Explore every episode of the podcast The Optus Sport Football Podcast

Mark Schwarzer is joined by Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens for the final time this season as they wrap up a dramatic final day of the Premier League season, and dish out their season awards, including:

• Team of the season - and it may not be who you think!
• Player of the season
• Manager of the season
• Worst manager of the season (!)
• Shock of the season!
• Bold prediction for next season

Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil and Bridgey reflect on an historic night for Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur and Australian football.

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Ange Postecoglou features in a special episode of Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"...What's going to happen... is the CHAOS..." 

Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens are back to preview this week's final day of the Premier League. Five teams are chasing three spots in Europe. Who will they be?

• Anfield finally gets to see Liverpool lift the trophy
• Newcastle, Villa, City, Chelsea, Forest - which of these will make Champions League?
• Mark recalls a hilarious moment on the final day when Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce decided goalkeeper David James going up front was the perfect way to ruffle Middlesbrough's feathers!

Watch the Premier League FINAL DAY ONLY on Optus Sport, LIVE Monday morning from midnight AEST.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie is joined by Phil and Juls to recap a weekend of Premier League action which saw the race for Europe get even tighter, Everton say goodbye to Goodison Park and Jamie Vardy ending his time at Leicester City in typical fairytale fashion.

Juls is also very annoyed at Graham Potter and West Ham, whilst Phil can't hide his nerves ahead of the Europa League final.

Every game of the Premier League is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"...Not sure what he can do with so much cotton wrapped around him...." 

Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens are back to preview this week's exciting FA Cup Final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City, with some enthralling storylines on the way!

• Can Palace win their first trophy in over 30 years - and their first FA Cup?
• These teams score GOALS when they meet... will it be another bloodbath for the scoresheet?
• Can a Palace that has turned its fortunes on its head take on the behemoth that is Manchester City - and win?
• PLUS Michelle and Ash preview the gripping Women's FA Cup Final between league champions Chelsea looking for another trophy, up against Manchester United.

Watch the FA Cup Final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City ONLY on Optus Sport, LIVE Sunday morning from 1:15 am AEST.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens brought their shooting boots for this one - much to Juls' frustration - as they dissect a weekend of Premier League action that saw twists in the race for Europe, owners storming the pitch, and Trent Alexander-Arnold getting booed by Liverpool fans.

Juls also reflects on the ‘incredible’ Sonia Bompastor leading Chelsea to an unbeaten WSL title, and the guys discuss Ange making history by reaching the Europa League final.

And Juls shares the story of how he ended up watching El Clásico on a train with Jack Grealish!

Every episode of the Optus Sport Football Podcast is available exclusively on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"...qualifying for Europe would be, quite frankly, ridiculous..." 

Mark Schwarzer is joined by Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens to preview matchweek 36 of the Premier League AND a massive final round of the WSL with Michelle and Ash!

• How 'special' it would be if Aston Villa can secure consecutive seasons of Champions League football
• Why Bournemouth's potential Conference League qualification can be described as 'frankly ridiculous!'
• The incredible fixture that might have decided the title
• Chelsea's 'game of the season' against Newcastle

Watch EVERY Premier League and WSL match on Optus Sport.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie is joined by Phil and Juls to break down a potentially pivotal Premier League weekend in the race for Champions League qualification.

The guys also look ahead to Arsenal’s season-defining second leg against PSG in the Champions League, and share their picks for who’s most likely to win the play-offs and be gracing our screens on Optus Sport next season.

Plus, Michelle and Ash round up all the key moments from an action-packed weekend in the WSL.

Every game of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"...that's an incredible season for them. That's one of their best ever seasons..." 

Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens look ahead to matchweek 35 of the Premier League as the race for Europe is massive!

• FIVE points in between third and seventh for three places - who gets them?
• Could Bournemouth drag Arsenal into the fight for these Europe spots?
• Find out which team the lads believe is on track for its best ever season - with just one trophy to show for it!
• Chelsea and Liverpool meet in a blockbuster!

