The Preview: Wrexham vs Chelsea

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The Athletic FC

Welcome to the preview from the Athletic FC where this week,

we're getting you set for the weekend's FA Cup action,

not least Chelsea's trip to High Flying Rexon.

Now rotation always do your good for the cups and in that vein,

we bring you a couple of preview debutants.

Richard Sutcliffe is the Athletics expert in all things Rexon.

Hi Richard.

Anna.

And also we've got my EFL sparring partner handbrake off

and totally show regular Adrian Clark on board.

Adrian Clarkie.

Yeah, hello Matt.

Yeah, this is exciting, isn't it?

Yeah, new show.

Love it.

Yeah, particularly with what we're going to start with,

before we get to the FA Cup action,

we're going to talk Tudor's Tottenham turbulence.

So Spurs lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday evening

and they had their captain sent off for good measure.

Two, Adrian Eagle Tudor's lost his first three games in charge.

No wins in 2026.

More in discipline from a senior pro,

one point above the relegation zone.

As an arstile man, you must be full of sympathy.

It's going swimmingly, isn't it?

Down at Spurs.

I mean, it must be seriously alarming for Tottenham hot spur fans

on the moon.

We saw the images of some of the supporters last night

and you get a flavoured in you of the mood.

What a disastrous start.

It's been for Eagle Tudor wild fluctuations

in terms of the tactics and the formations

and also the personnel, some of the defending has been abysmal.

So they're banging trouble.

It's as simple as that and they've got some pretty tricky

fixtures to come.

Yeah, they've got Champions League in midweek away.

That's kind of a dread then.

Liverpool away forest at home in the Premier League.

What do you reckon, Richard?

Could they actually go down?

I'd never thought so.

You know, I know we have a lot of Tottenham fans

on the firm as they say at work and the kid been telling me

for weeks, oh, yeah, we're definitely going down,

definitely going down.

And I'm just like, I don't know for you are.

You know, I'm saying this is a lead spot as well.

And we haven't been mentioned in the last few weeks

in terms of who might go down.

It's always been West Ham, Forest or Tottenham.

I'm thinking, I think it's leads or forests.

And I've thought that for ages.

And then last night happens, you know, I was watching it.

I thought pallets were going in front.

Great, happy days.

And obviously Tottenham do.

And you're like, oh, yeah, this is where they start moving out of trouble.

Actually, great, you know, great work for the goal.

And then they absolutely collapsed.

I still think they'll get out because

like West Ham, they've got players who can win

two or three games on their own.

And that's sometimes all you need at this stage of a season,

you know, just win something, you know,

like Jared Bowen will keep West Ham up.

I'm certain of that.

Absolutely certain.

But longer this goes on.

And obviously the fans are having the manager

and don't look like the players are.

So, you know, fingers crossed.

Might have a big boy down in the championship next season,

which, you know, I've so I've not got the

the, the dog in the fire.

That's the Adrian us, but it's not lead.

I'm happy.

I don't want them to go down.

I, you know, this is, this is a guaranteed six points

every single season.

So, you know, it'd be really disappointing.

Well, if you stay up, you set six points off of us anyway.

So it's just a straight one.

Sorry to any spurs fans listening.

If you're looking for a measured tape,

you've got an Arsenal fan, a lead fan and a forest fan.

So yeah, unlucky head to the athletic

to read Jay Harris's post match day section instead, maybe.

All right, we'll park the Premier League there

and next we'll get up for the cup.

So, Ryan Reynolds and the artist formerly known as Rob McElhenney's

Rexon. Welcome Chelsea on Saturday evening.

McElhenney now known formally and informally as Rob Mc.

Richard was the mood in North Wales ahead of this one then.

Presumably at least one of their Hollywood stars

will be in attendance on Saturday,

possibly with another A-lister at their side to

maximise visibility.

Yeah, I'd imagine both of them will be there.

We'll never really find out until the day.

You know, this is the hottest to keep going.

You know, everyone wants to be there.

And the owners will be no different.

The FA cups in the DNA really, you know,

I've thought for a while a few weeks that it could harm the promotion.

You know, I've been admissible also and could harm the promotion push.

But he speaks to anyone in Rexon.

And the cups been so important some in the past.

Until Rob and Ryan came along,

it was the only time anyone paid Rexon any attention.

You know, when the beat, sorry, Adrian Arsenal,

or the beat, you know, Middlesbrough with Gazzar and Janinio,

or West Ham and Harry Reynolds.

Harry Reynolds.

Harry Rednut was in charge.

It was the only time people paid any attention

before then, the spotlight moved on.

So the cup's massively important.

Obviously, the league is as well.

And if you go into the Premier League,

it's the land of milk and honey financially.

But, you know, this is it.

This is huge.

You know, the first, first genuine big tie,

big glamour tie of the of the Mac and Reynolds era.

And everyone's very very excited.

So you've written about how it's not just

Phil Parkinson and his team getting ready for this tie.

So it's a big night too.

For the welcome to Rex and documentary.

So big that they've decided to shadow a certain

Rex and Correspondent for this one.

Indeed, yeah.

So, you know, although it's March and what's the end of the season now

and the run out of people to speak to, I'm not sure.

But yes, I'll be I'll have an accompaniment of a couple

of the crew tomorrow.

