Can relegation-threatened Manchester United pull off an Anfield miracle?
It's All Kicking Off!
Deep Dive
What did the hosts do for New Year's Eve, and how did they celebrate?
Ian Ladyman went to bed at nine o'clock, while Chris Sutton had a takeaway curry from Marks and Spencer's and watched a recorded episode of The Masked Singer.
What were the attendances at EFL matches on New Year's Day, and why is this significant?
The attendances were impressive, with 15,000 at Barnsley, 10,000 at Blackpool, 9,000 at Lincoln, 8,500 at Mansfield, 10,500 at Stockport, 9,000 at Chesterfield, and 12,000 at Notts County. This shows a strong commitment to football despite the financial strain of the holiday season.
Why does Ange Postecoglou not bring his previous backroom staff to new clubs?
Ange Postecoglou believes that keeping the same staff can make his ideas go stale and that it's lazy. He prefers a clean slate and new perspectives, although this approach has been questioned as he seems to be struggling at Tottenham.
What is the significance of Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall's long-standing partnership?
Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall have been working together since 2009, and their partnership is seen as a crucial support system. Tindall is always by Howe's side, providing confidence and stability, which is a contrast to Postecoglou's approach.
Why are Manchester United in a relegation scrap, and what are their chances of staying up?
Manchester United are in a relegation scrap due to their poor form, particularly after a significant loss to Newcastle. Despite this, the hosts believe they are unlikely to go down, but the situation is alarming and they need a strong performance against Liverpool.
What are the odds for Manchester United's match against Liverpool, and what does this indicate?
The odds are 9-1 for Manchester United to win, 9-2 for Liverpool to win, and 5-1 for a draw. This indicates that Liverpool are heavily favored, and the match will be a significant test of Manchester United's ability to turn their form around.
Why are Iberian coaches so popular in the Premier League right now?
There are nine Iberian coaches in the Premier League, almost half the league. This is partly due to the influence of big agents like Jorge Mendes and the stellar reputations of coaches like Pep Guardiola and Unai Emery.
What is the hosts' opinion on knighthoods for sports people, and why is Gareth Southgate's knighthood controversial?
The hosts believe that knighthoods for sports people are generally a waste of time and should be reserved for those who have made significant contributions to society, like Lou Macari. They feel that while Gareth Southgate did a fine job, the knighthood is not appropriate.
- High EFL attendance despite post-Christmas financial pressures.
- Significant crowd numbers at various League One and Two matches.
Shownotes Transcript