Premier League Previews: Arsenal to Leicester

Premier League Previews: Arsenal to Leicester 
Introduction

Jack: Hello my name’s Jack

Rowan: My name’s Rowan

Rich: and I’m Rich 

Rowan: And welcome to this week’s Premier Skills English podcast.

Jack: In the Premier Skills English podcast, we talk about football and help you with your English. 

Rich: Over the next two weeks we’re going to focus on all twenty Premier League clubs in the run up to September the 12th which is when the new Premier League season kicks off.

Rowan: You’re going to hear short discussions about ten Premier League clubs - their manager, their players and their chances this season.

Jack: Rich has interviewed a fan of each Premier League team and you’re going to hear ten of those interviews this week and ten more in next week’s podcast.

Rich: There was one thing that was strange about these interviews though.

Rowan: What’s that, Rich?

Rich: All these Premier League fans sounded a bit like you or Jack?

Jack: Yes, a very strange coincidence. I hope you’re not questioning those telephone numbers I got for you. Each one a bona fide Premier League fan

Rowan: This week we’re going to focus on your listening skills and we’ll look at some common football phrases and cliches football fans use when talking about their team.

Rich: This week’s task is to use some of the football phrases we introduce to talk about some or all of the ten Premier League teams we talk about in this week’s podcast.

Rowan: And don’t worry if we don’t talk about your favourite team because we’ll be talking about the other ten Premier League teams next week.

Jack: If you’re listening to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any other podcast platform, you should also check out our website.

Rowan: On the Premier Skills English website you’ll also find the transcript, examples and activities to help you understand the language, and a task for you to complete.

Rich: You’ll also find a community of friendly listeners to interact with, in our comments section.

Jack: And that includes us - we’re always around to answer questions and join in the discussions.

Rowan: But if you listen on Apple Podcasts you can always write answers to our questions or any other comments in the review section.

Rich: Before we do the roleplay let’s look back at last week’s football phrase.

Last week’s Football Phrase 

Jack: If you didn’t hear our football phrase last week we’re going to give you one more chance to guess now. 

Rowan: Last week’s football phrase was *** ********* ******. This is the name of the match that is played between the winners of the FA Cup and the League Champions. It’s usually the first match of the new season. In many other countries it’s called the Super Cup and this season it’s being played between Liverpool and Arsenal.

Jack: And who won *** ********* ******.

Rowan: Arsenal won on penalties.

Jack: Is that right, Rich?

Rich: Yes, Arsenal won. No need to gloat.

Rowan: A big well done to Alex from Ukraine who was the first to get the right answer last week.  If you’re not sure what the football phrase is we’ll give you the correct answer at the end of the show when we give you a new football phrase. 

Jack: Well done as well to Hayato from Japan, Wsanta from Argentina, MoBeckham from Turkey, Marco Zapien from Mexico, Gergo Nagy from Hungary, PauloVictor and RobertTavares from Brazil, Liubomyr from Ukraine …

Rich: And well done to Salomoah and FJChaves from Brazil, Max Alex from Vietnam, Daniel Baron1503 and Jhon Baron-Oliveres from Colombia, Elghoul from Algeria, Mayu from Japan, and Emmanuel from France. All of you also got the right answer.

Rowan: Lots of people got the right answer last week. Let’s make it harder this week.

Jack: Last week’s podcast was all about managing conflict.

Rich: Oh yes, I had some problems with my staff at my football cafe.

Rowan: And the task we gave our listeners was to give some tips for football managers trying to avoid conflict in the dressing room.

Jack: I liked what Salomoah from Brazil had to say. He said that managers should focus on equality and that every player should be treated equally. If players know this, there will be less conflict.

Rich: Elghoul from Algeria said that psychology is an important part of managing conflict as a football coach. I agree.

Rowan: Alex from Ukraine said it’s important that the manager is the authority in the dressing room.

Rich: FJChaves from Brazil also mentioned this. He said it was like what I said to you two in last week’s roleplay ‘if you continue arguing I will cut the tips’.