Just for a short time, join the day.

And getting an insight into what the life of a reporter is like,

which I think people think is a lot more glamorous than it really is.

But people will possibly find out when the show comes out.

And I'm, well, I might be on the cutting room floor, who knows.

And, Clark, this is a decent time for this tie to comfort for Rex and,

isn't it?

They come to it in decent form in the playoff places.

And they've had a free week, which their opponents did not.

Yeah, and they're not used to having free weeks,

although in the championship.

Yeah, look, I've been really, really impressed by Rex and,

especially since Christmas,

they were nine of their 13 matches.

They're average in more than two goals a game.

You know, they've walloped.

So, she offered United five to the EEP switch five.

You know, they're free scoring.

Very, very exciting team.

And I think what's also helping Rex and at the moment,

is that they've got a large squad.

They've got a lot of depth on the bench.

And they've been able to rest and rotate and keep players fresh,

which a lot of the sort of championship promotion rivals maybe haven't.

It probably will help them in this game as well.

Because they've got a huge match,

haven't they against a whole city on Tuesday.

Now, I know that this is big.

And I know that they absolutely will give it their give it their raw.

That match also looms on the horizon.

So, he'll be looking at picking two different teams.

And trust me, it won't be much in it between the strength of those teams.

Because to my eyes anyway, the players on the bench

are very close in quality to the guys that are in the first choice, 11.

Adrian mentions that big game on Tuesday night, Richard.

Back to back to back promotions for them.

How likely do you think they are to repeat the trick

and make the final step this season?

If you'd have asked me, well, before Christmas,

I'd have said no chance really.

You know, that's settled in nicely.

I think there were 15th on going into Christmas.

Just got beaten by Swansea in a complete nothing game really.

But sort of, you know, the last minute goes.

Everyone's a little bit down.

That highest ever position is 15th.

So, I thought, well, if they've matched this for the rest of the season,

maybe go up a couple of rungs.

Great stuff, you know, they've set a new club high.

Something to build on for the next season.

But then from boxing day, you know, they've played

Sheffin Ityd, there were three two down.

But they've switched to this formation, which is basically it's a 3-4-2-1.

With two number 10s behind the loan from them now, which

it's not a massive tweak, but it's made them more attacking.

And it's played dividends, you know, they've looked great.

You know, they're off days, obviously, since then.

But they've looked a really good top 16.

Whether they could actually go up after that, I'm not sure.

You know, again, it depends who comes down at the commentary.

You think of it away, I'm gone now again.

And I did, you know, I know they lost at the race cost.

You know, they look very good going forward.

Middlesbrough been transformed since the change of manager.

Again, I saw them early season.

Didn't think much on them at all in a one-old draw against Rexam

with the river side.

But I saw them at Sheffield Night at the other way.

Come the Monday night game and what, what a transformation.

They were superb that night.

But likewise, Ipswich, even though Ipswich,

will wall up to recently at the race cost and all over the place defensively.

They've still got so many good players, you know, people like Jack Clarke

has been on the bench a lot of the season.

You know, I'm remembering from Leeds is fantastic talent.

You know, one of the best in the championship.

And sometimes he can't get in.

So I'm making that final step might be difficult,

but just get into the top six.

It's got to be the aim at the moment and then take it from there.

What about Chelsea-wise, then, Adrian?

Back-to-back draws against Burnley and Leeds,

followed by Defeat against Arsenal.

But they bounced back nicely in midweek

with that four-one win at Villa Park.

And it felt like a massive result, right?

Because not only did it give their own hopes of boost,

they damaged Villas and they saw many United and Liverpool lose in the same week.

Yeah, they're looking good.

Yeah, look, I was impressed with them.

Even though they lost two Arsenal,

I thought that they, you know, put on a decent show in.

Also, are the only team that's beaten Liam Rossignia so far.

So I think he's doing a great job.

They've obviously got a striker in form,

but in general, I think the players have really bought in.

And they're in with a great shout now.

If you look around, you know, Liverpool struggling.

You know, how would they react to that loss?

The only downside for Chelsea at the moment is that lack of clean sheets.

They haven't had very many of them.

I think seven now, where they're in a row with a conceded goal.

So they've got to sort that out.

They can't keep relying on JRP drone,

cold parmetre to bail them out every single week.

But yet, they're in good nick.

And if you're to ask me in the here and now,

where I think they'll finish, I think maybe fourth.

All right, but they're going to rotate for this game.

Right? How big of an advantage is that going to be for the par keep?

I'll see given that Chelsea goes to Paris next week.

And you just assume that the Champions League is a bigger priority for them than the FA Cup.

Yeah, of course, they're going to retain.

And obviously that you would like to think that some of their bench players

will be stronger.

They did put out a very, a very good team against Hall City.

Sort of swatted them to one side.

What I would say is that I think Rexham will put up a better fight than Halded.

I think Phil Parkinson will play a stronger team.

Rexham have more attacking threats.

But I would fear for Rexham a little bit at the back.

Even in that forest game where they where they prevailed in the end,

was on penalties.

And they conceded 31 shots and forests.

You're a forest fan.

You know, you will say that the forest didn't really play very well in that game.

They still had 31 shots against Rexham.

