Mid-Season Report: All 20 Clubs 

17:31Yeah, I think the one that sort of killed him a little bit is Munoz. Is it Munoz or Munoz? Munoz. Oh, my God. He's the best fullback in the league. He's really good. I like him so much. Along with Timber. And when he doesn't play, they're just not the same, unfortunately. Yeah, they say he'll be back in a couple of weeks or so, Micah. Okay, yeah. Well, that'll be good for them, but I won't change my mind in terms of league position. if they could keep the same 11 fit all year round I would have said a lot higher but because they are battling Europe as well, yeah I'd say

18:08Gary Lineker:Do you think the Gehi situation sort of affected them as well of not knowing whether he's staying or going this month I don't know, it's every week

18:16Alan Shearer:It didn't seem to affect them at the start of the season did it after all that, but I mean he seems to be such a solid individual and good lad, but obviously if they lose him that would make a difference as well I think Sarr, of course, will be coming back from AFCON very shortly as well, which make a difference. I think he's an important player for them. Yeah, really important. Just his runs in behind. I think Pino's been really good for them, though. Replacing Eze and a really technical player. I think losing Richards as well. Not me, of course.

18:47Gary Lineker:There's only one Richards. And it's not you. For a few games, Lacroix was out for a few games as well. They've had to put Lerma, who can play at the back, but he's a midfielder. They've had to put him at back at the time. And he's done all right, but they've lost the sort of balance within the team. So yeah, just mid-table for me. Stick with our predictions.

19:09Alan Shearer:We're actually not doing quite as badly as I thought. Not too bad. Everton, new ground, of course. And they've got 29 points. They're 12th. I said mid-table. So did Alan and Micah. You said top 10. that's still within reach only a few points behind achieving that I think they've done well I mean don't forget the last couple of seasons they've been fighting relegation and have managed to claw the way up the league table under David Moyes and I think he's we've said many times what a terrific job they've done goal scoring is probably always slightly an issue we've said that for a few years now

19:50Gary Lineker:yeah they've got what have they got Beto and Barry haven't they Barry scored a couple in recent weeks yeah there's no doubt they've got their triers and their work rate everything else but yeah if they had a if they had a better centre forward in there then they'd climb the league I think got some good players though Evan haven't they Garner's been doing really well of late I like him in midfield Grealish he's Grealish he's always good at entertain they'll get on Jai

20:20Alan Shearer:back from from African Cup of Nations as well and he's I really like it I think he's a real talent yeah he's a quality player so I think we'll stick with our predictions on that one as well yeah so not too bad so far you know what we need to do though we need to give positions don't we you know in terms of 1 to 20 next year because we just we just basically say mid table it makes us look good doesn't it that'll make us look even more stupid when we do that doing it this way Michael we put about 18 teams in mid-table and we get away with it. We can claim that six is mid-table. What counts as mid-table?

21:00Alan Shearer:Maybe we should define that. Just outside the European spots to maybe 13th, I don't know. 8th to 12th. 8th to 12th. 8th to 12th, yeah. I mean, it's got to be around the middle, hasn't it? On to another one at mid-table. Fulham, I said mid-table. Alan, 14th. They have enough to avoid a relegation battle there. Mike had just below where they finished last season, which was 11th, but did say, jokingly, Snapchat was banned. What does that mean? And the chemistry could be affected. I can't remember you saying that. Yeah, Al said, what does that, what? I think you said, your words are, what on earth has that got to do?

21:41Snapchat is banned. With football on the beach.

21:45Alan Shearer:That's quite, I can't remember that, funnily enough. But they're currently ninth with 31 points. So you can't get much more mid-table than that. Alan 14th, a little bit negative. They've done well, haven't they? I think he's, I think, you know, considering when you look at their squad, I think he's done a particularly good job. I really do. They've got some good players. Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson's excellent as well.

