One game sticks out to me
headlines, Liverpool, Aston Villa, so many headlines for
them, and that one with the return of a certain former
Liverpool, Legend Steven Gerrard
coaching now, Aston, Villa, let's see what kind of
reception. He gets an Airfield. I'm sure it's going to be
a great one, Nick manto. Le what are your thoughts on Liverpool
against Aston Villa? Because
Villa could cause an upset but this does seem
Like Liverpool. I just add another level right now Gerard
or no Steven Gerrard.
It does. I'll say this. One of the things that's so annoying
about Steven Gerrard, is I think what's going to make him
a pretty darn good manager. Is he refuses to give you
the sound bite?
They asked him about going back to Liverpool right after
the last game is all, you know, and let me find. I've been there
before and it's just another game. Next one out for us since
like, oh, come on, man. Like
you're going back to Liverpool. You're the guy.
Perhaps the English footballer of the 21st century,
right? Like in terms of carrying gravitas and
then he punched a DJ or something. Like he had
everything, he was off the pitch. He was on the pitch. He
was commanding headlines. And so I kind of want like
there's part of me that hopes that this game goes off
and something happens on the touchline that turns him
into the focal point of.
Oh, do we not like him now? Because that would be fun, but
I think it's just going to be an incredible reception. It
would nice to see E, all I'm really hoping is be nice to see
him get emotional. You know, it would be nice to see him
because
I watch a lot of Celtic Rangers and over there. And he did
a really good job of knowing the game was important in but
treating it like any other game. I just want to see that.
This is different for him and we know it is but I just want
to see that from a guy who could be so steely-eyed and
you'd be scared to be in a fight with them against him.
I should say or maybe if I'm right, and who knows what he'll
pull out.
I'm excited for this game just to see how
X
me to I my mind goes back to the last of a game that Gerard
played at anfield
against Crystal Palace
and he was emotional that day and that was an incredible
tribute to him for the Liverpool fans. They adore him,
Captain them to the Champions League
Glory. He obviously played a key role when there's so many
trophies is a, Boyhood Liverpool fan lived at his
dream captain in the club. He's a legend.
I'm sure one day, he'll be the manager at Liverpool. Maybe
even take over from you. Jurgen klopp and a few seasons, who
knows, but it will be really great to see his reaction
because I do think, like Nick said he's playing it down, but
when push comes
to shove and he walks out at anfield, on Saturday, as Aston
Villa manager, it's going to be tough for him to control those
emotions because he does lose it on the sidelines. In a good
way when his team scores or something goes on,
he celebrates wildly,
but it's going to be so conflicted for him against
the club. That is all he's ever known really but fair play to
ever go into Glasgow. Just becoming a great coach. They're
having a very good style. Aston Villa three wins on the first
four games. And yeah, let's see where it plays out. Andy. What
do you think about this game? Because I can see Liverpool
come flying out of traps, maybe going a couple of goals ahead.
But then Villa have been really good in
the second half of games. They've fought back. They've
had a lot of good comeback, scored a lot of goals in
the second half since Gerard came in and gave Man. City a pretty
good run in the second half as well. Didn't they? So we can we
see something like that
happen in the Airfield at the weekend.
This Aston Villa team has to Tough to beat. They might not
win this game on the weekend at anfield, but they are very
difficult to play against their very difficult to break down.
And I think that's been the most impressive impressive
thing about Gerard coming in
and just the handful of games that he's had is
he is completely remade that defense and he's done it by
changing the shape just a little bit. He's got real
actual protection there, in front of the center backs. He's
got full backs that like to get forward, but they're a lot more
defensively responsible than I
think they were under Dean Smith and I think ultimately
he
The phrase that Nick used earlier talking about
Manchester United and so Shire was, you know, not great
coaches. They find something that works and they stop
looking for the next thing that will work and they just stick
with
that. It felt kind of like Dean Smith. It felt Fallen almost
into a rut with Aston Villa and maybe that's the explanation
for why that change needs to be made? Because it was obviously
the right choice to bring in Gerard. He has.