So Chelsea will get a lot of opportunities to score in the game.

No matter who's playing, I'd imagine Cook Morello will be tuned up.

He's been out for a while.

He'll come in.

Maybe this is a time for the lack, I guess, to give you our Pedro.

A breather.

Pedro Netto will probably be back from suspension one in.

And he could be the difference maker.

He was in the last round against Hald because the big difference

between Premier League players and championship players is at often speed.

And Netto, as we know, it's absolutely rapid.

Obviously, Rexham wants to win the game, Richard.

But in terms of the occasion, how big of an opportunity is this for the brand?

They made a really big deal out of playing Chelsea and Friendly,

something they in the USA a couple of years ago.

But this is an opportunity to really promote themselves in front of a much bigger audience.

It is, yeah, it's, you know, using the old marketing.

It's eyes on the product, isn't it, which is what it's about.

Is it?

Because I also think one of the biggest pushes that the club has had

on its upwards trajectory was the Sheffield United FA Cup game,

which was actually the live BBC game on the Sunday afternoon.

So I had, you know, the main Gary Linnaker, Mark Hughes, Alan Shira.

It was the main match on BBC One.

It created a stir after that initial wave of interest

when, you know, these two completely left-field investors came in and bought the club.

They then, obviously, they'd have their playoffs and they'd lost to Grimsby and all that.

But it hadn't really taken off because the, you know,

the first series, it only, they'd just then come out for the show.

But I think the actual, in real time, people could see what was going on both in here,

but more importantly for it in terms of their marketing America.

And it would be the same with this one because, you know,

people who might only follow Rexham through the documentary.

So that's from sort of start, I made it mid-June.

They might not even follow the results.

Might not even know where in the hour in the league.

But because the playing Chelsea, all of a sudden they'd be like,

oh, Rexham, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, that sure will be on again soon,

on it. It's that drip, drip, drip,

playing the World Club Champions, who won the trophy in America.

That's a big, big thing.

And that overseas market already, even 23, 24,

it was worth 52% of the club's annual turnover.

That percentage will go up, you know, that was as a league two club.

That will have gone up when we're getting the next account in two or three weeks time.

So that is the all-important marketing.

If you just get more and more eyes on it and show people, you know,

this is why people are talking about the club.

All right. Well, next today we're going to get back to matters

on the pitch. We'll look at personnel and where each team may look to hurt the other.

We'll get back to the podcast in just a minute.

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Now, Phil Parkinson has shown an incredible adaptability to meet challenges during his time in charge

of Rexham. Richard, the challenge in front of him, or one of them, at least on Saturday,

is going to be coping with a multitude of midfield injuries. How's he going to do that?

Yeah, it's going to be difficult. Ben Sheef is out for the season. He signed back in the

summer. I think everything's had a great season. Him and Mattie James are the best two for me.

Because they're definitely probably the two holding role to provide the base for them, the two,

number 10s, playing off either Keeper, Morris, Sam Smith. They just keep the ball. The fine

space of each other, the little triangles. It makes such a difference because that's having

dealt the pitch. When one or both of them are missing, it's not so easy. Even though Rexham won three

out of three in the last week, they didn't have the control of a game that I think they have with

those two. George Dobson, who played in all three of those games. He's suffered a broken wrist

out, Charlton. They're going to debate today whether he plays or not with a cast on. If he does,

he'll start. I would have fought with Louis O'Brien. I'd quite like to see Zach Viner brought in

personally with a sign in January from Bristol City. He's a centre-half, but he's played a lot of

his minutes this season in defensive midfield, including when Bristol City were at Rexham in November.

Because he's just got a little bit more control on the ball. You can't keep giving Chelsea the ball

back. You can get away with that against Paul Smith, even Ipswich in that five-three game,

but if you give Chelsea the ball, I was at Stanford Bridge the other way when they played Leeds,

and we got a good 2-2 draw, but we're quite defensive in the first half, and we're just

giving them the ball. It was ridiculous. It was just a wave after wave of attack. Rexham can't afford

that, so they need to be able to keep the ball. I personally would go for Viner and Louis O'Brien.

I think it's a cracking championship player, and then play Oli Graffton further forward,

because Graffton's a big goal scorer, come back in November. I think his goals per minutes

is below one every 90 at the moment, which for a midfield is superb.

So you mentioned earlier, Clarke. They score a lot of goals at home, but maybe they're a bit

iffy at the back. They've got issues in midfield for this game as well. So how does Parkinson

approach it then? Is he going to set them up to attack? As he says, he often likes to do,

or will there be a bit more cautious giving the quality of opposition?

I'd like to think he'll go for it. For me, attack is the best form of defence for Rexham. That's my

sort of takeaway when I've seen the team in the flesh. They play better football than I imagined.

Better football, I think, than they did on route to all of those promotions. They can knock the ball

around. They can look after it. That is a big blow, because those midfielders that Richard was

talking about are quality. That has put a lot on the shoulders of somebody like Lewis O'Brien.

I think if they sit deep and soak it up, they'll get undone. It is my honest assessment.

At times they'll have to, because Chelsea will push them back. He can't go gun hoe and have a

shootout with a Premier League team for 90 minutes. But when there's an opportunity to attack,

they'll get bodies forward. Sometimes the wide centre back joins in in midfield and pushes on.

