cliche, I guess, but it's the hope that kills you. And the fact that we're still playing good football at times, excuse me, does give you that hope.
00:04:55
James
I mean, i but I feel like I've been quite positive throughout the whole season, to be fair,
Ipswich vs. Wolves: Team Comparison
00:04:59
James
so far. I'm thinking, yeah, we're definitely going to stay up. I can absolutely see it. I think after this weekend, it's the first time that I can...
00:05:07
James
I'm genuinely really worried. what mean? I know five points isn't too much and there are chances there that we can turn this around, absolutely. So I've still got that little bit of hope and that again, yeah, obviously that's what kills you. So I don't...
00:05:23
James
umm still I'm still in more of the yes. We can absolutely do it because I think we're a better team than Wolves. I think we play a better football than them. So, yeah, I think we absolutely can. Just fingers crossed, mate. Just every game is a cup final now.
00:05:36
James
Every single one.
00:05:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I feel like we're speaking cliches on today's show, but it really is true, isn't it? I mean, I was looking, I haven't got the exact stats up here, I apologise, but one of the things noticed on socials after the game on the weekend, because I think like you and myself, it's justified to think that this is obviously our bleakest time of the season, considering the gap.
00:05:43
James
Yeah.
00:05:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, we've always been in very, very abouts within three points or a point or two, as it was with Wolves, but this is obviously where it's a two-game gap now rather than one-game gap. But one of the encouraging stats I did see on the weekend, and obviously, yeah, it's a different...
00:06:04
James
yeah
00:06:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's the southern point of the league compared to the northern point the league. But in League One and League Two, at this point, league League One of the Championship, sorry, I should say, at this point, we weren't in the top two of League One of the Championship this point the season last year. I think we were like five or six behind... Southampton and Leicester.
00:06:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And then in League One, I think it was Plymouth and Wednesday before Wednesday's capitulation. So obviously you do have to rely on other teams, which is no, you never want to be in that case. But, you know, it it does show that like the season isn't over till it's over.
00:06:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yeah, there's few more games in the Championship in League One, but there's still plenty of time to turn it around. And I really hope we can do that.
Player Form and Adaptation Challenges
00:06:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Before we go to the final first break, today just yeah before we go to the first break,
00:06:44
James
I love that, yeah.
00:06:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just any individuals you want to point out from the weekend, or not necessarily from the weekend, but just the past few games in terms of dip in form. I think one of people Richard talked about recently was Leif Davis, just maybe not looking as confident as he has in, I think, as he said, he's as tough as time in it, which because, you know, he can't go forward as much, got to be a bit more defensive and he kind of that part of his game that offensively that we really like seems have been nullified a bit.
00:07:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Him and any other players you think you've kind of seen a dip in form recently, maybe confidence as well as performance?
00:07:18
James
and
00:07:21
James
I mean, I hate to say it, but probably Morsi, to be honest. I know he's he's probably been out a little bit, but I think, yeah, he's still Mr Reliable, of course he is, but I think this huge step up, has it's had a you can tell it's had its toll on a couple of players and it's really starting to tell in some in some games now where, like you say, yeah the confidence has clearly been knocked.
00:07:44
James
They're not as attacker-minded, they're not as positive. So, yeah, I would maybe Morsi and, yeah, I would agree
Impact of Potential Relegation
00:07:50
James
with Davis as well. Because we were talking the first few couple of months, we were still saying he's going to be a shout for England. I can't see that now.
00:07:58
James
but la he's He's nowhere near it now because who's him at Newcastle? Lewis Hall looks a really good player and I wouldn't say Davis is on his level right now. sir So it's a shame, but I'm sure he can turn around.
00:07:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
no
00:08:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely. I think one of the, again, i don't want to be talking about this too much, but one the few good things about where we are in the league right now and how certain players are performing, like if we do go down, we've got, and these guys who mean we may have expected to leave us come the end of the season, given like, you know, the Davises, but considering recent performances, they may not.
00:08:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're have a cracking team next season, or the apart from the lap, maybe.
00:08:30
James
would.
00:08:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
It'd be exciting to see one. up Anyway, that is not want to say it's not something we want to focus on right now, and hopefully we won't have to focus on it come August, September.