22:11Gary Lineker:There was about four or five weeks ago, weren't there then? There were, I don't know, fifth or sixth bottom when people are talking, and are they going to get involved in it or dragged into the relegation zone. But then they went on a result. I think they had three great results, three wins on the spin. And that shot them right up the league.

22:27Alan Shearer:Yeah, it has. Bassi will be back from AFCON as well. And he's been particularly good in that tournament. I watched him last night. He was incredible. I watched the games as well. Oh my God. He won absolutely every header. He was driving out with a ball of his left foot, tactically knew what he was doing positioning was spot on yeah he was he was amazing yesterday they got beat on penalties by Morocco which was a shame Bono made one of the most bizarre saves in a penalty shootout good final Morocco-Senegal I felt for Mo Salah but they were complete I mean they had nothing did Egypt nothing nothing at all nothing Harry and myself were going to the final Micah we've been invited by the African Football Federation which is really kind wow really looking forward to it yeah Sunday so don't know about how we'll do the pod but we'll work it out we'll work something out might have to leave you boys to do it on your own for a little while maybe on that note let's take a little break this episode is brought to you by whoop in the modern game of course there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday.

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24:17Gary Lineker:It's about keeping yourself steady over the long run. Consistency beats intensity every time.

24:24Alan Shearer:If you want to understand your health better and how your daily habits impact you over time, head to join.whoop.com slash T-R-I-F to get started with whoop. Monster Energy. Everybody knows White Monster Zero Ultra. That's the OG. It kicked off this whole zero sugar energy drink thing. But Ultra is a whole line up now. You've got Strawberry Dreams, Blue Hawaiian, Sunrise, and Vice Guava. And they all bring the Monster Energy Punch. So if you've been living in the white can, branch out. Ultra's got a flavor for every vibe. And every single one is zero sugar. Tap the banner to learn more. welcome back to the rest is football with Michael Richards Alan Shearer and me Gary Lenica reviewing our preseason predictions and actually it's not been as bad as I feared so far but that could

25:21Gary Lineker:change just Brentford isn't it that at the minute that we've that have made us

25:26Alan Shearer:look stupid there's an obvious one or two to come as well yeah and in fact here comes one now Leeds United marching on together go on boys fill your boots oh Leeds are going down Leeds are going no they're not well you've summed up our predictions I've said relegated Alan said relegation just about but out of the promoted clubs Leeds had the best chance of staying up Micah enough quality to just avoid relegation Ellen Rowe will play a massive part in them staying up it will be bouncing every week well we knew that and currently they are 16th but don't forget the bottom three are somewhat adrift at the moment and I would say if you get to 30 points I think that would probably be comfortably enough so I think they're going to be fine they've done really well actually and you were right about it's a bit made their home ground Ellum Road into a bit of a fortress

26:26Gary Lineker:and what a clever signing Calvert-Lewin's been he's got him playing really well got him scoring goals and I watched Leeds against Newcastle and I was really impressed with them, the way they attacked the game, how organised they were. I know they lost in the last, what, it was the 102nd minute or whatever it was, but I was impressed with Leeds and how they went about it. So, yeah, they'll have enough, definitely. Ethan Ampadu, what a player he is. The conductor in midfield. Remember him at Chelsea all those years ago where he was sort of centre-half, centre-mid, but now he's so mature. When he plays, they're a different team.

27:03I absolutely love watching him and the manager's done a brilliant job.

27:08Alan Shearer:Brilliant, brilliant job. I think we'd all agree they will avoid relegation. Liverpool, now this is where it turns a bit pear-shaped for us, I think, because I think we all thought they'd win the league. Well, we did. I said champions, Alan, champions, they'll be impossible to stop if they get ESAC too. Mike has said champions bringing in vits people don't understand how good he is they'll be unstoppable if he gets up to speed straight away well he didn't get up to speed straight away he's starting to come up to speed I would say he certainly picked up in the last few weeks as have Liverpool to a degree but they've been massively disappointing this season way off where they were last season although they've rallied a bit I would say in recent weeks

27:55Gary Lineker:Yeah, what are they, unbeaten in 11? I think they are, but I can't remember anyone seeing before a ball was kicked. The vast, vast majority of us, all pundits, said Liverpool's title because of their signings. But yeah, it's been really, really poor and it's been a tough season for what they achieved last year to what they've spent and what they're doing at the minute is miles off what we thought. Yeah, I'm disappointed in Verts because he's way better than he's showing. I know you said he's, we've seen it in the last couple of games, but he's such a good player. He just, he needs to find his rhythm, you know, in terms of getting on that ball, making them passes.