The wing backs will play high. I really like the two in behind the main striker, whether it's

Broadhead, Rathbone, Windass. These guys are all decent. They've got two good striking options.

Whenever Rexham put the ball in the box, they are a threat. Obviously, because of key for more,

but also Sam Smith is a really good player that's having a terrific season. What I like about Rexham

is that they don't faff around. Richard knows this. When they want to attack, they'll attack in

three, four, five passes. They won't take, they won't take 50 to get it into the final third.

They'll get it forward. They'll put it in the box and they'll test you. I think that they will

cause some nervy moments for Chelsea in this game. I'm excited about it. It should be a cracker.

Lots of firepower for Chelsea, not Lee Schwerpedra, who we mentioned got that hat trick against

Villa and an assistical parmer as well. Do you think Adrian is the most informed player in the

Premier League right now? Presumably, there's absolutely no chance of him featuring in this game.

He probably is, isn't he? It was a great hat trick. I think he's been playing well in general,

isn't he? He's got five goals across his last five in the Premier League. I like him because

he can play as a ten. He can hold the ball. He can score headers. We saw the other day. He's got

a little deaf finish in his locker as well. He's established himself as the undisputed number one

has knee at Chelsea, which probably means he's safe for PSG, doesn't it? It opens the door for

the lap and maybe for Neto, Neto played up top to near against Hall City. One of those two will

probably lead the line. Chelsea will put out a strong team, trust me, because Lee and Rossignia

is effectively still on trial. I think he's settling into his gig very nicely,

but he's not going to want to be on the receiving end of an upset here. He'll put out strong enough

11, I'm sure. Makes him a bit awkward for Phil Parkinson, potentially, Richard, because he doesn't

know exactly who he's going to be coming up against, but I guess what he does know is that whoever

it is is likely to cause his team some issues. Absolutely. Adrian, I touched on Nondalapin. I've

seen quite a bit of him at championship level, and he's very, very good at that level,

you know, very, very good. That's obviously where Rexham's defence is. As you say, it's not a

watertight defence. Certainly after the Ipswich game, I might have changed sins, but I looked at

the stats, and on the Sheffield Wednesday, I'd conceded more goals at home this season in the

championship than Rexham. But then again, only commentary had scored more, which shows the sort of

always a gumball, but certainly attack minded approach that have operated on. There's also been

a couple of three three draws in the cup as well against Forrest and against Hull in the lead

cup right at the start back in August. So there will be an attacking approach. I actually covered

Phil Phil's breath at City at Chelsea back in 2015, which was a much bigger upset than this will

be, even if Rexham won tomorrow night, that will be on the marina. There were top of the league that

played 15 games, so fan and drawn one and won the other 14. Top of the preem by five points.

I've done a piece today with James Hanson who played for that side because he moved James

Hanson to a left winger. It was a battering ram over striker, but for the first time he moved him

across because this young kid called Andreas Christensen was going to be playing now, obviously

close to Barcelona, but battenham was a scorn a little teenage kid. Basically Phil said to James

says, I need I need to play out wide. This kid's not filled out yet. So we need to lodge the ball to

you and we're moving up the pitch by you. You know, that's going to be our tactics. And that's how

it was went 2-0 down, bending up winning 4-2. So one of these where you come off the pitch tomorrow

night thinking, I wish we're giving it more of a go. I think there will be a go. Just the

edge you mentioned there, the talent that could be playing even though it could be a second 11.

Damn good players there, you know, it's going to be it's going to be such a huge test for him,

but the well, you know, I don't expect rex from to win. I really don't, but I think the

will go down fighting. Yeah, that 2015 side Chelsea started with the likes of Czech K-Hill as

Pillar Quetta, Didier Drogber, Mohammed Suller. Yeah, it wasn't bad. Big balls as Jose

Maurinho said about Bradford after the game. Back in 2026, Clark, you want to issue for Liam

Rossini and it's an issue, I mean, not totally of his own making, but it comes in goal. He bought

in Philip Jorgensen for the game in midweek after Sanchez had a few issues at the Emirates last weekend.

Presumably Jorgensen starts here, but if you're chopping and changing your goalkeepers,

Rossini says well, it's because they're both good. Normally, it's a case of the fact that manager

doesn't totally believe in either of them, isn't it? It's not because they're both good, because

they're both a bit iffy. It's just not sure. He's just got to decide Liam Rossini, who's the least

iffy keeper? And at the moment, it has to be Jorgensen. It has to be, if I was a Chelsea fan,

I would struggle to forgive Robert Sanchez for that dive against Arsenal. You know, a big moment

in the season. You know, I'm not saying he would have got to the ball, but he's fained, he's fained

an injury that just wasn't there. It was a phantom, phantom foul. And that for me is really weak

goalkeeping. It's goalkeeping that's a bit desperate because he was so nervous about balls coming

into his box. And that hasn't just been the case against Arsenal. It's all season. Chelsea had

been vulnerable to corners, to set pieces, to cross his in the box. He's also very, very unsure

with the ball at his feet. And Rossini wants Chelsea to play out from the back. And yeah, I feel

that Sanchez is a bit of a liability there. So I would definitely give Jorgensen a bit of a run

in the team now and hope that he's not not a shakier Sanchez has been. Jorgensen did well at

Chalton in round three. And what was Rossini's first gaming charge, Richard, but he also had an

absolute stinker at Lee one Lincoln in the carabalca in September. They just rain crosses in on him

and he couldn't deal with it. So I guess that'll be something that that will be in Phil Parking

since mind out of this one. Yeah. And and and Rexham's style of playing has been as evolved as

they've come to the ladies across the house, but it is still very much about getting the ball wide

where you two wing backs, bombed down the flank. The prime only been wingers rather than fullbacks

of the wing backs of prospered under Parking, which is all about getting down the line and

pinging it across Cabore on loan from Man City. Not sure he's going to be fit for this one.

