Latest / Friends on Football / Ep. 43 - Champions League Returns, USWNT vs. Spain, Premier League Weekend Preview & Games to Watch

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Ep. 43 - Champions League Returns, USWNT vs. Spain, Premier League Weekend Preview & Games to Watch · Friends on Football

• 0:22
  SPEAKER_01: Hello, friends, and welcome to episode 43 of the Friend Zone Football Podcast.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_01: I'm one of your co-hosts, Brandon Johnson, and joined with me as always is my good friend, Sean Boyle.
• 0:31
  SPEAKER_01: Sean, what's going on?
• 0:33
  SPEAKER_00: Brandon, not much is happening.
• 0:35
  SPEAKER_00: There is a lot of football to talk about because the Champions League returned this week, so we gotta get into that.
• 0:41
  SPEAKER_00: We have a Premier League weekend ahead.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: There's a lot to get to.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: What's going on with you?
• 0:46
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, a lot of soccer.
• 0:47
  SPEAKER_01: Uh we'll we'll get into some specifics, but I feel like every day I've been watching a soccer game, whether it be in person, on TV.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_01: It's not it's not a bad place to be in, Sean.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm I'm happy about that.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_01: To get us kicked off, I will continue us with our numbered journey.
• 1:07
  SPEAKER_01: 43, not as many players as you'd think would wear 43.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_01: 42 had a lot, and I had my pick of the letter.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_01: This one I went in a little bit of a different direction.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_01: I didn't pick maybe a super household name, but a guy that I think you're probably familiar with.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_01: Uh Mateus Kleech.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_01: Mateus Kleech is a Polish midfielder.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_01: He mainly plays as a six or an eight.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_01: And his career has taken him kind of all over the world.
• 1:30
  SPEAKER_01: He started in Poland with a club called Crakowia, played at FC20 in Holland for a while, most notably played at Leeds for about six seasons, and then played in the MLS for a bit with both DC United and Atlanta United.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_01: And then actually now he's back at Crakovia.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_01: He's 36 now, and he's sounds like he's gonna end his career in Crakowia.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_01: So it's kind of cool to see him start and end his career there.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_01: He's made 41 appearances with the Polish national team, scoring twice, and really just wore the number first because that was what was given to him.
• 2:04
  SPEAKER_01: Just your classic, hey, this is the jersey you got, here you go.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_01: But he's kept it really for most of his career as a little bit of a superstition, but also just a way to keep that same number.
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_01: So pretty cool to see.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_01: I really like how he's played both in the Premier League and MLS, two of the main leagues we cover, but also started in a club in Poland and now likely finishing his career at that same club in Poland.
• 2:26
  SPEAKER_01: So a guy that maybe is off the beaten path a little bit, but I thought it was a pretty cool uh connection to our podcast.
• 2:34
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, he had a couple of really good years at Leeds, I remember.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: That's where I mostly remember him from.
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_00: And I do remember him moving to DC United towards the back half of his prime, I would say, was when he first came over to MLS, but he was still still at a bit to give, and I remember him there.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: I did not remember the Atlanta United stop.
• 2:49
  SPEAKER_00: And then I also did not know that he returned to Poland, which I think is really cool.
• 2:53
  SPEAKER_00: I love when players go back to their beginnings.
• 2:56
  SPEAKER_00: I think that's really cool.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_00: Whether it's the club you started at or just back playing at a club in your native country.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: I love that.
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_00: So uh a couple of brownie points in my book for for him for sure.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: The only other number 43, Brandon, I think it's I think he's 43.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: There's another one that I'll let the listeners fact-check.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_00: I like to just give these loose little facts.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_00: I think David De Gea wears 43 for Fiorentina right now.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: And he I've nicknamed him David DeHowler.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: He he's prone, he's been prone and susceptible.
• 3:23
  SPEAKER_00: He was a once great keeper who's been a bit disgraced in recent years.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: Took a time took a bit of time away from the game, but I think that was his number coming up, and I think he when he signed with Fiorentina recently, he decided to go back to that number.
• 3:35
  SPEAKER_00: That's another one that is directionally correct.
• 3:38
  SPEAKER_00: It's something in the 40s.
• 3:41
  SPEAKER_00: We'll let the listener decide.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_01: No, that's a that's a name I haven't heard in in a while.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_01: Obviously, I remember him at his in his Manchester United days.
• 3:49
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah on his day, class goalkeeper.
• 3:52
  SPEAKER_01: So yeah, I I appreciate you bringing him up.
• 3:54
  SPEAKER_01: Listeners, yeah, we will fact check that, but we'll report back.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_01: If it's 44, you might hear about him on the next episode.
• 4:01
  SPEAKER_01: So I hope I didn't spoil anything.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_01: Stay stay tuned.
• 4:04
  SPEAKER_01: Sean, staying in Europe before we talk about the Premier League.
• 4:08
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, we've had Champions League the Tuesday and Wednesday.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_01: A lot of games.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_01: I've seen a lot of scores, some scores that maybe don't tell a full story.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_01: Other scores that are like, okay, yeah, that team's a lot better than that team.
• 4:22
  SPEAKER_01: Uh just take me through some of the things you saw in the Champions League these past few days.
• 4:27
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, Brandon.
• 4:28
  SPEAKER_00: A lot going on in the Champions League.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: When they pack it into two days instead of three, it just feels like you can't keep your eyes on all the games.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_00: There's goals flying in every direction.
• 4:37
  SPEAKER_00: I'll start on Tuesday and recap some of the big takeaways, some of the bigger matches from the opening day of the return to the Champions League.
• 4:46
  SPEAKER_00: Galatassarai, I mentioned them in the preview, Brandon.
• 4:49
  SPEAKER_00: It is a raucous environment in Istanbul, and they were hosting Barcelona.
• 4:53
  SPEAKER_00: The fans were up for it.
• 4:55
  SPEAKER_00: At one point, Galatasserai jump out to a 2-0 lead, but the second goal gets ruled out for offside, and next thing you know, Barça have pumped four past them, and they keep their amazing start to the season rolling.
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_00: Jral Cancelo opened the scoring for Barca, and then Lamin assisted the next two goals, and then Karim Adayemi puts the final nail in the coffin.
• 5:16
  SPEAKER_00: So Barcelona continue to fly.
• 5:19
  SPEAKER_00: Inter Milan, who are running Serie A, they lose a home game to Club Bruges.
• 5:24
  SPEAKER_00: A bit of an upset here.
• 5:26
  SPEAKER_00: A 4-3 thriller.
• 5:28
  SPEAKER_00: Bruges get a hat trick from Nicolo Trasoldi, who is a young German striker.
• 5:33
  SPEAKER_00: I believe he comes from FC Hanover.
• 5:35
  SPEAKER_00: I could be mistaken, but he joined Bruges last season, had a really good year for them.
• 5:39
  SPEAKER_00: He's been brilliant in his whole career, in his whole time at Bruges, and he's one to watch for now in the future.
• 5:45
  SPEAKER_00: And certainly a good player, a good striker that might be able to break through in that German national picture in the years to come.
• 5:51
  SPEAKER_00: It's a great win away from home for Bruges.
• 5:53
  SPEAKER_00: Certainly one of the more notable results from the Champions League this week.
• 5:57
  SPEAKER_00: Another notable result was Viking FK getting a point against Bayern Munich.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_00: The underdogs from Norway get three past the Bayern back line, including a 90th minute equalizer from Hermann Haugen.
• 6:11
  SPEAKER_00: It was a crazy chaotic game.
• 6:13
  SPEAKER_00: The big story here, aside from Harry Kane continuing to be the best number nine in the world, is that Michael Elise was sent off.
• 6:20
  SPEAKER_00: And that ultimately, I think, led to Bayern conceding that late equalizer and dropping points.
• 6:25
  SPEAKER_00: He was sent off for a really bone-headed play, too.
• 6:27
  SPEAKER_00: He gets a yellow card and then he holds the ball for a second and then throws it right in the face of the Viking captain.
• 6:33
  SPEAKER_00: And the refs had seen a bitmate, hit the showers.
• 6:36
  SPEAKER_00: That's gonna be another yellow, you're off.
• 6:38
  SPEAKER_00: Really stupid from Elise, who's a brilliant player, a mistake he probably won't make again, but he did cost his team in that one.
• 6:45
  SPEAKER_00: Another big result Tuesday, probably the biggest that has made the most storylines was Atletico Madrid beating Manchester United 2-0, and Manchester United having a red card in the way of Neni Yoro, who put in a brilliant shift against Tottenham on the weekend.
• 7:02
  SPEAKER_00: He gets sent off in this one, but Atleti score in the first minute, Brandon.
• 7:05
  SPEAKER_00: Pablo Barrio scores one minute into the game after a brilliant ball from Alex Baena, and the rest is history.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_00: Atleti deserved three points, they get three points, and then the fallout from this was Lissandro Martinez.
• 7:17
  SPEAKER_00: He calls out the Manchester United board in a post-game interview for their lack of activity in the transfer window.
• 7:24
  SPEAKER_00: Really something that's rare.
• 7:25
  SPEAKER_00: You don't see players do that, but it might be a common trait amongst Argentine defenders.
• 7:30
  SPEAKER_00: Because listeners, you may know that Christian Romero did this to Tottenham's board last season.
• 7:35
  SPEAKER_00: And I think in both instances, the players are well within their right to do so.
• 7:38
  SPEAKER_00: If they feel like they're going out there and giving their best and they feel like the board are not, and in both these cases, I could see the point of the players because the fans echo this same sentiment.
• 7:48
  SPEAKER_00: So I don't think it's out of turn to speak up and say something when you feel the same way the fans do in an instant.
• 7:55
  SPEAKER_00: Now, Michael Kerrick was asked about this, and will there be punishment for Martinez?
• 7:59
  SPEAKER_00: And Karak kind of said, I didn't really see all of what was said.
• 8:02
  SPEAKER_00: I'd have to do some research.
• 8:04
  SPEAKER_00: He kind of towed the company line.
• 8:06
  SPEAKER_00: I'll be interested to see if there's any further fallout from that.
• 8:09
  SPEAKER_00: And then lastly from Tuesday, Brandon, history and Baku, Azerbaijan.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_00: We talked about Saba FK making their Champions League appearance at Old Trafford a few weeks back.
• 8:20
  SPEAKER_00: Well, our friends got a 2-0 victory over Slavia Prague and earned their first ever Champions League victory.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_00: So shout out Saba FK.
• 8:28
  SPEAKER_01: That's awesome.
• 8:29
  SPEAKER_01: That is really cool.
• 8:30
  SPEAKER_01: You'd love to see that a team that before this podcast never even knew they existed, and now they're winning games in the Champions League.
• 8:38
  SPEAKER_01: So that's really cool.
• 8:39
  SPEAKER_01: Interested, Sean.
• 8:40
  SPEAKER_01: Uh you mentioned the Athletico Manchester United result as well.
• 8:45
  SPEAKER_01: And you said Athletic you said Atletico was just flat out better than them.
• 8:49
  SPEAKER_01: Is what is this just a taking time bob with United?
• 8:52
  SPEAKER_01: Like we we've danced around it.
• 8:54
  SPEAKER_01: I know I picked them super, super high in the Premier League this season.
• 8:58
  SPEAKER_01: They're not doing too well there either.
• 9:01
  SPEAKER_01: Like, what when is this all gonna blow up?
• 9:04
  SPEAKER_00: I wouldn't say that they were horrible in this match.
• 9:07
  SPEAKER_03: Okay.