00:08:33
James
it would
00:08:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
We're going to take our first break. When we come back, we're going to look at our opponents, Manchester United.
00:09:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we are back here on the second part of today's show. We looked back there just on Towne's recent form and results, but now we're going to look ahead. you know every Every game has chance to start fresh, and that is the case this Wednesday at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Aside, you know, 10, 12 years ago, it was the most intimidating place to play in the country, maybe even the world. think partly down due to the great players and and the pitch, but mostly, I think, especially in latter stages, due to the brilliance of Sir Alex Ferguson.
00:09:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
those days Those days are gone now, and whilst there have been a few cup wins here and there, They're obviously not where they want to be, that's for sure. But just, umve got a lot of things to ask about United-wise, James. Me and you, i mean, up until recently, both of us were based in Manchester.
00:10:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
You are still there. We very much have like a boots on the ground sort of feel about how the city feels about them as a club.
00:10:06
James
yeah
00:10:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just looking at their recent form, I think they've won one out of their last six home league games. Obviously, we drew one all against them with Amarim's first game. back in November, I believe, which, you know, yes, we conceded an early goal, but I thought predominantly it was a 50-50 game with us having the better chances as the game went on.
00:10:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
What's your thoughts, United, this season? Obviously, you know, Amrim's kind of blamed it on not having a pre-season, which I think is fairly justified, but that's also the rinse and repeat of most managerial changes Old Trafford these days, where they come in mid-season, then they say, oh, give me a pre-season, then I'll be right as rain, and it's still not worked yet.
00:10:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
is he Is he the issue, or is it still the players' issue?
00:10:47
James
Honestly, I'm i'm at a complete, I don't even know what to say about United anymore because like you say, i being based in Manchester, my my best mate's a United fan as well. Like, I don't even think they can see a way out at the minute because they keep doing these different changes, like even like from the owners.
00:11:06
James
Do you know what mean? This new Ineos regime and and whatever this Jim Ratcliffe's doing, it doesn't seem to be sitting well with anybody. So I think it's more than that. It's so deep-rooted in the club at the minute.
00:11:18
James
I don't know what they're going to do. I just can't see how it's going to turn around for them at the minute. I mean... Amarin, he obviously, think he does, he needs to have at least a full season, I think, or at least the start of a season, you know, to see what he can do maybe in the summer transfer window, see what he can do with these players. Because obviously he's got a lot to ship out.
00:11:38
James
He wants to, clearly. Is he the problem? I don't think so, because it seems to be every sort of manager is struggling. No one can seem to have a good sort of run. Mourinho did all right back in the day.
00:11:52
James
Obviously, Oli didn't do too bad, but I think he got a little bit more time just because he was a bit of a legend. But I don't know. I think Amram's going to do okay. I think he could be the man to do it because he's clearly a good manager.
00:12:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
Thank you.
00:12:07
James
It just seems to be a Man United curse at the minute. But yeah, I hope he doesn't start doing it on Wednesday. Well, tomorrow. Yeah, tomorrow. But yeah, I don't know what they're going to do. I think they're a team very, very much in trouble.
00:12:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think it's, I mean, yeah, obviously where they are right now is not really sort of reflective of what many fans in and out of the club expect them to be. I think it's also the the the incredible run they had. Obviously, if you forget when Fergie came in, it was seven years, I think, until he won his first league title them. So it wasn't an instantaneous thing. Obviously, that's a different era where managers were given a lot more time.
00:12:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
But what he then went to achieve after that was like just, I think... I don't think any club can really ever expect to have that sort of run again, really. And that's kind of a blessing and a it? Because obviously you've got this fantastic history to look back on as Manchester United do.
00:12:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, that's kind of where they expect to be is winning titles, challenging every single year. And I don't think it's really fair on any person come into a club and have that expected on. Like, yes, Man City have had a decent run the past, what, five, six years almost, albeit a decade.
00:13:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Even that's not close what United achieved for 25, they're not going to. you know Pep's not going to last for another 15 so years. It's just not going to happen. and so like It's a ridiculous thing, I think, to try and compare how they were, really, to what it's they wanted to be like. but I think for them, it's just like they wanted to be challenging again. It's a weird one of United as well, because I remember, like obviously, you probably remember as well, but growing up when they were the best team, and you'd want them to lose week in, week out, and then when City started to emerge in 11-12, yes, you may have a moral standpoint of how they managed to emerge financially. But on that 11-12 season when they were going back and forth and City did win the league for the first time, everyone was kind of rooting on City, not just because of the amazing way they won it, but was like it was something different.