Even without him, you know, Ryan Lombon comes in and he's a lovely cross with the ball. He really

is for me, the flank. As Jorgensen and another one who has proved the depth of the squad because

he came in as a central midfielder, but since Krakatchi, the first choice left back,

get a left wing back got injured and then Jay's McClean was allowed to go back to Ireland.

He stepped in and he's not a coincidence that city came in for that boxing day game again,

sheffy knighted and they've looked so so good down that flank within there. So they they will be

the usual instructions pin your ears back and and ping it in. All right, let's wrap this one

up then and get some predictions. What's the score going to be, Clarke? Oh, I think both teams will score.

I think that Rexham can cause problems for whoever plays in goal for Chelsea, but ultimately,

I think Chelsea probably outscore Rexham in this particular game. I'm going to go for Rexham

one, Chelsea three. Wow, later in the show, you'll hear a similar prediction. You go with the same

Richard? Yeah, I think so. I think so. All right, we shall see it. So 545 sat at a T-time in the UK.

This is the athletic FC podcast probably sponsored by Beck there.

So this is the part of the show where with the help of our partners, Beck Fair, we show you how you

can play in a differently get this season. James Mackey's back with us. We're going to do things a

bit differently this week. James and have a look at some of the games taking place in the FA Cup

5th round this weekend, starting with the one that we've been talking about on the pod Rexham

against Chelsea. How's this one looking? Yeah, for the first time since 96 97, Matt Rexham are

into the FA Cup 5th round, but are the big outsiders at 11 to 2? Chelsea, they're the big

favourites as you'd expect. They have a Premier League team at 1 to 3 to head into the quarter finals,

and the Blues have progressed from their last 24 FA Cup ties against the sides from a lower division,

and the draw is priced at 3 to 1 in the 90 minutes. So very, very much odds on favourites,

All right, we're going to do score predictions for these games as we go. I'm the host, so I'm going

to guess first this time. Rexham Chelsea, I reckon it's going to be 3-1 to Chelsea, how about you?

Oh, I'll tell you what, you must have read my notes. 3-1 Chelsea as well, Matt. All right,

Wolves Liverpool, this is going to be a painful one for you, James, as a Liverpool fan. You are

there on Tuesday night. You'll be there for this one as well tonight as we record. How's that

victory for Wolves on Tuesday changed the odds here at all? Yes, it's likely, Matt. I'm not sure

if I want to go tonight after Tuesday, to be honest, but look, Wolves were 9 to 2 and just

cutting slightly to 4 to 1, and they've actually met Liverpool in 8 previous FA Cup ties and have

a positive record against them going through in 5 of them. So that was really interesting. Liverpool

looked at a short price as many think there will be. They're 4 to 9 looking to bounce back from

the shock to feet in the week. The draw in normal time is priced at 11 to 4, Matt, so I'll let you

start again. What do you reckon? All right, I'm going to say 0-2 in Liverpool's favour. How about you?

Oh, I'm going to go Liverpool 2-1 just to sneak it. Okay, all right, but Liverpool progressing,

nonetheless. Mansfield be asked, I mean, this is the romance tie of the round, isn't it? League 1

against the team top of the Premier League and top of the Champions League League face table 2.

Nigel Cliff reckons that they could get battered if Arsenal show up. I'm presuming that the odds

reflect that. Yeah, very much so. Very much so, Matt. Mansfield looking to cause another

cup set after beating Premier League side-burnly in the last round in the day, but this would be one of

the shocks of the this year's FA Cup if they could do it, and there is Bigger's 25 to 1, Matt,

Arsenal have progressed from each of their last 15 FA Cup ties against sides from the third tier

or below, and they're a really short price to do. So again, at 1 to 16, for Mansfield to take

Arsenal to extra time, that is priced as Bigger's 8 to 1 for the draw in the 90 minutes.

All right, well, I was born in Mansfield, and they were the first club I ever reported on,

so because of that, I'm going to give them a goal, but I'm going to say that it will be Mansfield 1

Arsenal 4. Yeah, I've got no sentiment towards Mansfield at all, unfortunately, so 4-0

Arsenal for me. All right, bless them. Finally, then, Newcastle versus Manchester City.

Usually, it's a home banker if it's at the edge, yeah, maybe slightly different with Newcastle

being the home side here. What are the odds, same for this one? Yeah, the game of the round,

isn't it? Newcastle take on Mansfield City, and then the host looking to beat both Manchester

clubs inside a few days. So Newcastle 2 to 1 to get the better of the citizens on Saturday,

City of 1, 18 of their last 20 matches in the FA Cup across the last four seasons,

their odds on at 10 to 11, Matt to do so again in 90 minutes, with the draw in the match priced

at 11 to 5, I think 1-1 in the 90 minutes and Mansfield City will win on penalties.