• 9:08
  SPEAKER_00: But when you give up a goal in the first minute and then don't score one of your own, you really never stood a chance to win.
• 9:14
  SPEAKER_03: Yeah.
• 9:14
  SPEAKER_00: So it was just another disappointing result for them.
• 9:17
  SPEAKER_00: And I I think a ticking time bomb would be the direction this seems to be trending.
• 9:21
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know if we should officially declare it, oh, this is going to end up in an explosion, but it's trending that way.
• 9:28
  SPEAKER_00: It's trending in a very poor direction for Michael Carrick.
• 9:31
  SPEAKER_00: It just seems like more of the same for Manchester United, and that's underperforming expectations.
• 9:36
  SPEAKER_00: Last year they kind of camouflage things by turning it around in the league, but we talk about this all the time.
• 9:42
  SPEAKER_00: And as the season wears on, I think we're going to start to see a lot of this in the Premier League again.
• 9:46
  SPEAKER_00: The clubs that aren't playing in Europe, as the season winds on, are going to be at a significant advantage because they will not have two games a week.
• 9:55
  SPEAKER_00: So Manchester United are now forced to balance a Champions League schedule against Champions League opposition.
• 10:01
  SPEAKER_00: I don't think they're necessarily a Champions League caliber club right now.
• 10:05
  SPEAKER_00: I think they were very much able to benefit from just Michael Kerr coming in and galvanizing a group.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_00: That was kind of rudderless last year.
• 10:13
  SPEAKER_00: And then the fact that they didn't have two games a week, next thing you know, you pick your head up, they end up in third.
• 10:18
  SPEAKER_00: I don't think that'll be the case this season.
• 10:20
  SPEAKER_00: I think it's going to be difficult for them to navigate the Champions League and the Premier League.
• 10:24
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know that they have the bodies to do it.
• 10:26
  SPEAKER_00: I just remain, like we said last episode, I'm not sure what Manchester United are at the moment.
• 10:32
  SPEAKER_00: They're a big brand, they're a big name, they're not a big club in how they operate on the pitch.
• 10:37
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 10:38
  SPEAKER_01: No, that's good to know.
• 10:40
  SPEAKER_01: And may impact, like you said, it's gonna impact this the weekend as well for not just them, but the other teams that are playing these midweek uh European games.
• 10:51
  SPEAKER_01: So one why don't you run through the Wednesday results as well?
• 10:55
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, Wednesday, the most notable game on paper, Brandon, was the PSG game at Manchester City.
• 11:01
  SPEAKER_00: And PSG pulled Manchester City's pants down in front of Pep Guardiola, their former manager.
• 11:07
  SPEAKER_00: He made his return to the Eti hat.
• 11:09
  SPEAKER_00: He was in the stands watching, and it was a first half three-piece from Dewey, Dembele, Vitinha, Luis Enrique had the boys absolutely buzzing.
• 11:18
  SPEAKER_00: It was a statement of intent, and that intent is to run it back again in the Champions League and win their third straight.
• 11:25
  SPEAKER_00: City fought back a little bit in the second half.
• 11:27
  SPEAKER_00: They made it 3-1 at one point before losing 4-2.
• 11:30
  SPEAKER_00: But I have to say, in that first half, Enzo Moresca looked like a deer in the headlights.
• 11:35
  SPEAKER_00: City were having a players-only meeting in the center of the park, some pointing wondering what's going on.
• 11:39
  SPEAKER_00: Ruben Diaz trying to get a hold of things, Erling Holland pointing at the back line.
• 11:43
  SPEAKER_00: What are you guys doing?
• 11:44
  SPEAKER_00: It just didn't look good.
• 11:45
  SPEAKER_00: And we'll get to their Premier League matchup this weekend.
• 11:48
  SPEAKER_00: It might be able to write the ship against Ipswich.
• 11:52
  SPEAKER_00: But I think this is concerning a little bit when you just look at what are City's chances of achieving a Champions League trophy.
• 12:00
  SPEAKER_00: They didn't look to be in the same stratosphere as PSG.
• 12:03
  SPEAKER_00: And maybe it was just a one-off match, maybe it is a sign of things to come.
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_00: That remains to be seen.
• 12:07
  SPEAKER_00: But it's interesting to say the least, and it was certainly the biggest storyline of the games on Wednesday.
• 12:13
  SPEAKER_00: Another one, Brandon, that it was kind of the opposite, was two teams in the Premier League that righted the ship a little bit.
• 12:21
  SPEAKER_00: Liverpool, they score six in a win over Alask.
• 12:25
  SPEAKER_00: Barcola finally breaks out, he gets a couple of goals.
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_00: Does that carry into the weekend?
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_00: We will see.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_00: Similarly, Aston Villa get a much-needed win over Fenerbache.
• 12:34
  SPEAKER_00: They dominate that match.
• 12:36
  SPEAKER_00: Johan Monzombi scores his first Champions League goal.
• 12:38
  SPEAKER_00: Nicholas Jackson gets a brace.
• 12:40
  SPEAKER_00: My guy, Nicholas Jackson, I bought some stock when the chips were down, and boy, it is paying dividends.
• 12:46
  SPEAKER_00: So those are two clubs in the Premier League that have kind of right of the ship, whereas Manchester City have a little bit of something to worry about after their midweek performance.
• 12:55
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 12:55
  SPEAKER_00: No, thank you for providing those updates.
• 12:59
  SPEAKER_00: And I have and I have one more, too.
• 13:01
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, go ahead.
• 13:03
  SPEAKER_00: I wanted to avoid talking about it, but it was another notable game, maybe the second most notable game from Wednesday's action.
• 13:10
  SPEAKER_00: Roma choke away a home lead against Real Madrid.
• 13:14
  SPEAKER_00: It was Jose's return to the Olympico.
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_00: Jose managed Roma to a conference league trophy.
• 13:20
  SPEAKER_00: I want to say five years ago.
• 13:22
  SPEAKER_00: It was in the recent recent history of their club.
• 13:25
  SPEAKER_00: And so the Roma fans celebrated him.
• 13:27
  SPEAKER_00: They came with small TFOs of Jose.
• 13:29
  SPEAKER_00: They sang for him the first few minutes.
• 13:31
  SPEAKER_00: Jose's blowing kisses to the stand.
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_00: It was a beautiful, beautiful moment.
• 13:35
  SPEAKER_00: And Roma are dominating the match.
• 13:37
  SPEAKER_00: They dominate the first 45 minutes.
• 13:38
  SPEAKER_00: They maybe even dominate the first 60.
• 13:41
  SPEAKER_00: Danielle Mullen, who just scores goals for fun, he scores a brace in eight minutes in the second half to take the lead to three to one.
• 13:47
  SPEAKER_00: And Madrid at this point in the match never really even sniffed a goal other than the one they scored, which was from the Roma error, and Mbappe just does what he does and he slots one home.
• 13:57
  SPEAKER_00: But then in the final 10 minutes, Brandon, Roma ran out of gas and completely imploded.
• 14:02
  SPEAKER_00: They allowed three goals from the 80th minute on.
• 14:05
  SPEAKER_00: Espy comes on and makes a difference again with the goal.
• 14:08
  SPEAKER_00: He continues to be a good signing for El Madrid.
• 14:10
  SPEAKER_00: Then my boy Endrick comes and does it right in front of me to equalize.
• 14:14
  SPEAKER_00: That was tough to see.
• 14:16
  SPEAKER_00: And then lastly, the final nail for Roma, Antonio Rudiger, the former Roma man himself, the defenser, the defensive center back, comes in, scores the winner.
• 14:26
  SPEAKER_00: Devastating loss for Roma.
• 14:28
  SPEAKER_00: It was a really cool occasion for them, but it's a tough one to swallow when you're ahead 3-1 late in the second half.
• 14:35
  SPEAKER_00: It sucks to come away with nothing in that match.
• 14:38
  SPEAKER_00: But otherwise, an action-packed Champions League week and a couple of notable things to take away from the Premier League as we look towards the weekend.
• 14:46
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, no, I I appreciate your your hard work on that.
• 14:50
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm sorry that your Roma unfortunately lost.
• 14:54
  SPEAKER_01: And it's it's the worst because you see it and you have the lead and you're playing well and everything's going great.
• 15:01
  SPEAKER_01: And then you just realize the quality of the competition and they just turn it up a notch.
• 15:06
  SPEAKER_01: And Real Madrid's like, hold on.
• 15:08
  SPEAKER_01: Roma's a good team, but we are Real Madrid, and we need to take care of business.
• 15:12
  SPEAKER_01: And it's just it's one of those things you you watch it and it's like a car car accident.
• 15:15
  SPEAKER_01: You can't avoid it.
• 15:16
  SPEAKER_01: You're just you just you have your eyes on it, but you can't help the the cause.
• 15:20
  SPEAKER_01: And it's unfortunate sometimes when you're that little team playing against a big bad wolf.
• 15:25
  SPEAKER_01: But hopefully Roma takes something from it though, and they realize, hey, we can at least hang with some of these bigger teams.
• 15:32
  SPEAKER_00: For sure.
• 15:33
  SPEAKER_00: Roma, Roma look like a good side, and I'm not worried about them in Serie A, but it is like you said, when you stack up against specifically Real Madrid.
• 15:40
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 15:41
  SPEAKER_00: These guys, man, they just in this competition, there's a magic about Madrid.
• 15:46
  SPEAKER_00: They find a way when whether it looks inevitable that they're going to lose, they snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, they they find a way to excel in this competition.
• 15:55
  SPEAKER_00: They're the best team ever to play in this competition.
• 15:57
  SPEAKER_00: They've won the most trophies by a wide margin.
• 16:00
  SPEAKER_00: And it's stuff like this when you see why, because they really had no business winning this one for the majority of the match, and then they find a way not just to get an equalizer, but to get a winner.
• 16:10
  SPEAKER_00: And it the quality of their players comes out.
• 16:12
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, you see the brilliance of these guys.
• 16:15
  SPEAKER_00: I will say there was one big name for Real Madrid who was shockingly bad in this match, and it's coming off the back of a shocking move from him at the weekend, and it was Vinny Jr.
• 16:24
  SPEAKER_00: He was bad again, Brandon.
• 16:26
  SPEAKER_00: Basically at fault for one of the Roma goals.
• 16:28
  SPEAKER_00: He had the red card for violent conduct on the weekend.
• 16:31
  SPEAKER_00: It's a rough run for Vinny.
• 16:32
  SPEAKER_00: Thankfully, though, he has reassured us his statement he put out was that Vinny always returns.
• 16:37
  SPEAKER_00: He did refer to himself as third person.
• 16:39
  SPEAKER_00: So you just have to tip your cap and say that's pretty stuck, Vinny.
• 16:42
  SPEAKER_00: I'm sure he will be back.
• 16:43
  SPEAKER_01: No, that's that's good stuff.
• 16:45
  SPEAKER_01: I I still wonder with him if he did make a mistake staying at Real Madrid instead of going to Arsenal or one of his other suitors.
• 16:54
  SPEAKER_01: So it's interesting, but yeah, it's like you you know the quality is there.
• 16:59
  SPEAKER_01: Sort of the same thing, sort of like how Real Madrid was in the game against Roma.
• 17:02
  SPEAKER_01: You know the quality is there, you're just waiting for it to come out.
• 17:05
  SPEAKER_01: And unfortunately, he's just been in a slump for I feel like honestly, even really kind of before the World Cup.
• 17:10
  SPEAKER_01: Like he wasn't great at the World Cup either.