28:37And he can see it. He can see it in spells, in games, even earlier on in the season. But when he didn't score for so long and then the added pressure, I think next season will become good. Well, they did get Isak

28:49Gary Lineker:because I said if they get him. and the Isak situation hasn't worked out for anyone. It looked bad on Liverpool, what he was doing. Newcastle, obviously, the situation that they went through and for Isak himself, I know he's got the serious injury, but it just reflected terrible on everyone and it wasn't a good look for him or for Liverpool in what he did. So that got their season off to a poor start anyway, I thought.

29:16Alan Shearer:Do you think they'll pick up? I don't think they can win the title. I still think they'll get Champions League though. Yeah, Champions League. I don't think they'll win the league. But we have to give an honourable mention to Eketike. He's been fantastic. He's the one signing that's really excelled. I think Frimpong will show something. I've just brought him into my fantasy team, Mike. I've got a feeling he's going to start. Bet he's delighted about that then. He is thrilled apparently.

29:46Alan Shearer:Anyway, on to Manchester City. Our predictions were as follows. Me, they'll be better than last season, but not sure they'll be enough to win the league. Might stick with that. Alan, Arsenal, Chelsea and City will be playing for second place. Fair. That's after Liverpool, obviously. Micah, if Rodri was fit, which he now is, and hopefully stays that way, I think they could challenge Liverpool. But without him, I worry about them on the transition. That's right. Although Nico Gonzalez has done really well coming in there, but yes, still vulnerable to a counter-attack. Rodney's... I called him Rodney off-air the other day.

30:26Rodney? Off-air, I said Rodney, and every time I try to say Rodri now, Rodney comes out. I like that. It sounds ridiculous. But Rodri, now he's back. I think Man City, with the addition of Semenyo as well, they just look so good going forward. Yeah. I think Man City, close between Man City and Arsenal, but I think they could just pip it late doors.

30:54Alan Shearer:I'm going to stick with what I said. Better than last season, but not sure they have quite enough to win the league. So, I think they'll finish second. Alan, where are you now?

31:03Gary Lineker:Yes, same. I said, I think they'll be playing for second. And I do, I think Arsenal will have too much for them. So, they do give you chances. But I'm with Mike now, even with the addition of Semenya, I mean, the attacking options they've got is ridiculous.

31:16Alan Shearer:It's ridiculous, isn't it? And there is that. So Arsenal will need to be very consistent going through the remainder of the season. Manchester United. Here we go. I said mid-table. To get into any European competition will be a bonus. I'll stick with that. Thank you. Alan, can't be as bad as last season. They'll finish seventh to ninth. Well, that's pretty accurate because they're currently seventh. Micah, top six Europe. Top six? Well, they're only the seventh. the joint six but they're in that pack aren't they where you lose a couple and you could drop they've got a new man in charge now it's it's Michael Carrick obviously until the end of the season they've already had one interim for two games in Darren Fletcher my prediction is that Michael Carrick will do pretty well for the remainder of the season they'll give him the job and then he'll be fired by about November December because that club is just bonkers at the moment yeah it's

32:17Gary Lineker:in terms of Amarin yeah he he knew what was happening he knew the writing was on the wall that's why he had his outburst then getting well an interim until they could get an interim I think it's the right thing to do it'll give them a little bit of time to breathe and then see what and who's available come the end of the season but and it's another but if he does really well I mean there's no doubt that he can sense an opportunity in terms of If he can get them going and get them into the top six, then that's what he's looking at. I like his staff who he's brought in, but I'm not changing my prediction.