Watch EVERY Premier League match on Optus Sport.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil and Juls react to Liverpool romping to their 20th English league title with a comfortable 5-1 win over Ange's Spurs, whose domestic season seems to be going from bad to worse. But can the Europa League save his job?

They also chat about the FA Cup semi-finals and whether Crystal Palace can cause an upset in the final against Manchester City.

Michelle and Ash also chat WSL and how Chelsea and Arsenal's exploits in Europe may have an impact on the end of the domestic season.

Every match of the Premier League, FA Cup and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie, Phil and Juls preview the FA Cup semi-finals as Crystal Palace take on Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest face Manchester City, live on Optus Sport.

They reflect on the importance of the competition and the pressure on Villa, Palace and Forest who are desperate to lift a trophy.

The team also debate Forest’s priorities: Champions League or FA Cup, whilst everyone picks their FA Cup winner.

Michelle and Ash also look ahead to a big weekend of NWSL action on Optus Sport.

Every match of the NWSL and FA Cup is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie, Phil and Juls break down another weekend of Premier League action that felt all too familiar: Manchester United underwhelming again, Leicester losing, and fresh headlines around Liverpool’s contract talks following Trent Alexander-Arnold's winner.

The guys also chat about the battle for the Champions League spots and whether Niclas Füllkrug was right to call out his West Ham teammates, with Phil giving him the nickname 'Barry Big Balls'.

Michelle and Ash round things off with the latest from the WSL, where the title race is shaping up to be a lot tighter than expected.

Every match of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'My dad always wanted me to sign for Everton!'

We move into the final six weeks of the Premier League season, and Phil Kitromilides, Jay Bothroyd and Michael Bridges return for a big weekend preview:

• Bridgey tells us why he loved playing at Goodison Park, and how he and his old man were 'gutted' he never got the chance to play for the Toffees - and why Liverpool fans loved him!
• After a massive mid-week win for the Magpies, Aston Villa and Newcastle United clash in a huge fixture that could determine Champions League spots
• Spurs host Forest in a match which may or may not have a telling impact on Ange Postecoglou's tenure at the London club.
• Results allowing, Liverpool could seal the title!
• It's a COMPELLING weekend of football you cannot miss!

Watch EVERY Premier League match on Optus Sport.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil is joined by Bridgey and Jay this week to take stock of where we're at as we head into the final throws of the season: five Champions League spots are up for grabs and are Leeds on the cusp of returning to the Premier League?

The guys also discuss Mo Salah's new contract at Liverpool and whether or not Alexander Isak will be leaving Newcastle this summer.

Every Premier League match is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Newcastle have had a brilliant exceptional season!'

Some mouthwatering fixtures sit ahead of us this weekend in the Premier League, and you can see them all on Optus Sport! Mark Schwarzer is joined by Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens to preview a few picks of the matches:

• Manchester City and Crystal Palace meet at the Etihad, with a stagnating City and rising Palace promising one of the most open contests in the history of these two clubs!
• The lads try and decide whether brilliant or exceptional is the better adjective, as Newcastle host Manchester United!
• If you had Alexander Isak and Rasmus Hojlund on offer for your club, which would you take?
• Bournemouth and Fulham meet at Vitality Stadium in a match which could mean a European run for one side.

Watch EVERY Premier League match on Optus Sport.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Schwarzie, Phil, and Juls dive into the Meh-chester dull-by - a Manchester derby that lacked intensity and left everyone disappointed. With both teams underperforming, they discuss why this was one of the most underwhelming derbies in recent memory.

The guys also reflect on Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest players following his announcement that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season, with Schwarzie sharing some personal stories from their time together at Chelsea.

They also get fired-up in a debate about whether Liverpool have had an 'unbelievable' season or not. Phil can't believe what he's hearing!