He has that. Gravitas that Nick was talking about. He has
a demeanor about him and just I think an understanding of
the occasion
that a lot of managers. Maybe don't have, and I'm struggling
to understand why
Gerard does. Maybe it's because he's so soon out of his playing
days. And so he still feels a real attachment in connection
to that. Whereas anybody that's, you know, over 45 or 50
years old, is so far removed that it all becomes
part of, just the endless, The NeverEnding cycle that they're
a part of as a manager. And so he just has this perspective in
this energy about him, that he comes in. He means business.
His team means business as well, and they've really taken
on his personality. And I think that's
one of the most interesting.
That happens in sports, is
a group of players can identify
with a coach with somebody that's in charge and really
take on the characteristics of them play the way that they
want to play the way that he did as well. There's there's
a lot of freedom within that team. So
they're a good team. They're going to be really good.
I think under Steven Gerrard in 12 to 18 months time, assuming
that he's still there, but I don't think this weekend. It's
probably a little bit too soon to say
maybe they can go upset. The likes of a Liverpool,
I think so as well, but would be a great.
Test to see how far they've come his tactical
now see as well to maybe changing game and try and
change things up. But I love what you said there. Andy, I
really think that he has
inspired this Aston Villa Group. They are a very talented
group of players, but when they look up and they see Steven
Gerrard's in the dressing room and I think about him as
a player
what he's already done as a coach. How do you not be
inspired by that? Because he looks like a man in a rush.
He's not there to mess around with anything when you were
playing now, when he's coaching.
He's all business and he's there to help you if you want
to be helped, but you're either
with him or about him. That's very clear. And there's a lot
if you look at all the great managers, it's very simple.
They keep things, very simple for players either do this or
you don't play. And that's why I think one day,
if not very soon. He's going to be live for manager. He's
already worked under cloth and the youth teams there. And some
coaching at Liverpool. He'll always be welcome back there.
So, yeah, I just love his personality, as you said
as
an Englishman, dad. Grew up when he was in his prime
watching him week in week out and the Premier League
is you couldn't help but be inspired by seeing what he did.
And now he's doing that as a coach.
It's incredible to see.
Yeah. I'm counting, the players tear down the squad, nearly
a dozen of them. That would have grown up in the UK and in
England. And I don't know if I would've said this in previous
week's
they grew up probably idolizing Steven Gerrard because of
the player that he was Nick made the case, perfectly there,
the chance to play for him
has to be The most inspiring thing. They're probably texting
their friends
when Jared gets hired. Wow, the new manager and the first day,
and how was it? Just it just means something different to
them. I think, than what we
saw in the first couple Seasons since Aston Villa have been
back in the Premier League. They look so real energized.
And I think that's, that's probably the best word because
I've watched a lot of Aston Villa this season and
the change from the first few weeks to
these last few weeks, has been so noticeable.
Don't think the equivalent, maybe
Patrick Vieira
like a palace. Yeah, exactly to be said for that. Yeah,
exactly. Exactly. But the US for an equivalent Tom Brady
coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars or something like that
and those players just being
inspired to be around him
that, you know, something in trade. Nick doesn't realize
that comparison. All right. We'll move on. No. I don't know
what.
I want to throw this out there because I was thinking about
all the examples have not worked out Larry Bird. Michael
Jordan, Wayne Gretzky have not been able to transmit their
ideas
of what made them great to other players in that makes
this even more special. If it works out. Derived
definitely the Liverpool. They're obviously, very special
won six out of six in the Champions League group. Stage
found the way against wolves, to just grinding out wins at
the moment. And just using a lot of players, which I really
like. Now. They only have a couple of players out missing
for this game.
Obviously, Kurdish Jones,
Harvey Elliot out, Roberto firmino, but apart from that,
they're pretty much back to full strength. So I love
the way that clop is bringing in divock origi, disk or late
winners and game-changing goals and
Alex oxlade-chamberlain.
Chamberlain's having
a lot of minutes at the moment in Midfield,
likes a simmer cast and
Nicole Williams as well. Just playing really well
and cannot he's coming in to get Matty Paul Van Dyk, a bit
of a rest. So I really like the way live for managing it. Let's
see how they can manage it this weekend because it's going to
be a very special
atmosphere at. Anfield is Steven Gerrard, takes his Aston
Villa team back to Liverpool. It's going to be really
exciting like really looking forward to that one.