• 17:12
  SPEAKER_01: So hopefully he can maybe take some time off with this red card and and get his head back, but it that's unfortunate to see from him.
• 17:21
  SPEAKER_00: It certainly is, but enough about the football that was watched on TV, Brandon.
• 17:25
  SPEAKER_00: We had Mr.
• 17:25
  SPEAKER_00: Boots on the ground at another big match on on Tuesday evening.
• 17:30
  SPEAKER_00: Brandon, I want you to tell us about your experience watching the United States women's national team take on Spain.
• 17:37
  SPEAKER_00: Who boy, we we saw two matches between these two sides, and uh the Spanish are no joke.
• 17:44
  SPEAKER_01: No, they are they are no joke.
• 17:46
  SPEAKER_01: I I will say first and foremost, Sean, the atmosphere was incredible.
• 17:50
  SPEAKER_01: The women's team, I feel like, have played quite a few games in Chester over the last few years.
• 17:57
  SPEAKER_01: Uh and every time they come, it's it's a big deal.
• 18:00
  SPEAKER_01: Uh fireworks, lights, the whole nine, and it was cool to see being at Subaru Park where the Philadelphia Union play, I feel like generally speaking, it's probably a predominantly male crowd.
• 18:11
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, but when the women's team was playing on Tuesday night, there were so many young girls there with their signs and their cheering, and it's cool to see that the future of the hopefully the US women's national team or just women's soccer in general is also sitting in the crowd and just enjoying it.
• 18:27
  SPEAKER_01: So even as a as a male, you still you sit there and you respect that because it's like, all right, cool, like they have a product that they can look up to as well.
• 18:34
  SPEAKER_01: It's not just men's soccer happening in this stadium.
• 18:37
  SPEAKER_00: So yeah, I think first of all, also not only just young women who should look up to our women's national team.
• 18:44
  SPEAKER_00: We yeah, our men should look up to our women's team.
• 18:46
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, yeah.
• 18:46
  SPEAKER_00: They're winners, okay?
• 18:48
  SPEAKER_00: We're trying to get to their level.
• 18:50
  SPEAKER_00: We we talked ad nauseum about our men's team and their shortcomings.
• 18:54
  SPEAKER_00: The women are the standard in this country, so yeah, that should be remembered.
• 18:58
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm glad I'm glad you were there to see it, Brandon.
• 19:01
  SPEAKER_00: You talked about the environment being great.
• 19:02
  SPEAKER_00: What was the match itself like?
• 19:04
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, the match itself was interesting.
• 19:06
  SPEAKER_01: Spain, well, you mentioned it, I think, I believe, the last podcast when we previewed me going to this game.
• 19:12
  SPEAKER_01: They play just like the men.
• 19:14
  SPEAKER_01: It's pass, pass, pass.
• 19:16
  SPEAKER_01: You know, it's it's beautiful to watch, and especially Spain's first goal came off just like a cross with a dummy to a tap in on the back post.
• 19:26
  SPEAKER_01: It was just like classic Spain.
• 19:28
  SPEAKER_01: And the football that they play, you can tell they're they are the best team in the world, and it's it showed.
• 19:35
  SPEAKER_01: And USA on paper is number two, but I I will say I think there is a slight gap.
• 19:41
  SPEAKER_01: USA did fight back, so Spain goes up 2-0 in the first half, and USA scores in the 49th right after halftime, and then the 86th minute to steal a point.
• 19:51
  SPEAKER_01: But overall, yeah, the the football is great.
• 19:55
  SPEAKER_01: Uh both teams played extremely high line, Sean.
• 19:58
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, you're talking front to back, probably like 25 yards distance.
• 20:02
  SPEAKER_01: So you have center backs standing two feet behind midfield and basically daring the other team to play a through ball.
• 20:10
  SPEAKER_01: And with the goalkeepers, you know, they were almost playing in that sweeper keeper role, so they could come and eat those uh through balls.
• 20:17
  SPEAKER_01: But yeah, both teams, it's it's it was class, all 22 positions on the field.
• 20:23
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, to be able to see that on a Tuesday night is pretty special, I think.
• 20:28
  SPEAKER_01: And I could definitely see this being a World Cup final uh preview.
• 20:34
  SPEAKER_00: That would be thrilling to have this be a World Cup final preview.
• 20:37
  SPEAKER_00: I've got some follow-up questions, Brandon.
• 20:38
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 20:39
  SPEAKER_00: And your Tuesday night was definitely a lot better spent than mine.
• 20:41
  SPEAKER_00: He was just doing some podcast planning because I have three shows.
• 20:44
  SPEAKER_00: So I would certainly rather have traded places.
• 20:46
  SPEAKER_00: First of all, how good is Alexia Patellas?
• 20:49
  SPEAKER_01: Ridiculous.
• 20:50
  SPEAKER_01: Absolutely stupid.
• 20:54
  SPEAKER_00: My god, she's so so good.
• 20:56
  SPEAKER_00: That was my biggest takeaway because I did watch the first half of this pretty intently, and I was just like, she's a joke, she's outrageous.
• 21:02
  SPEAKER_00: Uh another question, you mentioned the fans, especially young ones wearing some uh some kits of the women's national team.
• 21:08
  SPEAKER_00: Who was the most common jersey number you saw on the back?
• 21:11
  SPEAKER_00: Was there one that stood out?
• 21:12
  SPEAKER_01: Uh I saw a lot of Rose Lavelle.
• 21:15
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, I feel like she's been a staple in the national team for a while.
• 21:18
  SPEAKER_01: I did see some Julie Ertz, which is kind of cool.
• 21:20
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, with Zach now being back on the the Eagles again.
• 21:24
  SPEAKER_01: Um, trying to think.
• 21:26
  SPEAKER_01: Definitely Trinity Rodman, Mal Swanson.
• 21:29
  SPEAKER_01: Kind of the typical ones you'd you'd uh expect.
• 21:32
  SPEAKER_01: But then I saw a lot of club jerseys as well, which is pretty cool.
• 21:35
  SPEAKER_01: Not just national team kit.
• 21:37
  SPEAKER_00: Good.
• 21:38
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 21:38
  SPEAKER_00: The other thing we have to talk about, it's good to know that the women have a goalkeeping problem problem as well.
• 21:44
  SPEAKER_00: It's not just the men, because a bit of a bit of a shit show behind this between the sticks last on Tuesday night.
• 21:51
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 21:51
  SPEAKER_01: So they from what it sounds like, and I was talking to my friends that we went to the game with, they were saying there's not really a clear cut number one.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_01: And Spain's second goal basically comes from a goalkeeping error.
• 22:03
  SPEAKER_01: I believe it was the US played a back pass to the goalkeeper.
• 22:06
  SPEAKER_01: And instead of hitting it into the Rosie, she decided to try to be cute and played a hospital ball.
• 22:13
  SPEAKER_01: Spain picked it up, made two passes, and actually scored like a bar down shot off the off the crossbar and in.
• 22:20
  SPEAKER_01: So yeah, it just goes to show that while the US is the second best team in the world, they still have a goalkeeping issue just like the men.
• 22:27
  SPEAKER_01: So maybe we just need to hire some new staff in the Atlanta training center and restart a little bit with goalkeepers on both sides, men's and women's.
• 22:36
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, it's kind of like just nobody wants to play that position anymore.
• 22:39
  SPEAKER_00: It looks so much more fun to get out there and run around.
• 22:41
  SPEAKER_00: You know what I mean?
• 22:43
  SPEAKER_00: It might be a case of that.
• 22:45
  SPEAKER_00: But we do need to figure it out on both sides quickly because we've got some major tournaments fastly approaching.
• 22:50
  SPEAKER_00: So, like you said, Brandon, it ends in a 2-2 draw, some encouraging signs in the second half, a little bit of a formation shift from Emma Hayes.
• 22:57
  SPEAKER_00: Overall, just moving forward for the U.S.
• 23:00
  SPEAKER_00: women.
• 23:00
  SPEAKER_00: Encouraging signs.
• 23:02
  SPEAKER_00: Are you happy with where they're at?
• 23:03
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, yeah.
• 23:04
  SPEAKER_01: I would say so.
• 23:05
  SPEAKER_01: I think I was gonna note they were missing a few key players.
• 23:10
  SPEAKER_01: Naomi Gurma didn't play, Emily Sonnet didn't play, Sam Coffey didn't play.
• 23:13
  SPEAKER_01: Some of their best players, I'd argue.
• 23:15
  SPEAKER_01: And then something cool I saw the goals for USA.
• 23:20
  SPEAKER_01: So they were by Ashley Sanchez and Mal Swanson.
• 23:22
  SPEAKER_01: Um so Ashley Sanchez has not played for the national team since 2024.
• 23:27
  SPEAKER_01: But she's the she's the current NWSL golden boot leader and has actually tied for the single season goal record with 20 goals.
• 23:36
  SPEAKER_01: She plays for North Carolina Courage.
• 23:38
  SPEAKER_01: Uh they have three games left, so she theoretically could could easily break this uh single season goal record.
• 23:45
  SPEAKER_01: So Emma Hayes recognized that, called her into the team, and she's she performed and scores a goal.
• 23:50
  SPEAKER_01: And then Mal Swanson, that was actually her first goal since the 2024 Olympics.
• 23:55
  SPEAKER_01: Um, it was only her second game back with the US women's national team.
• 23:59
  SPEAKER_01: She had a baby last year, so uh I I mean, first and foremost, like all this podcasting stuff aside, for a woman to be able to have a baby, come back and play at the same level she was playing up before the baby is absolutely ridiculous.
• 24:11
  SPEAKER_01: So big shout out to Mel Swanson for that.
• 24:14
  SPEAKER_01: And to score in just her second game back with the national team is pretty cool.
• 24:17
  SPEAKER_01: But yeah, the biggest takeaway for me is it's it's promising, they're there.
• 24:21
  SPEAKER_01: I I think anything less than like a bronze medal would be a severe disappointment.
• 24:27
  SPEAKER_01: And the the team's there, the quality is there, they have the players.
• 24:31
  SPEAKER_01: I don't know if USA beats Spain on paper, but you still have what is it, eight or nine months before next summer to get ready for that.
• 24:42
  SPEAKER_01: And the only other thing I saw outside of the actual game was Philly needs an NWSL team.
• 24:48
  SPEAKER_01: And yeah, dude, come on.
• 24:50
  SPEAKER_01: I know there are people pushing behind the scenes, and the commissioner of the NWSL came out with like a very vanilla statement, but they need a team here.
• 24:59
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, it's it shows every time the national team comes, Gotham's played some games here, Washington Spirit have played some games here, and they're always good crowds, and they they have to have a team in Philly.
• 25:09
  SPEAKER_01: Gotham's actually moving to New York City.
• 25:11
  SPEAKER_01: They're they're playing in the new Etihat Stadium that NYCFC is building beginning next year.
• 25:16
  SPEAKER_01: So there won't be a team in that New Jersey region.
• 25:19
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, so come on down and put one in Philly.
• 25:22
  SPEAKER_01: But I would love to see that.
• 25:23
  SPEAKER_01: I think a lot of others would, and I hope it's just a matter of time and they're figuring it out in the background.
• 25:29
  SPEAKER_01: But I think that needs to happen sooner rather than later.
• 25:32
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, it's an encouraging sign that if they have good attendance at national team games in Philadelphia that they would have a well-supported NWSL club in Philadelphia.
• 25:41
  SPEAKER_00: The WNBA is heading to Philly in the years to come, I think it makes perfect sense to get a team in Philadelphia for the NWSL as well.