Jack: If you haven’t heard last week’s podcast it’s called English at work: Managing conflict. You can find it on Premier Skills English and Apple podcasts now.

Rowan: And you can learn more about the language of managing conflict and tell us what you think is the best way to deal with arguments.

Introduction to Roleplays

Rich: As we said earlier, in this week’s roleplay I am going to interview fans from each Premier League club.

Jack: Before each interview we’ll give you a question to answer and then we’ll look at one football phrase or cliche.

Rowan: This should be good listening practice because some of these fans talk very quickly.

Rich: For that reason, we advise you not to look at the transcript this week. We really want you to practise your listening skills.

Jack: We will then ask you to listen to each roleplay again so you can hear the football phrase or cliche in context. OK, let’s start with the world’s most important football club - Arsenal. The question we want you to answer is:

Rich: Why is Jack so happy?

Roleplay 1a

Rowan: Arsenal

Rich: So, the season kicks off in less than two weeks. How are you feeling?

Jack: If you’d asked me a few months ago I’d have been pretty despondent, to be honest, but now I’m actually really excited.

Rich: Why is that? What’s changed?

Jack: Well, winning two trophies in a month helps but I think Mikel Arteta has got the team playing well and playing for each other, you know, and we’re also adding depth to the squad.

Rich: Who have you brought in?

Jack: Willian from Chelsea on a free and Gabriel from Lille in France for twenty-odd million.  He should make us look a lot better at the back.

Rich: What are you most looking forward to this season?

Jack: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signing a new contract. I want him to stay at the Emirates forever.

Language Focus 1

Rowan: So, Jack sounds quite excited about the new Premier League season. We asked you why he was so happy.

Jack: Well, I’m happy with our new signings and I’m very happy how Mikel Arteta is changing the team and I’ll be unbelievably happy when Aubameyang signs a new contract.

Rich: If he signs a new contract.  I don’t know why you are so happy. I think you’ll finish about 8th again.

Rowan: OK, the phrase we want to look at is to add depth to the squad. Jack said Arsenal are adding depth to the squad.

Jack: Fans, journalists and managers often talk about adding depth to the squad. It means to sign more players to make the squad better.

Rich: Yes, a team can often have a very good starting eleven but the squad might not be so good. If a club has six good centre-backs and five good strikers they have good depth - they have good quality throughout their squad - not just in the first-team.

Rowan: Listen to the roleplay with Jack again and listen to how we used the phrase to add depth to the squad in context.

Roleplay 1b

Rowan: Arsenal

Rich: So, the season kicks off in less than two weeks. How are you feeling?

Jack: If you’d asked me a few months ago I’d have been pretty despondent, to be honest, but now I’m actually really excited.

Rich: Why is that? What’s changed?

Jack: Well, winning two trophies in a month helps but I think Mikel Arteta has got the team playing well and playing for each other, you know, and we’re also adding depth to the squad.

Rich: Who have you brought in?

Jack: Willian from Chelsea on a free and Gabriel from Lille in France for twenty-odd million.  He should make us look a lot better at the back.

Rich: What are you most looking forward to this season?

Jack: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signing a new contract. I want him to stay at the Emirates forever.

---

Rowan: Let’s move onto our next roleplay. Your question is:

 

Rich: What is this Premier League fan worried about?

Roleplay 2a

Jack: Aston Villa

Rich: Happy to be still in the Premier League?

Rowan: Over the moon. Staying up on the last day of the season - it was like winning the cup final. There seems to be a buzz around the place and I can’t wait for the new season to get started.

Rich: Is it going to be another fight against relegation this season?

Rowan: I don’t think so. I hope not. We were starting to gel towards the end of the season and there are enough goals in the team we just need to tighten up at the back.

Rich: Anyone new at Villa Park this season?

Rowan: We haven’t brought in anyone yet but I’m not worried - the transfer window is open until October and I’m sure Dean Smith has a few targets in mind. I’d like Jack Grealish to stay - he’s Villa through and through. I’m a bit worried that Manchester United are sniffing around.

Rich: What are you looking forward to this season?