Folks on the some other games. I'm really excited and looking
forward to going to Stamford Bridge to Chelsea against
Leeds. I'll be there for that game. That's a sneaky good game
because
Chelsea all of a sudden are leaking a lot of goals leads
look like their old selves. Again. I'd say we're,
especially with rafinha, pulling the strings and
Patrick, Bamford back and scoring.
What do we think about this game? Because I'm looking at
this on paper and thinking, this could be 5 3 or 4 all. And
a few weeks ago. I wouldn't have said that about Chelsea,
but
Edouard Mindy making mistakes,
Eugenia making mistakes. Chelsea looking a bit.
Defensive all over the place and some of their key attacking
players aren't up to speed yet. So Andy, you wanna jump in here
and try and predict something that's going to happen. Chelsea
leads because I think all hell could break
loose at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.
Yeah, I would agree with that. I think leads
coming into an increasingly desperate situation
at this point. I know that they've gotten a couple wins in
recent weeks, but it doesn't have that same feel that they
did last year. It doesn't feel like everybody's pulling in
the same direction and I really question if there are some
there. Broken relationships inside of leaves at the moment,
and if
a matchup against Chelsea
could ultimately be the thing that breaks, you know,
the straw, that breaks the camel's back, and we start to see some
actual real questions about Marcelo bielsa. And whether or
not he survives the rest of these and as
their manager
Is an incredible point. I did not think about that to be
perfectly honest, because he's such a hero at Leeds United,
but you're right. I mean, they're hovering just above
the relegation Zone. It's getting really tight
towards the bottom of the table. So
when the busy festive period is done and dusted,
we'll find out a lot more
about where each team is at
and what the rest of the season is going to look like talking
about that Nick Mandola, Arsenal, against Southampton,
both those things are pretty desperate after recent results.
That didn't go their way.
What are you looking for? In this case? I think, I'll All
particular, they need a big bounce back when after those
defeat to Manchester United and Everton, write all the numbers
tell us, we should think Southampton, might be able to
get something here, but they're not
finishing their chances as much as they should. In. The one
thing that popped out to me, when I saw that, I'd be talking
about this game was open place. So, here's just a number for
you Saints fans out there wherever you are
open Play. 146 shots taken 138 shots, against
the expected goals
is dead. Even to the
France is Saints aren't scoring them
seven goals below
what they're expected to produce. So if they get this is
shows you how important Danny ings was right. If they can get
firing, if they can get someone to catch a hot hand. They might
already be in the top half and looked at as a darling because
I do think they're a pretty complete team. And
I say this from a neutral perspective. It's surprising
that we see them where they are on the table.
So, let's see if they can continue to produce chances in
open play, but actually finishing them because we know
Arsenal, And Bouquet Osaka
isn't that as clinical best right now, but I feel like half
the game is him with the ball inside the 18 because he is
just finding himself in space way more
than a kid his age should and he still so exciting to watch
he is and I think this game is going to be exciting to watch.
If you're an Arsenal fan, Romeo's out, suspended Silas.
Ooze out suspended for Southampton, probably had two
best players and most consistent players this season.
And yeah, they just been coughing up.
A lot of points since Ralph has and who has been in charge. And
it's three
years ago this week that he did arrive at Southampton, which is
crazy to think about. They've actually
71 points from winning positions. They've lost. And
that is much more than any other team in the Premier
League during that span. So it shows you
the really good at going ahead and games, but not good at
managing the situation, and I did that twice against
Leicester. They went ahead last week, ended up drawing 2-2 and
then against bright and
one Neil up against 10-man, bro.
You had some injury issues
98-minute letting it
just can see the silly go again. So they're really
frustrating team. Nick said there though. They create a lot
of chances. They need someone to put them away.
And for Arsenal. I'm looking at a Bama Yang.