Okay, I like that. Yeah, I don't mind the draw. I'm going to say that Newcastle will win

there, let's say 2-1 Newcastle. James, thank you so much for your time today. Next, we're going

to talk about that Newcastle versus City game in more detail. This is the Athletic FC podcast,

proudly sponsored by Betfair. Now, the Manchester City travel to Newcastle for their Cup

tie on Saturday night off the back of drop-in points. Two, the two-time European Champions,

Nottingham Forest in the league on Wednesdays. The 300th time these clubs have met this season,

actually, it's the fit, but it feels like they play each other every week. It's the fourth game

between them in 2026 alone. Adrian, that asked the win at Brighton, combined with City drop-in

points, meant it was a great night for the gunners. Did you see Forest getting a draw at the

Eddie Adam? Would you like me to pass on my thanks to my friends and colleagues at the club?

Please do. Yeah, we're very, very grateful down in North London for the efforts that the Eddie

had. I didn't expect it. Of course, I didn't. Nottingham Forest have good players. We know that,

but Manchester City have been dropping most of their points away from home, haven't they, rather than

rather than in front of their own supporters. That was a real bonus. I think the reaction

from the supporters from Arsenal at the AMX was a nice sight to see, and I think that will have

given the players a lot of confidence. Obviously, the big fall out, but turn it back to Arsenal a

little bit, but all this wave of criticism about Arsenal, I just think it's going to strengthen

the squad's resolve. I really do. It's been a good week. It's a big week coming up, Richard,

for City, isn't it, because they go to Real Madrid following this game, and then they're at the

London stadium to face in form West Ham. It's a proper test of character for Guardiola's side.

Absolutely. Another fixture that we've seen far too many times lately, and it Real Madrid

being in Manchester yet. It is. It's been a strange old season for Manchester City. I keep

expecting them to come through, and I think we're going to get within two points at one stage,

but I still see them coming again. Personally, I hope they're done. You know, nobody wants to see

the same teams winning the league, you know, and I'm not just saying this because Clarke's

aides. I've been asked, I'm running for such a long time, so why not? It breaks things up,

and it keeps things fresh as well. But I can see City coming again, but like you said, it's a

huge week. Speaking of my league tonight, it hats on. I put every effort into the first two,

and they didn't go even harder again for West Ham at the weekend, because they're winning mid-wakers,

as thrown everything up again as well. No, that's situational, so strong. I wouldn't be surprised

if there were all three of these to be fair, because they're just such a good side.

When Newcastle got back to Indian Ways in the Premier League on Wednesday, the Beat Man United

2-1, thanks to a wonder goal from winner of the 2014 Manchester United Soccer Schools World

Skills Final, William Asula. Clarke, before Wednesday, they'd lost six of their previous seven

in the league, so I'm much needed to win for ready-how. I wonder if Cups are going to be Newcastle's

primary focus for the rest of the season, because they're sort of middling in the league, aren't they?

Bit of chatter about his job, if he puts another trophy in the cabinet, that'll all quite

end up. For sure, yeah, this is a massive game for Eddie Howe. If he can win the FA Cup,

it could save Eddie Howe's job. That's how big it is, because if they miss out on European

football, I think he's gone. I really do, and that would pain me, because I still think he's

the best man for the job. I would give him much longer, personally, but I don't think that the

ownership will. We'll even seventh place. You know, they'll probably be looking the most they

could get to is there where Brentford sit at the moment, probably conference league football. I

don't think that would suffice, really. So, yeah, winning a trophy, and this is the trophy that they

can win, can save him. So, yeah, it's a huge game. They've, of course, got Barcelona as well. So,

there's not a lot of wiggle room, is there, in terms of rotation, and really when you look at

his squad compared to cities, I think that he won't be able to rotate anywhere near anywhere near

as much. So, yeah, this is a big game. I expect him to go strong, and there'll be buzzing when

after that, that win against Manchester United. Unfortunately, the scars of that sort of no show,

really, against city in the league cup are still quite fresh, and you do wonder whether, you know,

they will feel psychologically that this is, this is maybe a beyond, I think, city will,

we desperate to bounce back, you know, after that disappointment, the overnight.

All right, that's the late game in the FA Cup on Saturday. The early fixture, and it isn't,

early on 1215 kickoff season Arsenal, go to Mansfield, town. Brighton away, the start of six matches

in 18 days for the Premier League leaders. This is your specialist subject, obviously,

Clarky, an opportunity for Arsenal to employ some much-needed rotation, and they got leather cues

and coming up in the week. Do you think they might even change the whole 11 from that, which started

at Brighton for this game on Saturday? Could be close to it, could be close to the whole 11,

depends on who's coming back from injury. I mean, there's not that many options in defense,

actually, at the moment, obviously, with Celeba missing the game the other day. So, what we might

see is maybe mascara will get, will get, will play again, put potentially at right back, maybe Hinky

might play at centre-back again. You'll see Caterfury come back in, Mars Lewis,

Skeleel play, Kepa, Christian Norguard will play. I'm excited to see Max Downman. I think he,

well, he's missed four months, so you'll remember him sort of bursting onto the scene in pre-season,

and he's got, I think he's played five times this season, and he's looked a million dollars.

