Five-a-side

Author: Five-aside

This is the Five-a-side pod, essentially a futbol podcast although once in a while we will delve into other topics such as lifestyle, social/political issues, history etc
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: Soccer, Sports

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

From UCL Drama to Derby Tension: Bottle Bets & Emirates Pressure
Episode 62
Thursday, 26 February, 2026

he crew kicks off arguing about branding (why we’re drinking from random cups like amateurs), then jumps into Champions League playoff chaos—Italian giants wobbling, Madrid doing “scripted” things, and away trips to icy Bodo sounding like football’s haunted house. After that, it’s full London derby energy: Arsenal vs Chelsea preview, why Arsenal get jittery late in games, who controls the midfield, Rice’s best role, Martinelli catching heat, and a spicy combined XI debate that turns into score predictions… and a dangerous bottle bet if Arsenal “bottle” the league.Timestamps01:22 – Intro chaos + “where’s the winner?”02:31 – Cup talk → branding idea (Five Aside mug)05:00 – Welcome + jerseys/banter + Champions League playoff chat06:38 – Italian league panic, Madrid “script,” Galatasaray madness09:28 – Bodo away terror stories (weather, cursed stadium vibes)12:11 – New UCL format debate (and why dropping to Europa was trash)16:16 – Arsenal wishlist + Martinelli debate starts heating up19:55 – Arsenal vs Chelsea preview officially begins25:02 – “Don’t play the occasion” + Arsenal late-game nerves35:15 – Where the game is won (midfield vs attack)42:11 – Rice/Zubi workload + playing through the middle + Eze impact47:01 – Rice: 6 vs box-to-box argument50:40 – Combined XI picks (keeper → backline → midfield)57:31 – Front three debate (Neto/Trossard/Palmer/Saka etc.)01:04:58 – Score predictions + arguing over pressing/defending01:11:05 – Drinks on the line + “Arsenal has to give”01:12:34 – Bottle bet punchline + outro promo