00:13:49
James
Yeah, change.
00:13:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Whereas I remember going to the FA Cup final last season, my head was the other way around completely where I wanted United to win. I mean, was it was was just to give myself some allegiance in a game I didn't really care about.
00:13:56
James
Yeah.
00:14:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, you're at a point now where you want United to win a trophy because City always win it. It's weird in sport how that can change, isn't it? But and we with with the game, with more game focus question here for Wednesday, James, like i said, their home form has been torrid.
00:14:08
James
Yeah, absolutely.
00:14:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've been better away from home this season, that's for sure.
00:14:17
James
Mm-hmm.
00:14:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you see this as a chance to potentially pick up all three or definitely a point considering how they fared and how we've been on the road?
00:14:26
James
Absolutely. Yeah, I don't think there's a, think this is the perfect time for us, how we're playing at the minute, to play United with how they're playing at minute. Because, like you say, yeah, we've been worse at home, we've been better away and they have not been good at the minute, like at home at all. So I don't see why we can't go and get something. I'm not saying the three points because that's, I might be biting off a bit more than we can chew. But yeah, we can actually go and get something. I'm sure we can.
00:14:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'm um'm in agreement with you. there any players, I think, well, we'll start on the negative side of things. Let's let's try and lambaste our opponents bit more. But are there parts of the field you think we can exploit, like looking at their defence, obviously the laps against them on paper.
00:15:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think De Ligt Maguire could be a good pairing if they're up for it. But, They are a bit flaky at times as well, aren't they?
00:15:13
James
Definitely. I think just go at the defence. I really do. Because at times, they're they're all over the place. So just attack them. Just just run at them. Whoever we've got on our, whoever may start on the wings, sell just run at them. if If Amari's playing, hopefully he does play. just and he Because he can carry the ball so well.
00:15:31
James
And I think he'll do well because he did that against them in the first game. And obviously scored a pretty good goal. So think I think he can do that again. Yeah, just attack them.
00:15:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
United as well. They're they're on course. to I mean, it seems like a record they break every year. Probably a record they don't want to break every year. It's their worst of a Premier League finish. And I don't see, because I think last season they finished eighth, which is their worst ever finish.
00:15:49
James
Yeah.
00:15:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Currently they're 12 off.
00:15:54
James
Hmm.
00:15:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
and the twelve points off that that spot with that Villa currently occupies, so I don't see them usurping that. So it will be their worst finish. Do you think with them, it is just a case of like, if you if you were a fan of this team, like you said, your best mate's fan of you United, would you be happy of just waiting until the end of the season? because obviously they're at a point nowhere where they're not going to get relegated. They're not going to challenge for Europe.
00:16:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do you just want to see out this season? And that could benefit us as well, right? We're playing a team now who really has nothing much to play for domestically. Obviously, they've got Europa League still against Sociedad in a week or so. But I think domestically, it's a good chance to play them because, yeah, what are they playing for, really, apart from trying to hopefully get in manager's good books?
00:16:32
James
Yeah.
00:16:33
James
No, I think, yeah. but I'd have to agree, mate, to be honest, because if yeah If I was a United fan, what else could i apart from, obviously they're still in Europa, but for me, that would be a weird thing of, would you want to prioritise that now? Because they're not going to get anywhere in the league, I can't see it.
00:16:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Should be enough, shouldn't it?
00:16:53
James
So do you prioritise Europe to get into Europe again? i mean, because that would be their only way to win that, I guess, and... Yeah, I don't know. So I think domestically, yeah, I'd just be waiting to see out the end of the season. Hopefully some players put in good performances, the youngsters, because they've got a lot of youngsters coming through now because of the injuries.
00:17:14
James
So I think, yeah, just try and get excited about a future prospect.
00:17:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:17:18
James
What else can you do?