• 25:50
  SPEAKER_00: And the continued expansion of that league will be will be something to keep an eye on because it is constantly growing and it's not a finished product by any means.
• 25:57
  SPEAKER_00: So thank you for recapping all of us on your experience.
• 26:01
  SPEAKER_00: I I am a little bit jealous, I have to say.
• 26:04
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, no, I'm lucky.
• 26:05
  SPEAKER_01: I'm very lucky.
• 26:06
  SPEAKER_01: We have very good friends who who reached out.
• 26:08
  SPEAKER_01: We weren't planning on going to the game, but uh got a text last week asking if we wanted to go and join them.
• 26:13
  SPEAKER_01: So hey, Tuesday night, Chester.
• 26:16
  SPEAKER_01: We don't have anything else to do.
• 26:17
  SPEAKER_01: Why not?
• 26:18
  SPEAKER_01: So really cool experience getting to see that.
• 26:20
  SPEAKER_00: Perfect.
• 26:21
  SPEAKER_00: So yeah, I think I think that ties a bow on the U.S.
• 26:25
  SPEAKER_00: women's national team for now.
• 26:26
  SPEAKER_00: We'll keep monitoring them in the weeks to come as we build toward a couple of really big years for them.
• 26:32
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, we've got World Cup into Olympics, so nothing to scoff at on the women's front.
• 26:38
  SPEAKER_01: No, not at all, not at all, Sean.
• 26:40
  SPEAKER_01: Switching gears, we will do our Premier League preview.
• 26:42
  SPEAKER_01: And Sean, before we start, I I will be honest, I have not picked my best bet game.
• 26:47
  SPEAKER_01: Uh taking one out of your book from last week.
• 26:50
  SPEAKER_01: I did my research these last few days and I'm making my notes and I have my score predictions, but I don't know if I can put my name on something yet.
• 26:57
  SPEAKER_01: So it's gonna be a game time decision.
• 26:59
  SPEAKER_01: We'll see.
• 27:00
  SPEAKER_01: I think these games are going to be extremely close this weekend.
• 27:03
  SPEAKER_00: Me too.
• 27:04
  SPEAKER_00: I've picked so many draws, Brandon.
• 27:06
  SPEAKER_00: It's I've chalked so many up the draws.
• 27:10
  SPEAKER_00: I do have my best one circled, but I hate it.
• 27:13
  SPEAKER_00: I hate it.
• 27:14
  SPEAKER_00: And it we're gonna get to it quick, is what I'll say.
• 27:16
  SPEAKER_00: Let's use it.
• 27:17
  SPEAKER_01: All right, all right.
• 27:18
  SPEAKER_01: Well, let's let's get it going.
• 27:20
  SPEAKER_01: So Saturday morning, uh 7 30 a.m.
• 27:23
  SPEAKER_01: game, Sean.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_01: We have Chelsea visiting Everton, the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
• 27:29
  SPEAKER_01: I'll let you I'll let you start with your thoughts.
• 27:32
  SPEAKER_01: Well, there it is.
• 27:33
  SPEAKER_00: Chelsea, Chelsea 3-1.
• 27:35
  SPEAKER_00: They are slight favorites, but they're plus money to win.
• 27:39
  SPEAKER_00: So I feel like that's well within bounds for me to make this my best bet.
• 27:44
  SPEAKER_00: I think they're just gonna be too much to handle for Everton.
• 27:47
  SPEAKER_00: We talk about how Everton find ways to get something out of these games, and that is what's really scaring me, particularly at home.
• 27:53
  SPEAKER_00: The fans will be up for it.
• 27:54
  SPEAKER_00: It's a tough place to go.
• 27:56
  SPEAKER_00: I'm by no means saying this is a lock, throw away the key.
• 28:00
  SPEAKER_00: I just think based on what I've seen so far this season, I think Chelsea are a better side, and I think they're gonna find ways to play through Everton and get a lot of chances, whether they take them and whether they're able to keep Everton out for long periods will be the deciding factor in this match.
• 28:15
  SPEAKER_00: But I think Chelsea get the job done away from home.
• 28:17
  SPEAKER_00: I've gone for 3-1 Chelsea.
• 28:19
  SPEAKER_00: What about you?
• 28:20
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 28:21
  SPEAKER_01: Pretty similar, similar thoughts.
• 28:23
  SPEAKER_01: I put 2-1 Chelsea.
• 28:24
  SPEAKER_01: We've mentioned Everton's unbeaten so far to start the season.
• 28:27
  SPEAKER_01: They've found a way to get a point, at least a point from all of their matches.
• 28:30
  SPEAKER_01: I think this is the one where they struggle.
• 28:32
  SPEAKER_01: I think if Chelsea dictate the tempo, it's gonna be hard for Everton to match that.
• 28:36
  SPEAKER_01: I think they'll try to muck it up.
• 28:38
  SPEAKER_01: It'll be dirty, they'll be foul, stop, start, stop, start.
• 28:41
  SPEAKER_01: But I think Chelsea will do just enough uh to come out with a win, winning this one two to one.
• 28:46
  SPEAKER_01: So I I agree with your best bet right there.
• 28:50
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, good.
• 28:50
  SPEAKER_01: I'm glad to have you on my side for that one.
• 28:53
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 28:54
  SPEAKER_01: That was that was in the running.
• 28:55
  SPEAKER_01: I I as you were talking, I made my decision.
• 28:58
  SPEAKER_01: That was in the running for my best bet, but did not get the the win.
• 29:02
  SPEAKER_01: Second game on Saturday at 10 a.m.
• 29:05
  SPEAKER_01: This one I'll yeah, I'm just gonna read it.
• 29:08
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, we have Brentford and Liverpool.
• 29:10
  SPEAKER_01: Liverpool have to go to Brentford.
• 29:11
  SPEAKER_01: I think Sean.
• 29:14
  SPEAKER_01: I'm not gonna I'm not gonna go crazy, but I think this can be a tie.
• 29:17
  SPEAKER_01: I think oh yeah, I went one-one.
• 29:20
  SPEAKER_01: I think whoever scores first can really dictate how it goes.
• 29:24
  SPEAKER_01: I do think if Liverpool score score first and score early, it could get ugly.
• 29:30
  SPEAKER_01: But I went one-one.
• 29:32
  SPEAKER_01: I think uh I think Brentford get the first goal and Liverpool maybe score late to to take a point.
• 29:38
  SPEAKER_01: And I but it's gonna be a it's a weird one.
• 29:42
  SPEAKER_01: I think Liverpool will try to speed things up and play as quickly as they can.
• 29:46
  SPEAKER_01: Whereas Brentford will slow it down, they'll probably try to be a little bit more strategic with their opportunities.
• 29:51
  SPEAKER_01: And I think especially if Brentford go up one-nil, I think they'll be fine to sit back a little bit and let Liverpool press.
• 29:58
  SPEAKER_01: Will the levees break?
• 29:59
  SPEAKER_01: That's the question.
• 30:00
  SPEAKER_01: But I I think a draw is a fair, a fair shot for this game.
• 30:04
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, it's a fascinating, fascinating fixture.
• 30:07
  SPEAKER_00: It's one that I have circled as one of the best ones to watch this weekend, just because I think it could go either way.
• 30:12
  SPEAKER_00: I'm with you.
• 30:13
  SPEAKER_00: I also went for a draw, I went 2-2.
• 30:15
  SPEAKER_00: I think if Liverpool are serious and they want to start living up to their potential, this is a must-win.
• 30:21
  SPEAKER_00: You gotta find a way to get it done on the road against a team that you are just better than in terms of talent on paper.
• 30:27
  SPEAKER_00: In actuality, Bradford might be a slightly better side at this point, just from what we've seen.
• 30:33
  SPEAKER_00: They they know what they are, they're confident in their identity.
• 30:37
  SPEAKER_00: It's a fascinating affair because of that.
• 30:39
  SPEAKER_00: I'm gonna slap not a must-win on Liverpool, but I'm gonna slap my first ever must-ball out on Florian Verts.
• 30:48
  SPEAKER_00: You must fucking simply do it, Florian.
• 30:51
  SPEAKER_00: You are an expensive purchase.
• 30:53
  SPEAKER_00: We hear a lot about how good you can be.
• 30:55
  SPEAKER_00: You don't do it time and time again in the Premier League.
• 30:59
  SPEAKER_00: I'm sick of it.
• 31:00
  SPEAKER_00: I like you, and that's why I'm doing this.
• 31:01
  SPEAKER_00: It's a must ball out this weekend.
• 31:03
  SPEAKER_00: I I was gonna say must score or assist, but you can run a game without getting on the score sheet.
• 31:08
  SPEAKER_00: So we'll we we'll let the I test be the judge of this one.
• 31:11
  SPEAKER_00: A goal wouldn't hurt your case.
• 31:12
  SPEAKER_00: No, if you want to toss one in.
• 31:13
  SPEAKER_00: If you want to toss one in, that would certainly qualify.
• 31:16
  SPEAKER_00: But I'm gonna go 2-2, and I think it's an interesting game.
• 31:19
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, okay.
• 31:20
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, I'm I'm glad we're on the same page.
• 31:22
  SPEAKER_01: And I I feel like there's two or three of these that I think are are quote unquote straightforward, but the other six or seven, Sean, it's like you can you can entertain either side of it.
• 31:34
  SPEAKER_01: So I'm excited to keep going here.
• 31:35
  SPEAKER_01: We have in our next game at also at 10 a.m.
• 31:39
  SPEAKER_01: on Saturday, whole city, the whole city tigers traveling to Craven's Cottage to play Fulham.
• 31:45
  SPEAKER_01: Now, Sean, can I entertain you with a 1-0 whole city win?
• 31:49
  SPEAKER_01: Fulham, this is this is probably a must-win.
• 31:52
  SPEAKER_01: You you put must-ball out on Florian Verts.
• 31:55
  SPEAKER_01: This is probably a must-ball out for Fulham, but I don't think they have the juice.
• 32:01
  SPEAKER_01: I just don't.
• 32:02
  SPEAKER_01: I'm taking the Tigers.
• 32:03
  SPEAKER_01: Gritty, one-zero win.
• 32:05
  SPEAKER_01: I think your guy Balumi shows up.
• 32:07
  SPEAKER_01: Hull's only given up six goals in their six matches, and they have three clean sheets.
• 32:12
  SPEAKER_01: So they are tidy in defense.
• 32:14
  SPEAKER_01: They've done well keeping other teams out.
• 32:16
  SPEAKER_01: I think they keep Fulham out and sneak out with a one-zero win.
• 32:19
  SPEAKER_00: Brandon, I so badly want you to be correct, but I have made a living off of picking against Hull and then shoving it in my face.
• 32:28
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm gonna continue to do it in hopes that they get the job done.
• 32:31
  SPEAKER_00: So I know it's a must-win for Fulham.
• 32:34
  SPEAKER_00: They really, really, really it's a must-not lose, to say the least.
• 32:37
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, they lose.
• 32:38
  SPEAKER_00: Arbaloa might be out of the job.
• 32:40
  SPEAKER_00: It is panic stations at Craven Cottage if this goes south.
• 32:44
  SPEAKER_00: I, for that reason, think a hungry dog does run faster.
• 32:48
  SPEAKER_00: Hull City might be a bit fat and happy after their start to the season.
• 32:52
  SPEAKER_00: Fulham desperately need this one in front of a loyal, really strong group of fans.
• 32:57
  SPEAKER_00: I think they find a way to get the job done.