Finally, they take a look at Crystal Palace's fine run of form and reflect on Southampton's abysmal season following their relegation.

Every game of the Premier League is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Bridgey reflect on another epic weekend of FA Cup action outside the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, and they can't believe Andoni Iraola's men didn't get the job done!

The guys also assess the rest of the round and give their tips on who they think will be lifting the trophy at Wembley in May.

There's also a ton of midweek Premier League action to look forward to in the coming days including the Merseyside derby and Spurs v Chelsea. 

Every match of the FA Cup and Premier League is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Boom, boom, boom, boom...Mateta's in the room!'

We are absolutely pumped up for the final EIGHT teams to line up in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup this weekend, with the lads Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens discussing:

• We are so excited that (aside from City!) one side may be able to break a long-standing trophy drought!
• Fulham and Palace meet in a London derby that, if Palace can field their talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta, could prove very tense!
• Brighton and Forest clash - will that frightful 7-0 win by Forest not long ago come back to haunt the Seagulls?
• Bournemouth host City at the Vitality - Schwarzie can't wait for the atmosphere at that tight, old ground.

Watch EVERY Emirates FA Cup match on Optus Sport.

WATCH: Join Optus Sport's Mark Schwarzer as he returns to his former stomping ground Valley Parade, home of 1911 FA Cup winners Bradford and where the record-breaking Socceroos great's English football adventure began > https://watchoptus.tv/SchwarzerVisitsBradford

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Schwarzie, Phil, and Juls as they break down a thrilling night of Nations League quarter-finals action, which featured 21 goals on Optus Sport!

The guys are buzzing about the high-scoring drama, but they still end up asking the age-old question: Should Ronaldo be starting for Portugal?

Juls takes a bold stance, suggesting that Michael Olise might just be the next Antoine Griezmann for France, while Schwarzie is loving what he’s seeing from Germany… at least in the first half against Italy!

Phil also weighs in on Spain’s nail-biting penalty win over the Netherlands, a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Every Nations League and European Qualifier is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'... He's like the perfect sperm sample that's ever been created!...'

We have Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Michael Bridges as they look forward to a weekend of more than 60 matches across five competitions... in particular the UEFA Nations League and World Cup Qualifiers!

• Thomas Tuchel's England squad gets put under the spotlight, including ONE very controversial selection.
• Should fans get to have a say on TWO picks in a country's squad? Bridgey thinks so!
• Schwarzie lays down the challenge to the Socceroos: 'if they don't beat Indonesia, they don't deserve to automatically qualify'.
• And we hear from Michelle and Ash with the Women's Super League live and exclusively on Optus Sport this weekend!

Watch UEFA Nations League and Europe's World Cup Qualifiers on Optus Sport.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the morning after the night before and Bridgey is a bit worse for wear following Newcastle United lifting their first domestic trophy in 70 years. 

He speaks about what this trophy means to his family, the people of Newcastle and how Eddie Howe's men can now build on this in the future. 

Schwarzie reflects on when he played with Newcastle's hero Dan Burn at Fulham, whilst Phil found himself in the middle of a Geordie takeover in London over the weekend. 

The guys also chat about the weekend's Premier League where Chelsea continued to struggle and Nottingham Forest took another huge step towards Champions League football, whilst Michelle and Ash wrap up a big few days in the WSL and the Women's League Cup Final.

Every game of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Who would've said at the start of the season that we are talking about Manchester City v Brighton as a six-pointer for the Champions League!...'

We have Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Jay Bothroyd on board to look ahead to this weekend's Premier League action!

While Jay brings his habitual stirring to the occasion, Mark and Phil have their own big lines to drop on the crew as they look ahead to a weekend featuring:

• A huge one between classic rivals Arsenal and Chelsea - and how the guys think each side can get over the other.
• Manchester City v Brighton shows up as one of the most unlikely must-watch matches of late!
• And why YOU must watch Leicester City v Manchester United this weekend... it's a pretty compelling argument!