00:17:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
That again, this is the thing of United though, but you just saying that, it makes you think it's just the United model, it's another United sort of model we've seen the past 10 years where in terms of not just the manager carousel, but there's one player every year, young player, where fans get excited and it kind of distracts them from their problems, but it was like whether it's the rise of Garnaccio or Cobie Manu or Rashford years ago or Dallow or
00:17:27
James
Yeah.
00:17:37
James
Yeah.
00:17:41
James
Yeah.
00:17:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Because young lad on the wing they got from Elche, who played against Everton, he had a decent performance on the weekend as well. But it's just and it's just another aspect of United, I think, with with clubs where they just...
00:17:49
James
I'm sure. Hmm.
00:17:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
it can It kind of distracts you from what's going on on the field. i mean, they drew 2-2 against Everton on the weekend. I think they were one of few teams in the bottom half to not get a win alongside us, obviously. But that was obviously tough game.
00:18:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
from So here's hoping it it can be a difficult game for Like I said, they've been really poor at home this season. I think, yes, they've only won one of their last six home Premier League games, but their last three home Premier League wins...
00:18:07
James
Yeah.
00:18:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
were against Everton Leicester and Southampton. So we're very we're very much a team they like to play, but those games were not easy.
00:18:16
James
Yeah.
00:18:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Those games were not easy. So I'm fairly certain we we'll give them a good game. We're going to look at the town side of things coming up next.
00:18:24
James
yeah
00:18:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'll take our final break of a show and we'll talk all things in touch.
00:18:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'm your back on the daily, which are the final part of today's show, previewing Town's trip to Old Trafford against Manchester United. James, the one thing I've sort of found myself questioning all year with Town, and i it seems to be a weekly occurrence now, know about you, and it's whether it's five or four at the back.
00:19:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm still kind of perplexed as to what we're going to do. This past weekend against Spurs, it was four. But I think a lot of us, considering how the game went defensively, five, maybe back in the question again, where where are you out of that we with with the formation?
00:19:25
James
and I mean, like you say, which one is it going to be? But I i honestly, I think he should do five against United. Especially just seeing how, yeah, like you say, how Spares went.
00:19:37
James
And we don't need to cover that too much, obviously. We all know how that was. So I think, yeah, god he's got to go to the five, I think, away at United. Because we look better, I think, in a five at the back.
00:19:49
James
I do. I
00:19:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah. I agree with you. I think one of the things with this formation as well against certain teams like United, because we we've made the point of you can have four because we need to go on the offensive. And we said that in the weeks prior, and especially in the build-up to Tottenham.
00:20:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
But it has worked, I think, on more occasions than none. Yeah, we've got Spank, Liverpool and City in that and that one. But I think for the most part, it's been all right. Because you look at United, the way they line up, it's like, I think they're very good at sort of just especially against the teams lower than the table, not as many teams lower than him in the table, but they are comfortable just passing it around the six and occasionally the 10 and not providing much threat.
00:20:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think absorbing that pressure against a side who aren't that great in front of goal really, really can enable us to do a decent counter-attack because their pace at the back isn't that great either. Where are you at personnel defensively? Because we've seen in recent weeks of Morsi being either injured or on the bench, Dara O'Shea becoming captain.
00:20:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
and obviously we've had our fair bit to say about him at start the season. Definitely improved as the week's gone on. i mean, Richard touched on personnel being the issue defensively for throughout the season and lack of sort of chemistry and cohesion. You know, the goalkeeper's changed three times.
00:20:58
James
yeah
00:20:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
We brought in three centre-backs.
00:21:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Injuries have played a factor. Like... I'm not really expecting us to do a predicted line-up today because of the changes and it being so close to Saturday's game. But do you think that's an issue? And I think one of the reasons why we struggle defensively is not just because it's a step up in league, but in having that lack of consistency in defenders, because it's not been the same one. or It's hard to predict the same back four or a five, isn't it?
00:21:23
James
Yeah, and yeah like like we've all said, you and the lads as well, it it's the same thing. it's You just don't know who's going to be playing, so that can't be easy for the players either. It I know it's difficult with injuries and everything, picking them up.
00:21:39
James
But if you're not getting a solid partnership sort of week in, week out, that's difficult to so go into every game with. And I think it's starting to take its toll. yeah So it's a tricky one because just you're not sure which one's going to play. not sure which one's fit because we seem to keep our injuries very close to home as well. We don't get a lot of information, I don't think, too too often.
