'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.