32:54Gary Lineker:I think they are what they are at the minute. They're anything between, yeah, seven, eight, nine, I think is where they are. They're going to play better than what they've shown. I hope so. They are, and the joint six now. They get Diallo back and Buma back, weren't they, from after the season. Yeah, Sesco's finding a little bit of confidence, so they're going to be backing a back four and I know it's not all about systems but it's just easier for people knowing their responsibilities so I'm going to stick yeah not a bad start he's got is it Man City at home he's first game as manager

33:29Alan Shearer:and then Arsenal away oh nice easy incredible see I'd have done that one I'll tell you what I'll just sit in the stands for a couple of weeks and leave Darren Fletcher to it and then I'll come in I'll come in after that But actually, United have shown in recent seasons that they tend to perform a bit better against when they're underdogs in games. But we'll see. Yeah, true. On to your lot, Al. Newcastle United currently sixth with 32 points. I said mid-table. You said fifth or sixth, Al. Mike at eighth or ninth.

34:02Gary Lineker:Yeah, sixth at the minute. There are way forms of concern. They've had some really good positive results of late. three league wins on the spin, which has fired them from mid-table or below that to sixth in the league. They've got Wolves away on Sunday. Then they've got a really tough set of fixtures coming up. But yeah.

34:26Alan Shearer:We're doing this on Thursday. On Tuesday, of course, Newcastle lost at home to Man City.

34:31Gary Lineker:I was there, yeah. You were there. I was there. Newcastle missed their opportunities. They had a big chance, Vissa, early on in the game. Didn't take it. Walter Marder had a huge chance trying to take too many touches instead of hitting it and when they give you a chance to see you've got to take them and Newcastle didn't but I was really impressed with Man City going forward they've got so many options

34:51Alan Shearer:Mike has got a really good look on his face I was on the ground too as well it's weird I FaceTimed Al just as the scored it was weird what about VAR and the whole oh I don't know what we've seen

35:08Gary Lineker:that is an absolute

35:09Alan Shearer:disgrace what happened. Honestly, what? This just meant... I meant to mention it last week and I forgot actually I was going to say, how refreshing was the FA Cup weekend in terms of not having bloody VAR ruin it for us? It really does need a rethink, desperately so.

35:26Gary Lineker:But then it was an almost identical situation to what happened at Newcastle against Man City where it was over five minutes for the decision and then it was very, very similar in the Chelsea Arsenal game last night, wasn't it? I mean, obviously the VAR officials and the officials on Tuesday night have had a huge bollocking off their buses and then a similar situation happens in that game and then all of a sudden, it's like that, it's happened. The decision was made so quickly, it's just, yeah, it was just terrible. It was awful. But Man City were the better team, I thought. Do we need to get Howard back on?

36:05Gary Lineker:We need to get Howard back on and say, what is going wrong?

36:10Alan Shearer:I feel for them a bit. It's unworkable in its present form. You know what my view is on it, but we'll move on. Where will Newcastle finish quickly?

36:20Gary Lineker:I think they'll finish in and around where they are at the minute. Sixth this year.

36:24Alan Shearer:Yeah, I would agree with that probably now. Micah? Yeah, similar to where I had them. Did I have them about seventh or ninth? Eighth or ninth, you said. Eighth or ninth. Seventh, eighth, ninth. Yeah, I would agree with that. on to Forest well I think we all thought they'd do alright this season we didn't think they'd reach quite the dizzy heights of last season where they were so impressive but we all said mid-table they've already sacked two managers this season and they're still struggling they had a massive win didn't they against West Ham but they're currently one spot above the relegation zone I don't think any of us saw that coming no not at all especially with the players that they have as well Big Chris Wood, what he was doing last season, especially in fantasy football.

37:09I was thinking, let's get him in early doors. Morgan Gibbs-White. He's just got so many good players. Football's a weird game, isn't it? Yeah, Anderson, of course, who's broke through with England. Surprising, really. Yeah, but Daichi's the right man now to stabilise it, at least, you know?