• 32:59
  SPEAKER_00: I do think Hull find their way onto the score sheet, so I've gone 2-1 Fulham.
• 33:03
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 33:03
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 33:04
  SPEAKER_01: Now I I hey look, I'm I'm glad we have differing opinions and we'll see how it turns out, Sean.
• 33:10
  SPEAKER_01: Another 10 o'clock game.
• 33:11
  SPEAKER_01: And I feel like this 10 o'clock might be a four-boxer.
• 33:15
  SPEAKER_01: Like all these games, or I'm sorry, there's only three games at 10.
• 33:18
  SPEAKER_01: Three boxer.
• 33:19
  SPEAKER_01: They've all they've all been good.
• 33:20
  SPEAKER_01: But this one and I'm gonna be apple picking.
• 33:23
  SPEAKER_00: I'm gonna I'm going to a fall festival on Saturday.
• 33:25
  SPEAKER_00: I'm gonna apple pick.
• 33:26
  SPEAKER_00: I have to go back and watch these games.
• 33:28
  SPEAKER_00: I'm gonna I might be going zero dark thirty.
• 33:30
  SPEAKER_00: I'm so intrigued by all these, and I'm gonna be out of the orchard.
• 33:33
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, it might be a phone on do not disturb, ignore all your notifications and just come back and put them on.
• 33:40
  SPEAKER_01: The last game at 10 a.m., Manchester City hosts Ipswich Town, and you mentioned Man City and the Athletic Home match in the Champions League this week.
• 33:49
  SPEAKER_01: Uh I'm interested to see.
• 33:51
  SPEAKER_01: Do they rebound?
• 33:52
  SPEAKER_01: They should rebound, right?
• 33:54
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, they should, and they they better.
• 33:56
  SPEAKER_00: I I I think they will.
• 33:58
  SPEAKER_00: I'm gonna I'm gonna go for Manchester City pretty convincingly here, because of what happened midweek.
• 34:04
  SPEAKER_00: Ipswich have to be pissed about what happened with PSG.
• 34:07
  SPEAKER_00: They had to be thinking, oh, let them win this one, let them win and play a hard fought win and get tired and overlook us at the weekend.
• 34:15
  SPEAKER_00: Instead, the opposite happened.
• 34:16
  SPEAKER_00: Like I said, PSG pulled their pants down.
• 34:18
  SPEAKER_00: I don't see Manchester City getting their pants pulled down twice at home.
• 34:21
  SPEAKER_00: And this would be certainly a more devastating and much more impactful loss to their season because it could start that downward spiral where the negativity sets in from outside.
• 34:30
  SPEAKER_00: I have to think that group of players and their mentality in that dressing room will be able to write the ship ahead of the weekend.
• 34:36
  SPEAKER_00: They'll find a way to get it done.
• 34:38
  SPEAKER_00: I've gone for three to one Manchester City.
• 34:40
  SPEAKER_00: What about you?
• 34:41
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, pretty similar.
• 34:42
  SPEAKER_01: I went 2-0 for City.
• 34:44
  SPEAKER_01: I also made these predictions, admittedly, before the the PSG match.
• 34:49
  SPEAKER_01: But I I don't think it'll be easy.
• 34:51
  SPEAKER_01: I think it I think Ipswich will give them a fight.
• 34:54
  SPEAKER_01: I'm interested to see how City line up uh with the Champions League game mid-week.
• 35:00
  SPEAKER_01: You may see some rotation, but a squad like City, I mean, we would dream to have these guys coming starting for us at Spurs that that they're gonna be bringing off the bench.
• 35:09
  SPEAKER_01: So I don't think they'll be in too much pro too much trouble.
• 35:13
  SPEAKER_01: But I went 2-0.
• 35:15
  SPEAKER_01: I think Ipswich will compete, but I think City will just be a little bit too much.
• 35:19
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, and it's weird because City can rotate basically every position and not really miss a beat, but they can't rotate Erlen Holland.
• 35:27
  SPEAKER_00: He is kind of irreplaceable for them.
• 35:30
  SPEAKER_00: He is the only guy up front, and there's there's not many players at his level in the world, but there's no one in that Manchester City squad that can do half of what he does at that position.
• 35:41
  SPEAKER_00: So it's gonna be interesting.
• 35:43
  SPEAKER_00: Is he is he just gonna be able to run out there and play 90 minutes midweek, weekend, midweek, weekend the whole season?
• 35:48
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know.
• 35:49
  SPEAKER_00: They'll probably make a move in January because I mean these these allegations, they're not stopping them.
• 35:54
  SPEAKER_00: But it it's for the time being, Erling is fit firing, so I assume he'll be fine, and as long as he's up front, I do think to get the job done.
• 36:03
  SPEAKER_00: But how they respond is going to be interesting to watch this weekend.
• 36:06
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, definitely one to keep our eyes on.
• 36:09
  SPEAKER_01: The 1230 big window game.
• 36:12
  SPEAKER_01: This one's this one's weird, Sean.
• 36:14
  SPEAKER_01: We have Newcastle and Aston Villa.
• 36:16
  SPEAKER_01: Aston Villa did play midweek and have to travel to Newcastle, which we know is not not always the easiest trip.
• 36:24
  SPEAKER_01: I think this one can be wild.
• 36:27
  SPEAKER_01: I'm gonna go 2-2.
• 36:28
  SPEAKER_01: I think it's gonna be a very up and down game.
• 36:30
  SPEAKER_01: I think both teams will want to attack, and they both have quality in attack, but I feel like they both just haven't had that final connection.
• 36:40
  SPEAKER_01: They'll they'll get to the right spots, they'll get the right opportunities, but they're not finishing their opportun their chances.
• 36:46
  SPEAKER_01: I I can see the points being shared, and but this one, if you told me your predictions 5-0 Astonville, I'd be like, Yeah, you probably have a point.
• 36:54
  SPEAKER_01: Or 5-0 Newcastle.
• 36:55
  SPEAKER_01: So this one really had me all over the place, so I went withdrawal because I think ultimately the points are gonna be shared.
• 37:02
  SPEAKER_00: Yep, I have gone for 2-2.
• 37:05
  SPEAKER_00: And it's because I'm not sure either team is good.
• 37:08
  SPEAKER_00: I I don't think I know neither team's great.
• 37:12
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not sure either team's good.
• 37:14
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know if either team's bad, but I really don't know anything about these teams.
• 37:17
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know what they are.
• 37:18
  SPEAKER_00: I think Newcastle look worse to me.
• 37:21
  SPEAKER_00: I think that Coventry result really burned some some scary thoughts into my mind.
• 37:26
  SPEAKER_00: But I don't think they'll be that bad again in front of goal.
• 37:29
  SPEAKER_00: So I could see them scoring, especially at home.
• 37:31
  SPEAKER_00: It's a very difficult place to go.
• 37:33
  SPEAKER_00: So I would give the edge of who I think is better right now to Aston Villa.
• 37:37
  SPEAKER_00: The problem is they played midweek and they're traveling to a tough place to go.
• 37:41
  SPEAKER_00: So it wouldn't surprise me at all.
• 37:43
  SPEAKER_00: I almost went for a Newcastle narrow victory, but I did go for a 2-2 draw instead.
• 37:47
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, okay.
• 37:48
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, it's a weird one.
• 37:50
  SPEAKER_01: It's definitely one that can go so many different ways.
• 37:54
  SPEAKER_00: Flipping down.
• 37:55
  SPEAKER_00: I will say also, Brandon, it is two of my very good friends, Jeff Jizesky and Joe Zweibel.
• 38:00
  SPEAKER_00: It's a Derby.
• 38:01
  SPEAKER_00: Jeff's a villa fan, Joe's a Newcastle fan, and I will be at Jeff's daughter's one-year-old birthday party while this is happening.
• 38:08
  SPEAKER_00: So I needless to say, Jeff, uh, I know you're listening.
• 38:11
  SPEAKER_00: Make sure a TV is sorted, please.
• 38:13
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, I mean I I know it's uh it's about the it's about the kids on the birthday, but it's also about me being a good podcast host.
• 38:21
  SPEAKER_00: So let's make sure that TV's sorted.
• 38:22
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you.
• 38:23
  SPEAKER_01: Do we do we question?
• 38:24
  SPEAKER_01: And I don't know your friend Jeff, so Jeff, I apologize if I'm calling you out, but do we question the timing of the party?
• 38:30
  SPEAKER_00: It's a good question.
• 38:31
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not sure.
• 38:32
  SPEAKER_00: I'll say this.
• 38:33
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not sure how much say Jeff had in the time of the party.
• 38:35
  SPEAKER_00: Fair enough.
• 38:35
  SPEAKER_00: Fair enough.
• 38:38
  SPEAKER_00: Jeff is a not a hostage because he's there to celebrate his daughter, but he's very much a passenger.
• 38:43
  SPEAKER_01: No, fair enough.
• 38:44
  SPEAKER_01: Jeff, I'm just messing with you.
• 38:46
  SPEAKER_01: I hope your daughter has a great, great birthday party.
• 38:48
  SPEAKER_01: Sean, flipping to Sunday.
• 38:51
  SPEAKER_01: This one is gonna be Brandon's game of the week.
• 38:54
  SPEAKER_01: And here we go.
• 38:56
  SPEAKER_00: Of course it is.
• 38:56
  SPEAKER_00: Here it is.
• 38:57
  SPEAKER_00: Here we go.
• 38:57
  SPEAKER_01: See, you think you think I'm going to flip the switch.
• 39:01
  SPEAKER_01: The 9 a.m.
• 39:02
  SPEAKER_01: game, we have Sunderland going to Bournemouth.
• 39:06
  SPEAKER_01: I'm taking Sunderland, Sean.
• 39:08
  SPEAKER_01: Love it, Brandon.
• 39:09
  SPEAKER_01: That a boy.
• 39:10
  SPEAKER_00: I I now now I'm concerned for my pick for Sunderland because they might spite you because of all the bad things you said about them.
• 39:16
  SPEAKER_00: So they might put up a fuss and say, oh, he picked us now, we're we're gonna lose.
• 39:20
  SPEAKER_00: But let tell me more why.
• 39:22
  SPEAKER_01: And no, fair enough.
• 39:23
  SPEAKER_01: And I understand it's a little bit of traitor behavior here, but Bournemouth without Alex Scott looks so lost.
• 39:30
  SPEAKER_01: They just look incredibly lost on the field.
• 39:32
  SPEAKER_01: I watched Sunderland's game last week, and I know they didn't have Brian Broby, and I think this is also pending Broby playing.
• 39:40
  SPEAKER_01: It seems as of the time of this recording that he's going to play.
• 39:44
  SPEAKER_01: He's not playing in their Europa League game on Thursday.
• 39:47
  SPEAKER_01: Sunderland and Bournemouth both have Europa League games this week.
• 39:50
  SPEAKER_01: So I do think with him back in the team for them, I think they can pull it out.
• 39:56
  SPEAKER_01: But on the other side, I mean Bournemouth still have Tavenier, Avanilsen, and I think they'll they'll do their part, but I know I'm hating on Sunderland and I've hated on Sunderland since we started this podcast, really.
• 40:10
  SPEAKER_01: But with Broby and Isidore and Angulo up front, I think they can make something happen.
• 40:16
  SPEAKER_01: I went two to one Sunderland, uh pulling out a victory on the road at Bournemouth.
• 40:21
  SPEAKER_00: I had the same prediction.
• 40:22
  SPEAKER_00: I went two-one Sunderland as well.
