Jack and Harry are really excited in the Two Halves studio this month - we have a title race on our hands for the Premier League. Neither of the presenters wanted to see a runaway winner out of the traps after Christmas – Harry says it just takes the drama and the enjoyment out of watching matches.
Tune in to RTÉjr Radio at 6.30pm this evening or press play above now!
Manchester City's lead at the top of the table is down to just six points after Liverpool capitalised on a recent Man City loss to Tottenham (the Two Halves lads are not over the moon about this), and it can pull to within three points if they win their next game in hand.
The race might be on at the top of the table, but there's plenty of action down at the bottom end too. Watford, Burnley, Norwich, Newcastle - and now Everton, Leeds and Brentford are all battling it out to survive and stay in the Premier League which can only make for brilliant football being played out between now and the end of the season.
Only eight points separate the seven sides and Two Halves ask if Norwich and Watford have enough in the tank to keep afloat.
Two Halves will be analysing the Big Weekend of the Manchester Derby played on Sunday , a crucial game for both sides. They hear from a Superfan Family - the Pedreschis who were at the derby supporting City. Dad Gary and his nine-year-old son Max tell us why they will always back Pep Guardialo's men even though Max’s twin brother is a Liverpool supporter!
VAR has never been in the spotlight as much as the recent Manchester City Everton game where the Toffees received an apology after being denied a penalty. Jack and Harry ask why VAR is getting it wrong and Jack isn’t happy that many fans have to hold their celebrations after a goal is scored these days to await the VAR decision. Has it changed football as we know it forever?
One lady who certainly knows the rules and makes these crucial decisions is national and international referee Michelle O'Neill. Michelle tells Two Halves about the criteria she has to look for before a red card is given (it’s more than you’d realise) and why she has to train intensely to keep up with Mo Salah, Katie McCabe and Megan Rapinoe on the pitch!
This World Cup, Olympic and Super Cup referee admits it’s difficult to watch a game of football as a spectator – she always has her referees’ eyes on the pitch!
The Women’s National League has just kicked off, with the addition of Sligo Rovers to the fold this season. Peamount United striker Stephanie Roche looks ahead with Jack and Harry at what will be an exciting season and gives her thoughts on action across the water too.
The Shelbourne FC Under 13 girls’ team are in The Locker Room where many of them have ambitions to go all the way in the beautiful game. They talk role models, title predictions and fly the flag for girls’ soccer everywhere.
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