37:25Gary Lineker:Well, they've got a seven-point gap.

37:27Alan Shearer:Yeah, seven-point. They do look pretty doomed, the bottom three, don't they, really? I mean, you need a massive turnaround for it not to be the bottom three. So I still think Forrest will finish just above the drop zone now. Yes, yeah. Yeah. Agreed. Yeah. Okay. Sunderland, one of the stories of the season. They've slipped a little bit. They've gone to 10th now, but they've already got 30 points. I would say they are safe, which is brilliant because, you know, The team that comes up via the playoffs generally are almost guaranteed to go back down. I think the manager's done a superb job. We all said relegated, all three of us, and we need to eat humble pie.

38:12Gary Lineker:Yeah, and still unbeaten at home, by the way, which is remarkable. And probably two of the signings of the season. I had Granit Xhaka and the goalkeeper Roofs in my team of the season so far. They've been brilliant.

38:29Alan Shearer:God, that must have been painful for you, Alan. What's a keeper called, Alan?

38:33Gary Lineker:Sorry? What's a keeper called? Roofs, is it? Roofs? Roofs? Roofs? Roofs. Roofs? Roofs? He's been brilliant anyway, hasn't he? He's been sensational. Fabulous.

38:46Alan Shearer:Absolutely superb. So where were they finished? Can they maintain mid-table or do you think they'll slip away a little bit?

38:54Gary Lineker:Well, don't forget, over the last couple of weeks, they've been without a few players because of the AFCON. So once they get those back just below mid-table, I think they'll finish.

39:03Alan Shearer:I would agree with that. I think it's 12, 13, something like that. I'm going to go bang on mid-table, 10th is where they'll finish. Yeah, where they are at the current time. Okay, Spurs. Well, it's been what a season for them so far. our predictions were from me, big improvement coming, European places. Alan, seventh and ninth. Mike are top six. They've only won two home games this season. And I suppose there's a reason they were 17th last season. And also, I think the injury situation, particularly in forward positions. I mean, any team that loses their most creative players and probably the most potent goal scorer are going to struggle to a degree but it's still been very disappointing nevertheless hasn't it I thought with Thomas in charge I think he's found it difficult so far

39:55Gary Lineker:Home form as well isn't it and the fans I mean I was there last weekend you can just feel there's an atmosphere in the ground it's not a nice atmosphere the game they have this weekend against West Ham whoever were to lose that game I would fear for the manager really would because if Spurs get beaten at home off West Ham it would turn really, really nasty. I'm disappointed within the way that Thomas Frank has set up his teams because, yes, they've not had players who can get on the ball like Madison and Kulisevsky, but he normally finds a way. He's got enough pace within that team to still play attractive football.

40:39And the thing is I liked with Thomas Frank at Brentford, he couldn't adapt to any situation with lesser players. so with Spurs I thought they would have a little bit more I still think he'll become very good but I thought he'd be able to turn it around quicker than he than he has done and all these things when he's having an Arsenal Cup or an accident they're not helping his cause God that was extraordinary wasn't it yeah and then the players going in to you know argue with fans and all that sort of stuff it's been difficult is he the man to turn it around 100 % I just thought he'd do it a little bit quicker.

41:16I hope he gets the time to do it. I think he will, though. I think he will, Al. I do because... And the reason I say that is because the league's funny this season. Everyone's taking points off each other. So what, Spurs have got 27 points now. If they were to get a win, up to six is only on 32 points. We're only talking about five-point gap. Yeah, you get a three-game winning run.

41:38Alan Shearer:And I mean, the next two fixtures, as you said, isn't it, is West Ham and I think...

41:42Gary Lineker:West Ham and Burnley, I think it is in the league, yeah.