• 40:24
  SPEAKER_00: If Broby plays, I I had read the same thing as you.
• 40:28
  SPEAKER_00: I do think he will play.
• 40:30
  SPEAKER_00: I just think it could be scary times for Bournemouth if this one goes poorly.
• 40:35
  SPEAKER_00: And what I've seen so far, neither team's been great, certainly, but I just think Sunderland have a bit more about them at the moment.
• 40:42
  SPEAKER_00: So I I've edged it to them, but I could see this one truly going any direction.
• 40:46
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, yeah.
• 40:47
  SPEAKER_01: I know, again, like I know I don't have a lot of faith in Sunderland overall, but I do think they do just enough to pull out this win on the road.
• 40:58
  SPEAKER_01: I I was I I know they didn't look great necessarily against Brighton, but I saw bright spots, and I think they'll take advantage of that against a Bournemouth team that's really struggling right now.
• 41:09
  SPEAKER_01: Another game at 9 a.m.
• 41:11
  SPEAKER_01: So we have three 9 a.m.
• 41:13
  SPEAKER_01: games, which we could have moved one a little earlier, that would have been nice, but whatever.
• 41:19
  SPEAKER_01: Uh Brighton and Crystal Palace.
• 41:21
  SPEAKER_01: I'll let you I'll let you start with this one.
• 41:24
  SPEAKER_00: Uh ugly.
• 41:25
  SPEAKER_00: Ugly, ugly, ugly, ugly.
• 41:27
  SPEAKER_00: I think it's one three, four, nil Brighton.
• 41:31
  SPEAKER_00: I wow.
• 41:33
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know.
• 41:33
  SPEAKER_00: I could be wrong.
• 41:34
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe I'm buying uh this typical like chasing my own tail around reacting to last week, but I think Brighton are very good at scoring goals.
• 41:44
  SPEAKER_00: I think Palace are not a settled team yet.
• 41:47
  SPEAKER_00: I think it's a difficult place to go.
• 41:49
  SPEAKER_00: The Amex for Palace.
• 41:51
  SPEAKER_00: If this was home, I could see them fighting, putting up a good a good battle, but I don't see it in this one.
• 41:57
  SPEAKER_00: I think Brighton win this match by more than a goal, to say the least.
• 42:02
  SPEAKER_00: So I've gone three-nil.
• 42:03
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 42:04
  SPEAKER_01: You're actually more pro-Brighton than I am on this one.
• 42:09
  SPEAKER_01: And you know I love I love me some Brighton.
• 42:11
  SPEAKER_01: But I I went two to one.
• 42:13
  SPEAKER_01: Sean, I actually learned that this game is a derby.
• 42:16
  SPEAKER_01: Um, they call it the M23 Derby because of that's the highway.
• 42:20
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, the highway between the two teams.
• 42:22
  SPEAKER_01: They're only like an hour away.
• 42:23
  SPEAKER_01: But derby aside, uh, I'm still high on Brighton, and I do think they take care of Crystal Palace at the Amex, like you said.
• 42:31
  SPEAKER_01: Palace did just score three against Forrest last week, but I don't think Forrest's defense is nearly as good as Brighton's.
• 42:38
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, so I do think Brighton hold it off and win this one two to one.
• 42:43
  SPEAKER_01: But I don't I don't think it'll be as as ugly as you as you predicted, but I do still see Brighton coming away with three points.
• 42:52
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 42:52
  SPEAKER_00: So I think we're both, yeah, we're both pretty confident Brighton will win, just a little bit different in how they'll go about doing so.
• 43:02
  SPEAKER_01: Now three more games, Sean.
• 43:04
  SPEAKER_01: The last 9 a.m.
• 43:05
  SPEAKER_01: match on Sunday.
• 43:07
  SPEAKER_01: Leeds and Manchester United.
• 43:09
  SPEAKER_01: This one is interesting.
• 43:11
  SPEAKER_01: Another Darby.
• 43:12
  SPEAKER_01: Another Darby.
• 43:14
  SPEAKER_01: These two hate each other, Brandon.
• 43:16
  SPEAKER_01: I I've gone back and forth.
• 43:18
  SPEAKER_01: I've changed like I have edits here scratching out what I wrote and typed, but I'm gonna go United 1-0.
• 43:25
  SPEAKER_01: I I think this might be Carrick's final hurrah with them.
• 43:31
  SPEAKER_01: Maybe it's maybe not this final actual game with them, but last chance to kind of bring the team back together, and I think they do enough to score against Leeds.
• 43:39
  SPEAKER_01: Leeds offensively still hasn't really put it together for me.
• 43:45
  SPEAKER_01: I think James Trafford will stand on his head.
• 43:47
  SPEAKER_01: I'm very high on James Trafford.
• 43:49
  SPEAKER_01: I think he's gonna face a lot of shots, but I think he stands on his head.
• 43:52
  SPEAKER_01: I think you know, you just squeak one by him, and they end up going to Ellen Road and and stealing three points and taking it back to Manchester.
• 44:00
  SPEAKER_00: Interesting.
• 44:00
  SPEAKER_00: And also, I forgot about this.
• 44:02
  SPEAKER_00: You saying his name triggered something for me, but James Trafford had one last weekend that I think he could have done a better job on.
• 44:08
  SPEAKER_00: I didn't bring it up.
• 44:08
  SPEAKER_00: I should have brought it up because that's your guy.
• 44:10
  SPEAKER_00: But uh we're gonna need to see a little more, James, if you want to be England's number one.
• 44:19
  SPEAKER_00: Honestly, I was gonna pick a leads one-nil, but I think the Lisandro Martinez quotes kind of got me feeling, you know what, maybe it's the group's gonna be galvanized behind, and it's gonna be a players-led rebellion of sort against the board, something to unify the group, just get them all on the same page and playing with more passion and more purpose.
• 44:38
  SPEAKER_00: I haven't seen it yet from United, but I also am not super convinced that Leeds are one of these top eight clubs that just take care of business routinely.
• 44:46
  SPEAKER_00: So I do think United have more talent.
• 44:48
  SPEAKER_00: I think they have the better players, they'll have the best player on the pitch in this match.
• 44:51
  SPEAKER_00: Bruno is still gonna run the show.
• 44:53
  SPEAKER_00: I I don't think they'll be able to keep United scoreless throughout the whole match, and I think they'll be able to get one at home.
• 44:59
  SPEAKER_00: So I I've had the points shared, one-one for me.
• 45:02
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 45:02
  SPEAKER_01: No, that's that's fair.
• 45:03
  SPEAKER_01: I've put in my notes also that this is the game I have the least confidence in.
• 45:07
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm not sure if that's even true because I was very nervous about three or four of the ones before this.
• 45:13
  SPEAKER_01: Uh, but I do wonder though, Sean, is this a game where Leeds puts one in early and then it just flips the game?
• 45:21
  SPEAKER_01: And Leeds goes and gets two and three and four, and it's just a party.
• 45:25
  SPEAKER_00: I would love that.
• 45:26
  SPEAKER_00: I don't see it getting out of hand yet for Manchester United.
• 45:29
  SPEAKER_00: I still think, like you said, I think this is a good spot for Carrick to motivate the guys, sort of a rally and cry after the loss midweek, just get them back together, rowing in the right direction.
• 45:42
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not necessarily sure it'll pay off in the form of a win here, but a draw away from home would be a pretty positive result, all things considered.
• 45:50
  SPEAKER_00: And I think I could see that happening.
• 45:52
  SPEAKER_00: But it it is a point in the season where it could take a turn, like you said.
• 45:55
  SPEAKER_00: There's a chance where things do get out of control.
• 45:57
  SPEAKER_00: And if they lose this one, I mean if they were to lose 4-0 or something, yeah, he might be out of a job because uh this is a game with a lot of hatred, and you can't lose 4-0 to League United as Manchester United manager.
• 46:11
  SPEAKER_00: So it's a it's another fascinating game.
• 46:13
  SPEAKER_00: This weekend's full of fascinating games that are hard to predict.
• 46:16
  SPEAKER_01: Yes, yeah.
• 46:16
  SPEAKER_01: Making our job tough.
• 46:18
  SPEAKER_01: We're earning our earning our keep this week, Sean.
• 46:21
  SPEAKER_01: Two more for you.
• 46:22
  SPEAKER_01: The 1130 game on Sunday, Nottingham Forest hosting hosting Arsenal.
• 46:28
  SPEAKER_01: For me, this one I think was the most straightforward on paper.
• 46:31
  SPEAKER_01: Forest just hasn't looked good.
• 46:33
  SPEAKER_01: I think you used the word lost before, and I think they're just lost.
• 46:39
  SPEAKER_01: They haven't done anything particularly well.
• 46:41
  SPEAKER_01: And I thought their strength was really gonna be their center backs, but they haven't been great this year.
• 46:46
  SPEAKER_01: Arsenal's attack hasn't been great.
• 46:48
  SPEAKER_01: They've been finding ways to win, but it hasn't always been through their front three.
• 46:52
  SPEAKER_01: So I do think it'll be a tough match if the forwards aren't up for it, but I do think the quality of Arsenal just pushes them forward and and they get through.
• 46:59
  SPEAKER_01: And I put 3-0 as my prediction for this one.
• 47:02
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 47:03
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, we're we're different on this one, and uh it might be the optimistic forest believer in me that I was high on them to begin the season, and it might be the cynical Arsenal hater in me as well.
• 47:16
  SPEAKER_00: Speaking, I have Arsenal edging this one, but I do think it's gonna be really close.
• 47:20
  SPEAKER_00: I I said 2-1.
• 47:21
  SPEAKER_00: I think it's gonna be the four forest at home are a different beast than forest away from home, and I think it's a tough place to go.
• 47:28
  SPEAKER_00: I think the fans will be up for it, and I think we'll get a better defensive performance in this one.
• 47:33
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, certainly than we saw against Crystal Palace last weekend.
• 47:36
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know if that'll be enough, though, to get anything out of the game for Forest.
• 47:40
  SPEAKER_00: So I do think Arsenal find a way to edge it.
• 47:42
  SPEAKER_00: They just seem to be good at finding ways to win.
• 47:44
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe it's a set piece and then a scrappy goal elsewhere.
• 47:47
  SPEAKER_00: But so I don't predict a loss for Arsenal.
• 47:50
  SPEAKER_00: I hope it's a loss.
• 47:52
  SPEAKER_00: I could see a draw, but I will just be safe.
• 47:55
  SPEAKER_00: And it's better to just predict Arsenal to win, and then at least if they do, I got my prediction right.
• 48:00
  SPEAKER_00: So I'll go 2-1 Gooners.
• 48:02
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, and if they don't, it's it's good because Arsenal.
• 48:05
  SPEAKER_01: Oh, it's great, it's phenomenal.
• 48:06
  SPEAKER_01: I will hope to be wrong.
• 48:08
  SPEAKER_01: I will be so wrong.
• 48:10
  SPEAKER_01: No, definitely, definitely like that.
• 48:13
  SPEAKER_01: Now we gotta do it.
• 48:14
  SPEAKER_01: The last game, Monday afternoon, 3 p.m.
• 48:17
  SPEAKER_01: Eastern, our Tottenham Hotspur boys hosting Coventry City.
• 48:21
  SPEAKER_01: Now, Coventry, last week, they looked like prime Barcelona or something.
• 48:28
  SPEAKER_01: It was it was different the way they looked.
• 48:31
  SPEAKER_01: Do they carry that into the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sean?
• 48:34
  SPEAKER_00: No, that stadium's a fortress, Brandon.