You know, every time he's played, he's lit up the game, even off the bench for short periods.

I'd love to see him start in a really attacking midfield. Surely Arsenal will go with

maybe just Norguard sitting there and two attacking midfielders either side.

Maybe Downman and Havards, both players need games. I would probably put Havards in midfield here

because Gabriel Jesus has been an unused sub in recent weeks, and he'll probably, he'll probably

play, and you've got Manoeco who needs a game on the right as well. There'll be a lot of changes,

but I've got this sort of dummy team sat in front of me. It's still a pretty strong 11. I've

got to say, and a very attacking one as well. About Man's field, Richard, you will have seen

them briefly last season as Rexham were ascending through League 1. There are only five points above

the relegation zone. Nigel Cleff, not exactly bullish when previewing this game about his

sides chances, but they just got to put everything into it, right? They've already knocked out

Premier League opposition. No one's expecting them to win here. Do you give them any chances at all?

I've given Arsenal a bloody nose. Going to be a struggle. I think it's one of these that

shows up why I wish replays were still a thing because that would still be a great

triumph of Man's field. If they could get to 90 minutes and it's still a level, I know when you say

where Arsenal have six games in 18 days, then I'll say why it's not happening, but that will be

such a big thing for a club like Man's field because a replay at the Emirates would be

financially, which is what the Cups about for a lot of the lower teams along with that

bit of glory that will come from hosting Arsenal and Saturday. But I think regardless of what team

Arsenal put out, I can see them progressing whether that's after extra time or not because it

won't be easy on a pitch like that as well because it's not the greatest field mill. And don't

forget as well, obviously winning at Berlin was great, but they'll also be Chef United,

Brammer Lane and Chef United being in great form since Chris Wilder came back. They're right

up there in the top six of the championship teams I would say. So I've had a great run so far,

but I think it will be a step too far, but I just wish they had the carrot of if they could get a

one all or something like that and go back to the Emirates, but not to be in modern football on

the parade. Arsenal's first ever visit to field mill, the one domestic trophy that eluded Nigel's

dad, magic of the cup, et cetera, but might be a step too far for the stags we shall see.

All right, next today we'll get into the rest of the FA Cup action.

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Walls host Liverpool on Friday night. They did that on Tuesday as well on Drays 94th

Minute winner sinking slot side in that one. It's been a really impressive improvement right

Richard and Robert Woods over the last month or so and kind of emphasizes how competitive

the Premier League is this season. Yeah, definitely. If I'm looking at an absolute basket case

when he came in and you thought when he left, you thought, why are you doing that?

You're just swapping with good swap leagues the following season but

they were always coming down but they're going to come down in a good state now because

there's that bit of buoyancy about them and what a cap of it to be if they could now

progressing the cup. You certainly want back against it. Not after the couple of results

have had this past week really looking in good shape and Liverpool are far less than

happy shape with the manager not even enjoying Premier League games these days if we believe

the comments that came out last week. So I'm going wall for this one. I can see it again and

I'm fair play to Edwards for that because it's been an amazing transfer immersion.

Liverpool had one for on the spin agent before that defeat midweek but generally I mean it's been

a really disappointing season obviously as defending champions. If you've got a theory as to why

they've tailed off so badly. Yeah I have. I mean we've all seen Liverpool. My take is that

and it's not really a tactical take it's that they've just lost some fire. In their bellies

they're not playing with passion they're not playing with intensity. They climbed the mountain

last year. They just don't seem to have the energy or the real desire that you need to push

themselves just as hard this time around. I mean you can see it in this style of playing part of

that's on slot because he's he's definitely made them more patient. He slowed them down and

I don't think Liverpool are a team that you want to slow down that you know the strength still

alive for me you know his quick direct attacks. Obviously as well the Salafax. I mean Salah

carried them didn't he. They weren't a one-man team they were better than that of course they were

but he produced the season of all seasons and and and basically hasn't turned up for this one

and that was always going to make a difference especially when they sold loose Diaz on the other

side as well. So yeah a lot of factors at play here but but the drop has been quite alarming and

I think slot is on a sticky wicket with with so many very very good managers potentially on the

market this summer. He needs a strong end to the season to sort of prevent the Liverpool board

casting their eyes elsewhere. So the FA Cup might provide some salvation. I personally think

they'll win this one. Wolves can they get really go again? The Arsenal performance was spirited

and Villa you know Liverpool can they really go again? When they get aggressive and when they're

hostile and the crowd are revved up Wolves aren't bad you know they really aren't I like a Rocadare

the big man up front he's a threat. Manay we know he's a talented kid. There's a fair bit to

like about them at the moment but I just think Liverpool will maybe have too much this time but

but the issue for slot is that the bench isn't strong at the moment he can't. He hasn't got much

wiggle room. I was looking at the other day Kieza somebody can bring in Engamoa obviously really

exciting player. Forward-wise it's kind of it. I think you have to go strong. Maybe Virts will start

and because I think he's back from injury so that could be the difference maker at Modern New.