00:22:00
James
Sometimes it's when when we look at the line-up, don't we? Sometimes and think, you know, i thought he was going to play, but he's on the bench and this and that.
00:22:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:22:07
James
So it's a tough one, but I just hope he finds the right ones and we can kick on from Wednesday. yeah and
00:22:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
do Do you like the the current pairing of what seems to be Greaves and O'Shea? Do you think that is our best?
00:22:22
James
I think it seems to be. Because they're both, I mean, O'Shea's certainly stepped up. I think he's better than he was when we signed him, and which is good. I'm happy about that because he is actually a good player.
00:22:33
James
Greaves, I do like Greaves, but I'll be honest, he's kind of done the opposite for me. I thought he was going to kick on a lot more, but he seems to have regressed a little bit. And I don't, I can't put my finger on why.
00:22:45
James
Maybe it's the couple of injuries that he's picked up here and there. He's trying to obviously cement his position in the team. But I don't know. He seems to make too many mistakes for my liking.
00:22:56
James
But is it O'Shea and Bergis? like Bergis. I do, but I don't know. I'm not sure which one is the strongest for me. It probably is Greaves and O'Shea, but I'm not too sure.
00:23:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think I think for me, Greaves, like you said, yeah, I think he's very much kind of flip-flopped his form this season. I think the the thing I notice of him when he plays, I think defensively, he's pretty sound, like blocks and stuff like that, and positioning I think is better in comparison to O'Shea's positioning on the weekend for some of the goals like Richard spoke about what the hell O'Shea was doing near Godfrey when he should the front post for Spurs opener.
00:23:27
James
yeah
00:23:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think Greaves' positioning is really good, blocked a few shots as well in the weekend. But for me, it's his distribution and his sort of passing at the back, which you know may not on paper be that essential for a defender or the definition of what you think would be essential for a defender.
00:23:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think at this day and age it is. And the pressure you have and in the Premier compared to the Championship is night and day.
00:23:45
James
Hmm.
00:23:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think he struggled a lot of that this season. And to be fair, that could be down due to his lack of game time in comparison to O'Shea, where they felt that sort of brunt, full pace, the Premier League would start.
00:23:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
And as the season's gone on, I think O'Shea's distribution and passing around the back has improved a lot, whereas Greece hasn't had that consistency to do that. Touching on like the defence as well, you see, I'm not, again, I'm going to get in predicted lineups, but obviously we've got a short turnaround here. He was suspended.
00:24:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
against Spurs due to the record against Villa. you expect to see Twanzo be back against it former side on Wednesday?
00:24:20
James
Yeah, I would assume so. I would assume so. yeah We say every time, but he is different class. Like, Twan Zabie is quality. and he Any game that he's available, I think he needs to be in the starting line-up.
00:24:34
James
Yeah, he just makes us look a little bit more solid, I think. He's a he's he's a top player. He really is. a car can't speak highly enough about him when he plays. He's a yeah top player and he needs to play.
00:24:44
James
He needs to start.
00:24:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think with him, it's it's funny because we didn't have this sort of, I certainly didn't, i don't know about you, but didn't have this sort of like opinion of him last season with him being like this top quality player. Do you think that's down because then we've we've talked about a lot of individual brilliance and wanting to rely upon that this season, like Yuramiri's.
00:25:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
And obviously, Dillap has proven one of those players you can rely on. With Twanzebi, and you know I'm going to include someone else in this, Connor Townsend. a strange for thing to say, but they're two players who've had a bit of Premier League experience.
00:25:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
And yes, Townsend's only had games few and far between. Twanzebi's had a lot more. And I'd say, like, those two especially, I can't really fault many performances with the exception maybe a suspension here and there this season. And, you know, i think that if you look back a bit on our transfer policy this past year,
00:25:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Those sort players may have been the ones we should have relied upon more in terms of bringing in rather than any sort of young guns from the championship who could, you know, maybe step up. And we should have maybe looked back on certain players who have already got a bit of prime experience. We've seen from a CISO coming in as well.
00:25:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
He looks really reliable because he's already used to the pace league. you think that's an area we should have maybe looked at? I'm not umm asking to like look at individuals here, but that sort of player who's already got the experience the Premier League rather than some young guy who's never played in the league and has to do a transition like the rest of the squad had to do.