Watch EVERY Premier League and Emirates FA Cup match on Optus Sport.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Phil are joined by a riled-up Jay Bothroyd this week, as his beloved Arsenal trail Liverpool in the title race by a staggering 15 points.

Jay doesn't hold back, slamming Mikel Arteta as 'tactically inept,' while Schwarzie takes a deep dive into the set-up of the wall for Bruno Fernandes' free-kick. Speaking of Bruno, Jay boldly claims Manchester United would be facing relegation without him - at least based on this season’s form.

Schwarzie also reveals that Brighton's Fabian Hürzeler used to coach his son at FC Pipinsried in the lower leagues of Germany - reflecting on how he has evolved as manager and a man in that time.

Every match of the Premier League is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Arsenal are a WOUNDED ANIMAL right now...'

Nothing beats the rampaging return of the Premier League this weekend on Optus Sport, and Michael Bridges joins Mark Schwarzer to run a comb through a few of the mouth-watering fixtures to come this week:

• Arsenal are smarting, according to the lads, and despite their midweek Champions League boilover, they will struggle against Manchester United!
• Tottenham v Bournemouth has the makings of a very entertaining match - predictions of many, many goals!
• How can Nottingham Forest arrest their fall off of recent weeks? They take on a Manchester City side that may well put them to the sword!

Watch EVERY Premier League and Emirates FA Cup match on Optus Sport.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Bridgey are at Old Trafford reflecting on another disappointing night for Manchester United, as Fulham knock them out of the FA Cup on penalties. 

The guys also reflect on Danny Welbeck 'aging like a fine wine' as Brighton find a late winner against Newcastle - which leaves Bridgey wondering when the pressure will start to mount on Eddie Howe. 

Schwarzie is also still baffled by Matheus Cunha's outburst which led to his sending off against Bournemouth, whilst Bridgey compares himself to Will Smith. You'll have to hear it to believe it!

Every game of the FA Cup is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Preston North End v Burnley is 'an underrated...HATE-FILLED DERBY!'

We cannot wait for the final 16 of the FA Cup to line up in this weekend's fifth round, with the lads Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens discussing:

• Manchester United taking on Fulham, and how even a possible FA Cup trophy lift won't do anything for United after the season they have had.
• The gloves are off and the claws are out as Preston North End prepares to host (but not happily!) their bitter rivals Burnley!
• Can Jean-Philippe Mateta be the difference the boys claim he will be against Aussie-favourites Millwall?
• Quarter-final spots go up for grabs so do NOT miss this weekend!

Watch EVERY Emirates FA Cup match on Optus Sport.

-----------

Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie, Phil, and Juls are back, and this week they're asking: should we just hand Liverpool the Premier League crown already? Plus, Mo Salah’s record-breaking season shows no signs of slowing down - is he destined for the Ballon d'Or? The guys also discuss whether Manchester City's style of football is becoming outdated in England.

So with Arsenal looking like their race is run in terms of the title race, we turn our attention to the European spots and Juls has a bold shout: could Bournemouth really sneak into the Champions League?

The guys also dive into Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio hitting the ground running at Villa Park, plus the bizarre stat that home and away goals perfectly balanced in the Premier League this season.

Every game of the Premier League is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Who'd have thought Everton would turn into the great entertainers?!...'

Mark, Bridgey and Phil are back this week with a bumper weekend ahead:

• Liverpool keep dropping points... are they vulnerable ahead of their biggest clash of the year?
• Conversely, with a City side smarting from a Champions League loss.... are they on a hiding to nothing?
• Our guys choose which match is worth losing sleep over: Newcastle v Forest or Aston Villa v Chelsea?

Watch EVERY Premier League match, every week on Optus Sport.