• 48:36
  SPEAKER_00: We only win there.
• 48:37
  SPEAKER_00: No, we we in fact built it so we can't win.
• 48:40
  SPEAKER_00: I'll just say this.
• 48:41
  SPEAKER_00: We plan to record Monday night this week to recap all these games.
• 48:45
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 48:45
  SPEAKER_00: If it's a loss, I will be in unexcused absence.
• 48:48
  SPEAKER_00: You will be hitting you will be hitting my phone up asking when we can record, and I will not be answering.
• 48:53
  SPEAKER_00: So just listeners know that we're gonna take a midweek off.
• 48:57
  SPEAKER_00: There won't be a recap episode if this is a loss.
• 49:00
  SPEAKER_00: If it's a draw, it's 50-50 if you get one or not.
• 49:03
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 49:04
  SPEAKER_00: And maybe some of you are like, oh, good, we don't have to hear from this week.
• 49:07
  SPEAKER_00: That's the case.
• 49:08
  SPEAKER_00: No, I that's what I'm saying.
• 49:09
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm saying that because I'm very confident, Brandon.
• 49:12
  SPEAKER_00: It's a perfect spot for Spurs.
• 49:14
  SPEAKER_00: Our players spent the week training in Marbella.
• 49:18
  SPEAKER_00: Roberto said, Hey boys, we're gonna galvanize the group.
• 49:21
  SPEAKER_00: Come on to Marbella on me.
• 49:23
  SPEAKER_00: We're gonna have some training in the sun, get away from that fall in London.
• 49:28
  SPEAKER_00: We're gonna really unite the group, get together, learn about one another.
• 49:32
  SPEAKER_00: It it it sounded like a team retreat in the middle of the season.
• 49:36
  SPEAKER_00: It could go either way.
• 49:37
  SPEAKER_00: It could be a real problem.
• 49:38
  SPEAKER_00: The boys could be on the beers, the survey side.
• 49:40
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know.
• 49:41
  SPEAKER_00: I hope, I hope they locked in and figured some shit out in Marbella.
• 49:46
  SPEAKER_00: I'm choosing to believe that they did.
• 49:48
  SPEAKER_00: And I also think on the flip side, Coventry coming off that great result.
• 49:51
  SPEAKER_00: They're gonna come crashing back to reality.
• 49:54
  SPEAKER_00: I don't see them putting up another great result.
• 49:57
  SPEAKER_00: It is a little concerning that that Weasel lampards their manager and he's coming into Tottenham a place he makes jokes about how he always gets three points, and and it does have the potential to ruin my life, so that's why I'm concerned.
• 50:09
  SPEAKER_00: But I'm gonna go 3-1 Spurs.
• 50:11
  SPEAKER_01: Convincing.
• 50:12
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 50:13
  SPEAKER_01: First, I want to say Yeah, I apologize, listeners, if you have to listen to a solo episode with just me on Monday, but you'll you'll know why.
• 50:22
  SPEAKER_01: Uh also Marbella is actually where our Philadelphia Union boys do their preseason.
• 50:27
  SPEAKER_01: They've done the last two years there.
• 50:29
  SPEAKER_01: I don't know if that's good or bad because they went there this year.
• 50:32
  SPEAKER_00: Came out this season winning zero games in their first 22.
• 50:36
  SPEAKER_00: So I don't think it's great.
• 50:39
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, I don't know.
• 50:41
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, I stopped Stephen Gerard talking about this, and he's like, I'd be concerned about going to Mar Bay.
• 50:45
  SPEAKER_00: I could go two ways with the club.
• 50:46
  SPEAKER_00: I know what our boys are doing.
• 50:48
  SPEAKER_00: They're having a piss.
• 50:49
  SPEAKER_00: They're getting pissed up every night.
• 50:51
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know.
• 50:52
  SPEAKER_00: I actually I actually think it's a good thing to try to get some team chemistry and get everybody making sure they're putting their hands in, rowing in the same direction.
• 51:01
  SPEAKER_00: It just it's a weird one coming off the back of an international break in the middle of a week, just taking a trip to Marbella for training.
• 51:08
  SPEAKER_00: It it's weird.
• 51:09
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm choosing to believe it works.
• 51:11
  SPEAKER_00: Uh what about you?
• 51:12
  SPEAKER_01: Um yeah, I I am too, I guess.
• 51:15
  SPEAKER_01: I have to believe.
• 51:16
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, this is what in 2011, this is what I signed up for.
• 51:20
  SPEAKER_00: So whatever they do, we gotta we gotta follow.
• 51:24
  SPEAKER_00: It's friend on football.
• 51:25
  SPEAKER_00: Not friends, poor.
• 51:26
  SPEAKER_00: It'll be friend on football.
• 51:29
  SPEAKER_01: I I think no, I I do I I hate that this game is probably going to be way tighter than it needs to be.
• 51:34
  SPEAKER_01: I think if Spurs can score in their incredible starts, they've had these great starts, but just not able to actually put it in the net.
• 51:42
  SPEAKER_01: I think if they can get one through early, I think everyone takes that sigh of relief and they're back to playing normal football.
• 51:49
  SPEAKER_01: However, I don't know if they score that early goal.
• 51:52
  SPEAKER_01: And I'm afraid if they don't, it keeps Coventry in the game.
• 51:55
  SPEAKER_01: Your guy, Sadiqi Sheriff.
• 51:57
  SPEAKER_01: I mean, dude's a baller.
• 51:59
  SPEAKER_01: I he's in good form now, and it's like, of course.
• 52:02
  SPEAKER_01: But but I do think Tottenham do get their first win in the season.
• 52:06
  SPEAKER_01: I think they win two to one in a tight, tight thriller to close out match week seven, Sean.
• 52:11
  SPEAKER_01: Thank God, please.
• 52:13
  SPEAKER_00: And I agree, it's gonna be a fast start from Tottenham, like we've seen those those first 30.
• 52:18
  SPEAKER_00: Score five, just score five, you know, put it to bed.
• 52:21
  SPEAKER_00: Don't make me stress this one out.
• 52:23
  SPEAKER_00: I'm serious.
• 52:24
  SPEAKER_00: If this is a loss, Brandon, it's gonna be a really, really dark day, and you're gonna have a hard time getting me to press record.
• 52:29
  SPEAKER_01: Fair enough.
• 52:29
  SPEAKER_00: No.
• 52:30
  SPEAKER_01: I hey look, I understand it's not it's been it's been rough.
• 52:35
  SPEAKER_01: It's been rough this season.
• 52:37
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, yeah, it has.
• 52:38
  SPEAKER_00: But there are brighter days on ahead.
• 52:40
  SPEAKER_00: I'm choosing to believe.
• 52:41
  SPEAKER_00: So hopefully when we speak again after the weekend, we're we're in good spirit.
• 52:48
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, yeah.
• 52:49
  SPEAKER_01: Sean, one last thing I want to do before we close out.
• 52:52
  SPEAKER_01: This again came across my desk actually as we were recording.
• 52:55
  SPEAKER_01: I forgot to mention this to you before because I didn't realize it.
• 52:59
  SPEAKER_01: Our guy, Gilberto Mora, turned 18 today.
• 53:03
  SPEAKER_01: And for those that don't know, that's a big deal because now he is able to go to any European club that he wants.
• 53:10
  SPEAKER_01: And this player played for Mexico at the World Cup.
• 53:13
  SPEAKER_01: He's probably in the at least double digits in caps by now, he's the the guy from Mexico and is probably going to be the guy for the next 10 years for the Mexican national team.
• 53:26
  SPEAKER_01: He's got his list of suitors.
• 53:27
  SPEAKER_01: I've seen Barcelona, I've seen Madrid, I've seen Liverpool.
• 53:30
  SPEAKER_01: Any thoughts on where he should go, where you think maybe he fits?
• 53:35
  SPEAKER_01: You actually mentioned Florian Verts earlier struggling.
• 53:39
  SPEAKER_01: Could it be a way for Mora to take his talents up to Liverpool?
• 53:44
  SPEAKER_01: Maybe he breaks into the side.
• 53:46
  SPEAKER_01: I I'm interested if you've had any thoughts around this, as we've all sort of been waiting for him to turn 18.
• 53:54
  SPEAKER_01: I did see also that his agent basically said, look, the window's not open until January, so you'll hear these rumors, but nothing can happen until January.
• 54:03
  SPEAKER_01: But now that he's 18, he can, I guess, publicly commit to a team that he would eventually transfer to in January.
• 54:10
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, I don't think he should go to the Premier League.
• 54:13
  SPEAKER_00: I think that going from the Mexican League to the Premier League is a serious jump, and especially in terms of physicality, and he's kind of slight in his build, and he has some growing to do physically before he can play in the Prem for me.
• 54:28
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not saying he never will.
• 54:29
  SPEAKER_00: I think he will one day be good enough to do that, and he's good enough to contribute to some really good sides in Europe right now.
• 54:35
  SPEAKER_00: I would suggest to him, I'm not his advisor, his agent, I'm just a guy with a podcast.
• 54:40
  SPEAKER_00: I think he should go to a club where he's going to play.
• 54:43
  SPEAKER_00: That's the most important thing.
• 54:45
  SPEAKER_00: And that physically he fits in.
• 54:47
  SPEAKER_00: So I would recommend the La Liga, Serie A, something where maybe it's a half a beat slower than the Prem and less physical, but the technical quality quality is able to shine through.
• 54:59
  SPEAKER_00: So I think there's several options in Europe.
• 55:01
  SPEAKER_00: I would, even the French league, go to a club where you're going to get minutes and develop.
• 55:05
  SPEAKER_00: You can still have a big move and play for one of these dream clubs, but the best way to do that is sometimes to take a little bit of a stepping stone in your journey.
• 55:14
  SPEAKER_00: And maybe it's the case where you sign with a Barcelona or a Real Madrid and then get loaned out.
• 55:19
  SPEAKER_00: And they have a plan for you that way.
• 55:21
  SPEAKER_00: But I think the next football he plays outside of the Mexican League should be at a place where it's not zero to a hundred.
• 55:27
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 55:28
  SPEAKER_00: And it's not to put down the Mexican League, but overall the level of quality there doesn't stack up to those leagues in Europe.
• 55:33
  SPEAKER_00: And I think sometimes biting off more than you can chew actually sets you back more so than it does elevate your career.
• 55:40
  SPEAKER_00: So I think everything in doses, and I think just a little step up in competition would go a long way.
• 55:48
  SPEAKER_01: Okay.
• 55:48
  SPEAKER_01: No, I I I like that thought from you.
• 55:50
  SPEAKER_01: I do wonder, he's 18.
• 55:53
  SPEAKER_01: He's never seen this many digits on a contract before.
• 55:56
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 55:56
  SPEAKER_01: I would guess it's probably gonna be what more of the later ladder of what you said, where it is going to a Barcelona, Madrid, a Liverpool, and then maybe getting loaned out to either a sister club or another club in one of these leagues.
• 56:08
  SPEAKER_01: I just can't see him signing a deal with I don't know, Hanover.
• 56:14
  SPEAKER_01: That's just it's it's not sexy.
• 56:15
  SPEAKER_01: And for sure.
• 56:16
  SPEAKER_01: It's not gonna be maybe it's probably not gonna be what he's as advised to do because those agent uh commissions are gonna be a little bit smaller at Hanover than they are at Barcelona.
• 56:26
  SPEAKER_01: So but I do agree with you.
• 56:28
  SPEAKER_01: It doesn't have to be the big move right away.