00:25:59
James
Yeah, think so. I mean, you can tell in, obviously, most of our games this season, that's what is lacking. It's a little bit more experience and in certain positions instead of, yeah, like you say, instead of these youngsters that have come from bigger clubs, I guess, or from the Championship but had no Premier League sort of time at all.
00:26:19
James
And you can tell, yeah, with Townsend, he's, do you know what, he's been in the team. He's actually looked a decent player. He really has.
00:26:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:26:25
James
And then, yeah, Twan Zaby, different class. He's, you know, and...
00:26:30
James
Phillips has been playing okay recently. And again, you can tell that because he knows what the Premier League is. And think that's what we should have probably looked at. Yeah, I would agree with you, Tom, absolutely.
00:26:41
James
Instead of these, the youngsters. I'm not saying they're doing a terrible job, but, you know, maybe we could have done with a little bit more, yeah, hate experience, definitely.
00:26:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:26:50
James
Yeah.
00:26:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a difficult balance as well, is it? Because if you get those sort of names who are used to Premier League football. There's usually an assumption that if you go down, they're going want to still play Premier league football. So you do have to kind of bring these players through who, heaven forbid, do go down. You've kind of got players who are ready and comfortable and already in the right spot to play in the Championship.
00:27:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just looking ahead to tomorrow's game, like said, we won't go into predicted line-up or anything from you, James, but just with it being excuse me a short turnaround, Do you expect to see some changes? I mean, I've got some names written down here. i maybe Not necessarily you'd like to see start, but could come back. Do you think maybe Morsi will come back into the starting XI based on the turnaround as well as just giving them a chance again? Because the the midfield isn't as quick for United as Spurs, was it?
00:27:31
James
No, definitely not. and Yeah, I think Marzi will probably come back in. I mean, Caduce went off. is Do we know anything about Caduce anyway? Because he did get subbed off, didn't he?
00:27:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
I mean, he gets subbed off like the 60, 70 of every game, doesn't That seems to be
00:27:44
James
Yeah, but it it just looked a bit of a dodgy one. It looked as if... He maybe picked up a knock, so I'm not sure if he if he has or not. So, fingers crossed. But, yeah, I reckon Morsi will probably come into the team. I don't know if he'll change too much. Hopefully, Twan Zabe will be back as well, like we said we said earlier.
00:28:01
James
Who do you think will sort of make... Oh, well, who do you hope? Well, I guess.
00:28:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
i think for me it's nathan broadhead like i i i think i don't i don't want actually look about him too much and say like he's he's all the solutions to our problems but whenever i whenever i see him come on it's just it's just it's just like it's just like a to use the words a kid say an aura about him it's just like there's something about him that like i feel a bit more comfortable when he's on the field and i don't know it's just because he's been there longer and so i kind of
00:28:10
James
Yeah, I agree, actually, yeah.
00:28:24
James
Yeah.
00:28:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
give him a bit of the benefit of the doubt. But like in comparison to some of the performances we've seen, Philogene was kind of a ghost on the weekend. And I don't know if that's because it was his first time game, but it it was difficult for him.
00:28:38
James
yeah
00:28:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I think we're at that point now where we need guys who are comfortable in playing the system and playing the style and playing for the show and all those sorts of stuff, you know, and he he's he's a player that embodies that and also who's really up for it.
00:28:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think sometimes having players come off the bench and giving them a chance to start, they're usually sometimes a bit more motivated because they're not expecting start and they're thinking, head oh, I should be bloody starting every game, giving that one chance and I'll show it. And, you know, United again, this is a great opportunity. It's strange to say, isn't it, that United is a great opportunity to get something from because You know, they are, you know, I think for many still one of the biggest clubs in the world, despite where they are on the table.
00:29:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
So it's crazy to think that, but this it really is. And I think Broadhead can do it. And another player, I mean, yeah, we mentioned Twan Zabia coming back. I'm a bit, again, this is purely because of the time frame in between games, but I am a bit more, and this is hopefully get the best out Davis as well. I'm a bit more thinking maybe bring Burgess back as well.
00:29:34
James
Yeah.
00:29:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
He played against United early in the season during that spell when Greaves was out and it was fantastic.