-----------

Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Phil are joined by Bridgey to reflect on Spurs' win over a 'decaying' Manchester United team that are really struggling. Phil also updates us on how Antony is doing in La Liga since leaving Old Trafford...and it's not a good look for his former employers. 

Meanwhile Arsenal are dealing with their injury crisis well so far, as Mikel Merino scores twice in his first ever runout at centre-forward. But can they still win challenge Liverpool for the title? Chelsea on the other hand are heading in the opposite direction.

And after Ederson became the goalkeeper with the most Premier League assists, Schwarzie also talks very proudly of his only one, which was mostly thanks to Yakubu.

Every match of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'You keep Cole Palmer quiet.. the creativity is gone from that side...'

After a dashing weekend of FA Cup football, the big league returns with the Premier League and matchweek 25. Mark Schwarzer and Jay Bothroyd outline three juicy fixtures for this weekend including:

• City and Newcastle's big clash and the #9 that Jay anoints as the world's best.
• STACKs of goals as Jay and Mark both predict Ange and Spurs to bounce back from a very forgettable week against a battling Manchester United!
• Brighton and Chelsea renew their recent rivalry, but will the Londoners flip the result?

Watch EVERY Premier League match, every week on Optus Sport.

-----------

Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie is joined by Jay Bothroyd after watching Ange's Spurs slump to another defeat, this time against Aston Villa in the FA Cup Fourth Round. We also hear from Ange himself after the game chatting to Schwarzie, as well as Morgan Rogers.

The guys also reflect on Plymouth's historic victory over Liverpool and come to terms with the fact that no VAR in the FA Cup has made us miss technology!

Every episode of the FA Cup is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'We played Mourinho's Chelsea... I got as many touches as Erling Haaland!'

It's the triumphant return of two massive entities this week on the podcast: 1) The Emirates FA Cup fourth round is back on Optus Sport - every game - and 2) Jay Bothroyd is back to stir the lads up as Mark Schwarzer and Phil Kitromilides try and not take the bait.

• The lads once again reminisce on the magic of the Cup and the great stories that it creates
• What a massive week for Tottenham as they try and parlay their breakthrough league win into EFL Cup AND FA Cup victories!
• Coventry City's Frank Lampard reveals his breakthrough Aussie gun (see the full interviews on the Optus Sport app NOW!)
• Can the Sky Blues take down the Tractor Boys? 2/3 of our guys think they can!

Watch EVERY Emirates FA Cup match on Optus Sport.

-----------

Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition of the Optus Sport Football Podcast, Schwarzie is at Coventry City ahead of their FA Cup Fourth Round clash against Ipswich Town to chat to Frank Lampard and young Aussie Raphael Borges Rodrigues.

Lampard sings Rapha's praises, not only saying he's ready to make an impact in the team, but also how his mentality reminds him of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney!

Rapha on the other hand speaks at length about his footballing career so far and what drives him to success - as well as opening the lid on a secret WhatsApp group of young Aussies in Europe!

Every match of the FA Cup fourth round is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Phil are reunited with Jay Bothroyd as he basks in the glory of Arsenal's momentous victory over Manchester City. 

The guys also discuss Arsenal's exuberant youth players, Liverpool not showing any signs of slowing down and why Ruben Amorim continues to struggle at Manchester United.

And, in classic Jay style, the pod gets derailed into comparing Erling Haaland to Gerd Muller and Alexander Isak; whilst Mick McCarthy also gets a mention for not liking Jay's car or his diamond earrings!

Every match of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'BOURNEMOUTH CAN GET THE JOB DONE HERE!...'

Another week, another set of stunning fixtures ahead in the Premier League! Phil Kitromilides, Michael Bridges and Julien Laurens are here with stacks to preview:

• Manchester City and Arsenal renew their modern-day rivalry...but is it as much of a blockbuster as it has been of late?
• One which is undeniably mouth-watering is Bournemouth v Liverpool - can the Cherries continue their sparkling season and shake up the title race?
• We hear from Bournemouth's Lewis Cook on how they will approach this giant fixture.
• Chelsea take on West Ham in what has been dubbed 'PotterRico' or, to be more clear: The Graham Potter Cup.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Schwarzie on his monthly holiday, Phil is left to host Bridgey and Juls to pick the bones out of a Premier League weekend which saw Ange's problems grow, Bournemouth flying and Robert Sanchez continuing to struggle in goal for Chelsea. 