41:44Alan Shearer:You win those two and the world's a better place. Correct. I think mid-table though. Personally, I think mid-table. On to West Ham. Well, it's been a bloody awful season for them, isn't it? It really has. I said actually 10th to 14th. Alan, you said tough season ahead for them. Can't see them finishing higher than 10th to 14th. Same as me. Micah, same as last season, 14th. They're a little too easy to play against. Graham Potter, of course, was replaced by Nuno at the end of September, who'd lost his job at Forest. I mean, he'd be under pressure now as well, Nuno. I mean, imagine losing two jobs in one season.

42:23Gary Lineker:Tough season ahead, I said, but I didn't think it would be this tough for them. No. But I don't see anything in... I mean, I know they've got Jared Bowen, but other than him, I don't see anything that would give me hope they can get out of the situation they're in. Not seeing anywhere near enough from them. I think the situation with Paqueta, some people pronounce it, he wants to go back to Brazil, doesn't he? And that's not good. One of your main players wants to go back home. It's going to be difficult. Bowen, he's had a little bit of stick as well. He went up to the fans, a little bit of tension there.

43:00Alan Shearer:But he's the one player who's actually still delivered to a degree, isn't he? I mean, it'd be interesting. I mean, if they do go down, I mean, it's his club, isn't it? and he might have to leave. Yeah, he might have to leave, but...

43:15Gary Lineker:I don't see them getting out of it, me. You don't? You can't see it, Al, no? No, I don't think they've got enough quality, Micah. Nothing that I see in the team gives me hope that they'd get out.

43:27Alan Shearer:When I watch them, I see a lack of... They seem to be a little bit like PC plod. There's no real kind of energy to their game. It just seems a little bit pedestrian, particularly, I think, in defensive positions. I think they're a little bit slow, a little bit ponderous. I don't know. Maybe that's a confidence thing, but I can't see them getting out either. Difficult times for the Hammers and difficult too, of course, for Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are currently 20th. They have had finally a win this season, but they're only on seven points. I said relegation battle, but did say that possibly all the promoted teams might get relegated.

44:13Alan Shearer:Alan, you said relegation battle, but will finish above the promoted sides. And Micah, you said tough season ahead for them. I pushed you to decide before Micah said the two promoted teams are staying up, Leeds and Burnley. So I got that one right then, did I? Well, it looks that way, yes. unless they produce the biggest miracle in modern football history, being the best to win the league. Yeah, what's gone wrong there?

44:42Gary Lineker:Where do you start? I mean, they have in the last three or four games, haven't they picked up a little bit, got their first win. Just as they start to get a little bit of confidence, Newcastle go there this weekend. They're too far adrift, aren't they? What they're on, seven points, too far adrift.

45:00Alan Shearer:No, they're gone. they're done they're toast sorry producer John

45:04Gary Lineker:they need to start planning for next season the championship and I guess maybe one of the reasons why they've got Rob Edwards in there is partly that I guess yeah I'd agree I just think losing Konya there was a spell last season where he was scoring every single goal I thought John Larson would have done a little bit better I know he was frustrated that he didn't get his move to Newcastle I don't want to say he's down tools but he's not had the same effect maybe that's to do with service but when you lose someone like Cunha

45:38Alan Shearer:and Aitnori I know he's been injured at City this season but I mean he was a quality act

45:43Gary Lineker:what about that young player though? Mane Mane, yeah

45:46Alan Shearer:bit of promise for the future

45:48Gary Lineker:yeah

45:50Alan Shearer:but not too much promise for the rest of the season I fear so overall I don't think we've done too badly apart from the obvious ones which was Liverpool, which I think pretty much every pundit did. They won the league easily last season and then spent more than any club has done for a long time in the summer. But it's not quite worked for them. And Sunderland probably being the obvious one as well. Brentford. And Brentford. Those are the three big surprises, I think, this season, as well as one or two teams like West Ham underperforming. OK, well, thanks, Chats. We'll have a look again at the end of the season after we've recapped.

46:28Alan Shearer:and remade our predictions and we'll see how we go. But for now, goodbye from me. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.