00:29:37
James
Yeah.
00:29:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
I know, obviously, you do want consistency and in the back as well, but if we revert to a five, I'd rather have the pair, I'm not just a way of kicking Greaves out, but I'd rather have the trio of O'Shea, Greaves the middle, Burgess on the left because I think, or it would be Wolfie in Burgess' position, but someone who Davis is more familiar with to get the best of him and it gives him the chance to go forward more.
00:29:59
James
yeah
00:30:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
think that's the thing of a five as well. You can you can argue that you're just sitting back and, like, relying on bringing on pressure towards you. But then it does enable like to bring out the better qualities in certain players.
00:30:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Ben Johnson's a better right wing back than he is a right back. Davis is a better left wing back than he is a left back.
00:30:14
James
yeah
00:30:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
Then that's that's what the five does give you. So hopefully that's the case. so But yeah, for me, I think that's that. Front three, do you see, like I said, Broadhead coming in? Do you see changes being made there? We saw Jack Clark start, which I was happy about at the start the game.
00:30:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
Struggled to get into the game. I don't think he poor performance, but it was difficult for him.
00:30:29
James
yeah and Yeah, in fairness, Tom, absolutely agree you, mate.
00:30:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who do you see in the front three behind the lap in that game? Or two, if you go to a five.
00:30:38
James
I think Broadhead should be giving a start because, yeah, like said, there's something about him. Yeah. He just looks better on the ball. Yeah, he feels safer when he's on the ball than then a Jack Clark at the minute. and And I think, obviously, the lap's starting, there's no question.
00:30:55
James
And then got to be... Yeah, I'd start Hutchinson again still. easier's is is He's a bit of a bright spark in the last couple of games in horrible results.
00:31:07
James
So that's that's all I can say, really. He's not been the most positive, but he's looked all right. So I'd start him still.
00:31:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think with with Hutchinson as well, if history is anything to go by, this time last year was when he kind of turned up for us. So hopefully that's the case again.
00:31:26
James
yeah
00:31:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
like
00:31:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know As I said at the top of the show, this time last year and in 2023, we were below what we ended up finishing and in both leagues. So hopefully that's the case here as well.
00:31:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Before we go, can I get predicted scoreline for me, James?
00:31:41
James
You can. I'm going to go 2-1 Ipswich.
00:31:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
you're still going yeah is that a heart overhead prediction or is a bit of head considering united yeah yeah
00:31:49
James
and That's absolutely hard. LAUGHTER and I think realistically, we can, I think it it's going to be another 1-0 draw, I think. I think we'll get another point.
00:31:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, no, I'm going to... My head's kind of outweighing my heart here. I'm going to go 1-0, I think, for this game.
00:32:05
James
yeah.
00:32:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
point A point really well-deserved. I mean, like said, before we finish up now, these are the games really where it's crazy to say that we could get something from. know there's been a lot of games like that this season where we thought that would be the case, and they weren't, but considering how poor United have been this season, we hope that's the case.
00:32:13
James
Hmm.
00:32:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wolves are away at home, sorry, against Fulham, which i Fulham had, I think, a good... No, they lost against Palace home, didn't they, and they're looking get some points back as they're trying to chase Europe. But we are at the case now where we are relying on other teams to do us favours.
00:32:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we've been not that past few weeks.
00:32:32
James
Cheers
00:32:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, you know, five points behind now. If we win, Wolves lose a back to two. We've got to play them again. It's a game-by-game basis. And obviously, we had the luxury right now of previewing a game rather than reviewing a game.
00:32:41
James
mate.
00:32:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we can be a bit more optimistic. So we shall see how we feel after Wednesday night, that's for sure. But that's going to do it for today's show. James, thanks for joining me, mate.
00:32:53
James
so ma
00:32:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Join us tomorrow morning where we're going to be joined by our colleagues at the Daily Manchester United as we preview the game ever more of our crossover episode. And then we'll also be jumping on late Wednesday night for an episode will come up Thursday morning with a quick instant reaction to the game at Old Trafford as well. So make sure you're around for that.
00:33:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that's going to do it for today's show. Thanks so much for joining. Whilst you're here, want to head over to
00:33:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
We'd really, really appreciate that as well. But yeah, thank you so much for listening and we'll see you all next time.