Phil also sets about debunking the Arsenal referee conspiracy theories...until everyone jumps on board with it!

Every game of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'You're 13th in the table...YOU'RE MANCHESTER UNITED!...'

There are several mouthwatering fixtures this weekend in the Premier League, and while some have blockbuster status, there are others that have Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens excited to watch for *different* reasons:

• Manchester City v Chelsea will be massive...but has the title race already reached the end?
• Would Cole Palmer's sparkling individual form be at the same level had he stayed in the Manchester City setup?
• Manchester United seem 'crippled with insecurity' and are tipped to put no 'another awful performance' against Fulham. Is this harsh or fair by the Optus Sport Football Podcast lads?
• Bournemouth take on forest in one of the unlikeliest 'match of the round' contenders in recent seasons.
• We hear from Kiwi international and Forest star Chris Wood ahead of this one.

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the morning after the night before which saw Spurs slump to a brutal away defeat to Everton. Schwarzie, Phil and Juls all have their say on where next for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur. Juls in particular lambasts their performance, claiming that Spurs made Dominic Calvert-Lewin look like 'prime Messi'!

The guys also dissect another poor performance for Ruben Amorim's Manchester United at Old Trafford and take a look at a title race which took another twist this weekend. Meanwhile Amy and Ash wrap up all the action from the return of the WSL.

Every match of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Bridgey look forward to an action-packed midweek fixture list in the Premier League which sees Nottingham Forest host Liverpool in a surprise top-of-the-table clash and a mouthwatering north London derby. 

Every game of the Premier League is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Bridgey are outside the Emirates Stadium following an FA Cup cracker where 10-man Manchester United knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup. The guys also react to the rest of the action in the third round, as well as Schwarzie drawing out the balls for the cup draw!

Every FA Cup match this season is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'He needs silverware...and this is a REALLY good chance'

There are few greater words for a football fan in January than FA Cup third round. And that's where we find ourselves this week as Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Michael Bridges join forces to run a rule across the biggest, best and ugliest fixtures to take place this weekend, all LIVE on Optus Sport. The trio discuss:

• Who will come out on top between Arsenal and Manchester United in the pick of the round
• The Lamb Ground...which is where Spurs will head to try and overcome Tamworth
• The worst pitches the fellas played on in their cup runs - and which Premier League pitch has a SLOPE on it!
• The mischief Bridgey got up to as an apprentice at Sunderland
• Find out the 'secret phrase' Bridgey and Phil give Schwarzie to drop during the FA Cup Draw!

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Optus Sport Football Podcast kicks off the new year with Schwarzie, Phil, and Bridgey breaking down a dramatic night at Anfield.

Manchester United stunned everyone with what Schwarzie calls their "most impressive performance of the season," but the big question remains—can they sustain this momentum?

Liverpool’s attacking flair was on full display, but defensive frailties stole the spotlight, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s struggles reigniting debates about his future and a potential move to Madrid (which Phil insists is "a no-brainer!").

The team also unpacks Ange Postecoglou’s fiery post-match interview after yet another Spurs loss, exploring whether deeper issues are behind their recent slump.

Schwarzie and Bridgey share some cracking yarns, including Yakubu "throwing in the towel" at Middlesbrough when Everton came calling, how Mark Viduka could have been one of the world’s best with Cristiano Ronaldo’s professionalism, and fascinating insights into how Leicester handled the pressure during their 2016 title charge.