I think he needs to start firing, or they need to start
moving on from him and seriously plan for January, or
the summer to look elsewhere for their Star Striker, because
lacazette as well
experienced players, but
there's great young Talent around him. And I just
Don't think Arsenal putting away the chances they need to
to see off a lot of the teams that they should be. This
secret Pepe, free pepper. Yeah,
exactly. You kind of forget about him, right Martinelli's
there Smith Rose sacca great talent in the attack and areas,
but they need more opportunities. Some of those
guys, Andy Manchester City against wolves,
what we're looking for, in this game.
This is a tough run for wolves
with. In four games. They will have played Liverpool,
Manchester City,
Chelsea. I think they sneak Right
in there somewhere in between. But while it could not be
a rougher time. I'm like this wolves team. They've grown
a lot over the season, Bruno Lodge came in with a fairly
difficult job on his hands. There were some good pieces
still there from new, no Espirito Santo,
but there was a lot of turnover that needed to happen and
I think given the way that their transfers have been
orchestrated a lot by agents over the last few years. There
were a lot of players that were ready to move on. And so it was
going to be a change and he's done a pretty good job. I think
of
keeping a similar identity to what they had before they're
very defensive. Lovely sound and they're tough to play
against they're just not offering quite as much. Going
forward Adama. Try or he's not having the season that
he did the last year
Raul Jimenez is coming back slowly into form. But again,
the chances are just not there in the quantity that he needs
and so it's tough to look past Manchester City, having 75% of
possession. Again
having 25 shots. Again, 11 of them on Target and Bernardo Silva
scoring a couple more, just incredible goals and this
Manchester City team has been unplayable for about a month
now. Instead lost Crystal Palace.
They've only conceded a couple goals. They just they look like
they're playing a different sport at times against these
Premier League teams who are also quite good at the game of
football. And so it's just it almost doesn't feel fair
and they get Kevin De. Bruyne it a comeback in
back from covid-19 over the next few weeks to ease him.
It's just it's unfair. It's I'm beginning to question my
Chelsea pick for the first time this season and it's Manchester
City, not Liverpool. This making me do it.
Yeah, I'm with you as well. We texted the weekend, didn't we
were immense. It will rip it apart wall. But then you just
said this isn't fair. This is
this is unfair to the other teams in the Premier Li they
are that goodness. So many great players who are on form
at the same time and whenever they come in and out the team
they just deliver, which is exactly what Pep Guardiola
wants. So
yeah, good luck walls at the weekend. They have
upset Man City in the past, but I feel like this might be
a step too far this season and this weekend. Okay. So all
the games to keep an eye on this weekend, Norwich City against
Just United the canaries, Dean Smith. They're fairly new
managers done. Okay,
I care a road. They host Manchester United Ralph, rang
excite a very good start. I think it's going to be close to
the most people think, but think, man, you're not. It will
get the job done. Maybe look for a second half surge. Maybe
another Fred
one to go. Who knows Leicester city against Newcastle United?
Nick Mondo. I could see an upset win here
for Newcastle United.
I actually could
obviously they won last last time out against Burnley. A big
big win. Give them a lot of confidence and momentum and
they fared pretty well against Leicester in recent Seasons,
especially on the road
and Lester are struggling, defensively all over the place
from set pieces. One, the worst set-piece defensive teams in
the league. I'm just saying
the odds are in the magpies favors
and then we move swiftly on Crystal Palace against Everton.
That's a game as well. We're both teams will be desperate.
Everton to build off that big win against Arsenal Palace and
playing well, but all of a sudden, there's a tab. A dip in
results but
I still been playing pretty good. Nothing. That's going to
be a good game down at selhurst Park. Remember you could check
out all the latest previews team news how to watch
information
for all of these Premier League games
over a pro soccer. Talk
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all of them will give you analysis reaction, our
thoughts. I don't think going on and that is absolutely
appointment. Reading. Of course, just like
when we come here on screen and chat with everyone.
Okay, gents that doesn't surprise.
Soccer talk this week. Thanks so much for joining me. As
always. Thanks everyone for watching, and we'll speak to
you all very soon. Indeed. Enjoy the Premier League games
this weekend. Cheers everyone.