• 56:32
  SPEAKER_01: We I mean we we've talked about it with Kevin Sullivan going to Manchester City, and of course that's all kind of up in the air now with the allegations, but I don't think either of us expect him to go to City a year from now and just pop into the team.
• 56:44
  SPEAKER_01: Um realistically, he'll probably have to go somewhere else and and develop a little bit further.
• 56:49
  SPEAKER_01: So probably it's similar for Mora, but I was interested to see just what you thought because I I just realized today he is his 18th birthday, so I think a lot of those conversations are really going to heat up in the next few weeks.
• 57:00
  SPEAKER_00: I'm glad you brought it up because it is an interesting topic, and I'm sure it'll be one that's closely monitored by everybody who cares about football.
• 57:07
  SPEAKER_00: So I'll be fascinated to see where he goes, and ultimately it'll depend if he goes to one of those massive clubs.
• 57:14
  SPEAKER_00: Is there a plan for him to break through and play in the first team, or is it to go on loan and try to develop in that way?
• 57:19
  SPEAKER_00: It's also an awkward time because he's joining in January.
• 57:22
  SPEAKER_00: So that buying and loaning is weird because I'm not sure you're I'm not sure how many squads in Europe you're able to break into mid-season.
• 57:29
  SPEAKER_00: It has to be a really perfect situation because a lot of teams are settled at that point.
• 57:33
  SPEAKER_00: And unless it's a team desperately crying out for someone in his position, it's hard to just sign you in January, you get in the door by the end of January and slot in by mid-February when there's only a few months left in the season.
• 57:44
  SPEAKER_00: So it's it's fascinating to monitor.
• 57:46
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe it's a situation where he goes and signs somewhere and he his plan is to just train in Barcelona.
• 57:52
  SPEAKER_00: And he maybe gets a few cup minutes or something to start his campaign there, and then next season is where he plans to either get that loan or get some regular first team minutes.
• 58:02
  SPEAKER_00: But it it's a situation to monitor for sure.
• 58:05
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm glad you brought it to our attention.
• 58:07
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, yeah, no worries.
• 58:09
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, I'm I'm definitely intrigued to see where he goes.
• 58:12
  SPEAKER_01: He's seen him obviously with the national team a few times.
• 58:14
  SPEAKER_01: I have not watched much of him playing uh with his club team, but clearly a special, special player, and you only want to see the best.
• 58:21
  SPEAKER_01: We've seen so many European moves get ruined with guys just making the wrong decision at the wrong time.
• 58:28
  SPEAKER_01: And I think you did bring up an interesting point, Sean, with it being a January transfer rather than your classic August beginning of season transfer.
• 58:37
  SPEAKER_01: So uh a lot to come with that.
• 58:39
  SPEAKER_01: We'll definitely keep our eyes on that.
• 58:40
  SPEAKER_01: Anything else you want to add before we close out here, Sean?
• 58:44
  SPEAKER_00: I've just got a couple games to watch this weekend outside of the Prem.
• 58:47
  SPEAKER_00: I'll go through them quickly.
• 58:48
  SPEAKER_00: In Spain, we've touched on these teams.
• 58:50
  SPEAKER_00: I try to keep up to date each week on Atletico.
• 58:54
  SPEAKER_00: They travel to Barcelona, but not to face Barcelona.
• 58:57
  SPEAKER_00: They take on Espanyol, who are Barcelona's crosstown rivals.
• 59:00
  SPEAKER_00: So that's a very winnable match for Atletico as they try to keep pace.
• 59:04
  SPEAKER_00: Barcelona head to Sevilla for a meeting with Real Betis.
• 59:08
  SPEAKER_00: Both teams coming off of Champions League games on Wednesday.
• 59:10
  SPEAKER_00: Bit of a trap spot for Barcelona at a place where Madrid already stumbled.
• 59:15
  SPEAKER_00: So that'll be an interesting game, I think.
• 59:18
  SPEAKER_00: I'm gonna promise some goals in that one.
• 59:19
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 59:20
  SPEAKER_00: I think we'll see some goals.
• 59:22
  SPEAKER_00: And on Sunday, Madrid hosts Sevilla, who has had a strong start to the campaign.
• 59:26
  SPEAKER_00: So Jose's men find a way to beat Roma midweek.
• 59:31
  SPEAKER_00: They'll try to get themselves back into that La Liga title race this weekend.
• 59:36
  SPEAKER_00: In Italy, we have a nice lineup of games on Sunday in Syria.
• 59:40
  SPEAKER_00: Fiorentina hosts Como in a battle of two elite Argentinian youngsters.
• 59:44
  SPEAKER_00: So Messi retires from the national team.
• 59:47
  SPEAKER_00: People are looking for the next Messi.
• 59:48
  SPEAKER_00: Listen, there is no next Messi.
• 59:50
  SPEAKER_00: If anything, it might be a little mini-maul.
• 59:52
  SPEAKER_00: He's not Argentinian.
• 59:53
  SPEAKER_00: But there are two elite, elite young players for each club in this match.
• 59:59
  SPEAKER_00: Franco Mastantuono, he is on loan in Florence from Real Madrid.
• 1:00:04
  SPEAKER_00: He's a baller.
• 1:00:06
  SPEAKER_00: He is very fun to watch.
• 1:00:07
  SPEAKER_00: He'll play on the right side.
• 1:00:08
  SPEAKER_00: He loves to come in off the left or onto his left foot and bag some goals.
• 1:00:12
  SPEAKER_00: And then for Como, Nico Paz, he comes from Real Madrid as well.
• 1:00:17
  SPEAKER_00: And he is an attacking midfielder who oozes quality.
• 1:00:21
  SPEAKER_00: Very fun to watch.
• 1:00:22
  SPEAKER_00: So those two going the head-to-head is a good one.
• 1:00:25
  SPEAKER_00: Also, Milan hosts Atalanta at noon, where they have yet to lose this season, Milan.
• 1:00:32
  SPEAKER_00: They are undefeated, but they have drawn three times.
• 1:00:34
  SPEAKER_00: So Ruben Ammarim's men a decent start to the campaign, but they need to just continue to win matches and not draw points in them.
• 1:00:41
  SPEAKER_00: So that one's out that one's fascinating.
• 1:00:43
  SPEAKER_00: And then the biggest game this weekend in Serie A, Juventus, who sits in sixth place.
• 1:00:47
  SPEAKER_00: They host Lazio, who sit in second place.
• 1:00:51
  SPEAKER_00: At 245 on Sunday, it's a big, big spot for Juventus and our guy Weston McKenney, who desperately need a win of this caliber to kind of get their campaign out of neutral.
• 1:01:02
  SPEAKER_00: They've been pretty poor to below average so far to start this season.
• 1:01:06
  SPEAKER_00: They need a win like this to get the ball rolling.
• 1:01:09
  SPEAKER_00: And I think they'll find a way to get this job done, even though Lazio have been impressive to start the year.
• 1:01:14
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you.
• 1:01:15
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you for that.
• 1:01:16
  SPEAKER_01: I like hearing about these other clubs, especially now that we also have the crossover with the English clubs, with Champions League, Europa League, Conference League as well.
• 1:01:24
  SPEAKER_01: So uh definitely appreciate your thoughts on that one.
• 1:01:26
  SPEAKER_01: At the time of this recording, Sean, all of the MLS midweek games are going on, so I have no update there.
• 1:01:32
  SPEAKER_01: But definitely we'll in our next episode, hopefully Monday night we'll record, we'll see.
• 1:01:38
  SPEAKER_01: Update on the Wednesday results and then any big MLS results from the weekend as well.
• 1:01:42
  SPEAKER_01: As the games are really coming thick and fast, and the season is really on its last legs.
• 1:01:48
  SPEAKER_01: So uh more to come from the MLS, and hopefully we'll have some clear playoff pictures because it's it's tight, and it's one of those where the team in fourth could end up not making the playoffs if they drop a bunch of games, and the team in twelfth uh could end up making it if they if they get hot at the right time.
• 1:02:05
  SPEAKER_01: So all over the place in MLS, but more to come, more to come from that league as well.
• 1:02:11
  SPEAKER_01: Sean, thank you as always.
• 1:02:13
  SPEAKER_01: Learned a lot.
• 1:02:15
  SPEAKER_01: Hoping we get a recording on Monday night.
• 1:02:17
  SPEAKER_01: I I don't want to have to blow up your phone.
• 1:02:19
  SPEAKER_01: I think I think we can do it.
• 1:02:21
  SPEAKER_01: I think Spurs will take care of business, but if not, listeners, you understand it may be a solo episode, so I'll do my best to get Sean on the pod, but otherwise it might just be me and the mic.
• 1:02:32
  SPEAKER_00: No, Brandon, I'm sure I'll be here.
• 1:02:34
  SPEAKER_00: I'm sure I'll be here.
• 1:02:35
  SPEAKER_00: I I wouldn't I wouldn't be in on excuse absence.
• 1:02:38
  SPEAKER_00: I will threaten it from time to time, but I I'll show up and put my hand up when I have to.
• 1:02:42
  SPEAKER_00: Uh appreciate you hosting.
• 1:02:43
  SPEAKER_00: I thought this was another fun episode.
• 1:02:45
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, no, definitely a good time.
• 1:02:47
  SPEAKER_01: Listeners, we appreciate the support as always.
• 1:02:51
  SPEAKER_01: Fantasy Premier League, get your teams updated, make some trades, make some moods, moves.
• 1:02:57
  SPEAKER_01: What are they called?
• 1:02:58
  SPEAKER_01: The the power-ups?
• 1:02:59
  SPEAKER_01: The uh oh yeah, there, yeah, there's all sorts of different add those if you want.
• 1:03:03
  SPEAKER_01: Have a little fun in there.
• 1:03:05
  SPEAKER_00: Take a risk.
• 1:03:06
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, if you want to bring that up, Brandon.
• 1:03:08
  SPEAKER_00: Just an absolute flyer again off the international break from from It's Always Sunny.
• 1:03:12
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, just I I think I I think I once again led the league in points.
• 1:03:17
  SPEAKER_00: It's really and I've moved up to first place, is what I have done.
• 1:03:19
  SPEAKER_01: So this guy.
• 1:03:21
  SPEAKER_00: It was an 80-point week.
• 1:03:22
  SPEAKER_00: The average was around 45-50.
• 1:03:24
  SPEAKER_00: 80 from your boy, see in first.
• 1:03:27
  SPEAKER_00: You're looking up now, everyone.
• 1:03:29
  SPEAKER_00: And it it's a powerful, powerful thing.
• 1:03:32
  SPEAKER_00: I'll make the necessary tweaks and continue the hot run this weekend.
• 1:03:35
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah, and I'm looking at it now, and my team dropped down, and your dad's actually ahead of me now in the league, so that's gotta be fixed.
• 1:03:43
  SPEAKER_01: Quickly.
• 1:03:45
  SPEAKER_01: He doesn't know a thing about ball.
• 1:03:47
  SPEAKER_01: Mr.
• 1:03:48
  SPEAKER_01: Boyle, great guy, but yeah, I can't be behind you in this league.
• 1:03:51
  SPEAKER_01: So I gotta work.
• 1:03:53
  SPEAKER_01: I'm hitting the lab tonight, Sean.
• 1:03:56
  SPEAKER_01: No, but listeners, thank you as always.
• 1:03:58
  SPEAKER_01: We appreciate the support.
• 1:03:59
  SPEAKER_01: Like and subscribe, tell a friend to tell a friend, and until next time, take care.