Every game of the Premier League is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New to close out 2024: we welcome you to the very first episode of Takes from the Terrace, where we throw the interview textbook out of the window and ask our guests what we really want to hear.

In this premiere, legendary England, Manchester City and Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart joins Adamo De Nigris for a candid and sometimes emotional discussion on his career, and details why Australia's Ange Postecoglou left such a lasting impact on his career.

From Premier League champions to Socceroos greats, as well as topics that really get you thinking (who EXACTLY makes the Premier League Mount Rushmore?!), join these incredible conversations with world football identities that go further than the results on the pitch.

LISTEN: https://shows.acast.com/takes-from-the-terrace

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Best song in the Premier League...!'

Football fans in South London have plenty of reason to chant one man's name at the moment, and Mark Schwarzer, Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens sing along as we preview a big weekend of Premier League action, LIVE on Optus Sport:

• Tottenham host Liverpool in a vital match - but which Spurs side will be there to play?
• We hear from Yves Bissouma on what they need to do to take down the Reds
• Crystal Palace have hit a bit of form and come up against another unpredictable giant in Arsenal - and our lads predict they will cause the Gunners trouble!
• Villa and Manchester City lock horns with the winner to make a leap up the table!

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie, Phil, and Juls unwrap all the weekend's football drama with Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin both losing their jobs at Wolves and Southampton - proving it’s not just Santa handing out the sack this time of year.

Elsewhere, Rashford and Garnacho are on Ruben Amorim's naughty list after being dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby. But there’s no Christmas miracle for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, as they gift-wrap a win for Manchester United. Are they really out of the title race already?

Chelsea are also jingling all the way towards the top of the league, storming ahead of Arsenal and chasing down Liverpool. Could they be the team to ruin everyone’s holiday spirit this season?

Meanwhile, Michelle and Ash fill our stockings with all the latest from the WSL’s final weekend before the new year, whilst Phil plays Scrooge after his son confesses to diving—bah...humbug!

Every game of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bold call as Amorim tipped to 'pull off a masterstroke' over Manchester City!

Football fans are champing at the bit this week with another Manchester Derby awaiting us, LIVE on Optus Sport on Monday morning AEDT. Michael Bridges and Phil Kitromilides join Mark Schwarzer to preview the big clash and dive into:

• Best memories and moments from the famous rivalry between the red and blue sides of Manchester
• Who they predict to be the difference in the match
• Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa - not to be forgotten, the winner of this could find themselves in fourth place by next week!
• Michelle Escobar and Ash Sykes drop in with their preview of the Women's Super League!

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Schwarzie and Bridgey have returned from their golfing trip to run the rule over the latest Premier League weekend with Phil:

• Chelsea are looking unstoppable under Maresca
• Will struggling Ange be at Spurs by the start of 2025?
• Manchester United's turmoil continues on and off the pitch
• How to stop Arsenal at set pieces
• Is Pep cracking up?
• Leicester's superb start under Ruud van Nistelrooy

Michelle and Ash are also back with their assessment of the first WSL weekend after the international break.

Every match of the Premier League and WSL is live and exclusive on Optus Sport.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do Arsenal's front men have enough goals in them to win the league?!

Midweek football is here on Optus Sport!

With Mark Schwarzer galavanting on a Spanish golf course, Phil Kitromilides and Julien Laurens pore over this week's midweek fixtures.

• Arsenal v Manchester United will be huge - we give our pre-game analysis on what lineups will cause the greatest trouble for the opposition
• Newcastle sit in a disappointing 11th place and take on an absolutely flying Liverpool at St. James' Park. How can the Magpies take down the seemingly-unassailable Reds?

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Listen to Optus Sport's award-winning limited series: Football Belongs, charting the cultural threads of Australian society through the lens of nine football matches:

Acast: https://play.acast.com/s/football-belongs

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AzBek8ub2oEsWLYHWetg7

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/football-belongs-australias-football-identity-by-optus/id1543067162

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.