All right we shall see. Let's get rapid fire through the rest of the game's first up

Fulham House Southampton in the early kickoff on Sunday. Richard Southampton the team just behind

rexing in the championship so probably this not their top priority but you can't say the same

for Fulham can you they've never won a major trophy and they'll be heavy favorites to make it

through to the quarterfinals with the second season in a row. Yeah definitely. I really like

Marco Silva you know when I was at the Orchbos for Hall City a half a season and it was really

really good. Communicare it turned you know they actually went down that season but he gave them

hope where there was absolutely no money came in in the January and now I love to see you know

I take my Fulham like Palace last season where he will actually lift the cup who it means something

to I'd love something like that because you know winning trophies should be what it's all about

so yeah I Southampton are one of those teams in the championship on a hot streak at the moment

and a big threat for rex and you know there's four points between them and you're slightly apprehensive

because you know that they've got so much firepower in them but I don't think they've got enough to

trouble Fulham no. Well straight after that one it's Port Vale hosting Sunderland Port Vale the

lowest ranked team left in the competition they're bottom of Lee one no excuses for Sunderland

then Clark in that and that midweek win for them just means maybe that they don't need to

retake so much for this game they've hit the magical 40 point mark they can go all out for the cup.

Well they should shouldn't they let they've watched Newcastle get going win a major trophy

in after a long drought and yeah why not go for it obviously that it's been a brilliant

couple of years for Sunderland I'll tell you what though I don't know whether this is a give me

I don't know because have you seen the pitch at Port Vale I mean you said the man's for

pitch isn't great Port Vale is really bad at the moment not 1970s bad but it's bad

and that will be a leveller John Brady the new manager has definitely improved them

I see this has been a really ugly game you know a proper sort of grind but if there's one team

that that probably equips to handle the aerial balls and and that sort of directness of Port Vale

probably a Sunderland you know I've got a lot of big centerbacks you know big dam bell arden

and co they don't mind sort of sticking their head on things so yeah I think they'll scrap it out

but I don't I don't think it's going to be a walk in the park. At the late game on Sunday

he's Daniel Farker host his old side Norwich at Ellen Road Farker's not going to be on the

touch line for this one though band after getting sent off against Manchester City Richard I've got

this down as the most likely upset at the weekend Norwich not much to play for in the league so they

can go strong and they come into this on the back of five wins in six I hope I haven't offended you

there but leads have other priorities. Most likely upset you mean a home win. I love you you cast in

Lee's United's FA Cup record down for years we are horrendous in the FA Cup I went to a semi-final

in 1987 I think we've had one quarter final since then maybe two we're at a truce in this competition

it's it's a pleasure to be this far on great to have a home draw I saw Norwich the other way you

catch Lee at Rexham and they were they were transformed from the early season mess that there were

under under Liam Manning at Carroll Road if the season had another month in it you might even

look at them I think they're going to chance with a playoff so they'll be a real threat for Lee's

I'm in the cop on Saturday and I can't say I'm confident I'm not a fan of Daniel Farker we won't

go into that we'll get we'll get an hour for my problems with him it's just what Amy picks if we

go for the thrill we're a good side if we don't then we have a lot to make to look very on we

have Sunderland showed on on choosing right so if Lee's do get through he's not going to be easy

probably going to need extra time but I'll take your upset and we go through nice and nice

instead of last of all Monday night Brentford go west to east across the capital to take on west

town becoming a bit of a theme for the second half of the pod clocky but Brentford another side

should give this they're all right like follow them they've never won a domestic cup it's an

alternative route into Europe if you win this as well you've got the crystal palace inspiration

why not look yeah if Keith Andrews retains knowing 10 players then I will be fuming if I was a

bees fan he got to go strong here he has to this is a great opportunity to west ham okay they're in

good form but but really they've given themselves a shot here at saving themselves and I don't think

they need an FA Cup quarter final and semi final on the horizon particularly not saying they

throw the game west ham but I do think that Nuno will switch a lot of players around which opens

the door for Brentford to get themselves into the quarter final and and and possibly you know go

all the way and he hasn't exactly got the deepest squad as he I looked at the bench for the other day

they had Ia and Pinnock the two defenders had Yamolio and Keem Potter and the only senior players

that that didn't start the other night they can play but then surely the rest is is the first

choice 11 as for west ham I wonder if Hermanson will keep his place in the west ham starting 11 I

say this because he's got four clean sheets now in nine starts this season including I think three

in the last four or five games Ariola who was the number one until recently no clean sheets all season

20 starts in the Premier League hasn't shot anybody out yet so I think Hermanson is a bit of a

lucky charm at the minute so maybe he'll keep his place all right Ariola's been DJing in various

bars across East London so maybe good records there but not a good clean sheet record etc for

the west ham occasional custodian right that's all we got time for today loads a great FA Cup

action to come this weekend really looking forward to it thanks to Richard to Adrian and to

producers Jay and John and to you for listening of course enjoy the games catch up with you see

you've been listening to the athletic FC podcast the producers were Jay Beale and John Rodgers

and the presenter was Matt Davis Adams the executive producer is AD Morehead to listen to other great

athletic podcasts for free including our dedicated club shows such for the athletic in all the

usual places the athletic FC podcast is an athletic media company production and proudly sponsored by Betfair

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