Rowan: The comfort of mid-table - I’d be over the moon with anything higher, I’d also like to see a good a cup run and I’m looking forward to seeing Aston Villa women play their first-ever season in the top flight.

Language Focus 2

Rich: Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan was worried about.

Jack: This Aston Villa fan, like many others I imagine, is worried about Jack Grealish leaving the club.

Rowan: OK, the phrase we want to focus on is over the moon.

Rich: This is a great phrase and is used all the time by football managers in interviews after their team has won. It means to be really, really happy.

Jack: 5-0. I’m over the moon with the performance.

Rowan:  Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase over the moon in a natural context.

Roleplay 2b

Jack: Aston Villa

Rich: Happy to be still in the Premier League?

Rowan: Over the moon. Staying up on the last day of the season - it was like winning the cup final. There seems to be a buzz around the place and I can’t wait for the new season to get started.

Rich: Is it going to be another fight against relegation this season?

Rowan: I don’t think so. I hope not. We were starting to gel towards the end of the season and there are enough goals in the team we just need to tighten up at the back.

Rich: Anyone new at Villa Park this season?

Rowan: We haven’t brought in anyone yet but I’m not worried - the transfer window is open until October and I’m sure Dean Smith has a few targets in mind. I’d like Jack Grealish to stay - he’s Villa through and through. I’m a bit worried that Manchester United are sniffing around.

Rich: What are you looking forward to this season?

Rowan: The comfort of mid-table - I’d be over the moon with anything higher, I’d also like to see a good a cup run and I’m looking forward to seeing Aston Villa women play their first-ever season in the top flight.

---

Jack: Let’s move onto our next roleplay. Your question is:

Rowan: What is this Premier League fan looking forward to?

Roleplay 3a

Rowan: Brighton & Hove Albion

Rich: So what’s new at Brighton this season?

Jack: Not much really, I hope. This is our fourth Premier League season and we’re starting to make steady progress. Avoiding relegation will be the priority but now playing a more expansive game.

Rich: So, you see more goals at the AMEX this season?

Jack: I hope so. We’re usually quite tight at the back but could do with scoring a few more goals.

Rich: Who should non-Brighton fans look out for?

Jack: Yves Bissouma is a Mali international who has taken some time to settle in but is now looking like a really good player. 

Rich: What are you most looking forward to this season?

Jack: Beating Crystal Palace and getting back in the stadium. I’m not a big fan of matches behind closed doors.

Language Focus 3

Rich: Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan was looking forward to.

Rowan: He said beating Crystal Palace because Palace are Brighton’s main rivals and also watching matches at stadiums.

Jack: Yes, I think that’s something all fans want to get back to. OK,the phrase we want to focus on is to be tight at the back.

Rich: This football phrase is used to describe a team or defence that doesn’t concede many goals or chances to score.

Jack: The team that had the tightest defence last season was Liverpool they only conceded 33 goals. At the back means in defence. 

Rowan:  Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase tight at the back in a natural context.

Roleplay 3b

Rowan: Brighton & Hove Albion

Rich: So what’s new at Brighton this season?

Jack: Not much I hope really. This is our fourth Premier League season and we’re starting to make steady progress. Avoiding relegation will be the priority but now playing a more expansive game.

Rich: So, you see more goals at the AMEX this season?

Jack: I hope so. We’re usually quite tight at the back but could do with scoring a few more goals.

Rich: Who should non-Brighton fans look out for?

Jack: Yves Bissouma is a Mali international who has taken some time to settle in but is now looking like a really good player. 

Rich: What are you most looking forward to this season?

Jack: Beating Crystal Palace and getting back in the stadium. I’m not a big fan of matches behind closed doors.

---

Rowan: Let’s move onto our next roleplay. Your question is:

Rich: What is this Premier League fan proud of?

Roleplay 4a

Jack: Burnley

Rich: What can you say about Burnley? Another top half finish last season. Can you ask for anything more?

Rowan: It’s something that not just the club and its fans are proud about but something the whole town is proud about. Burnley is a small town there are only 70,000 people here. We have not right to be in the Premier League really.

Rich: But you are and you do have the right, but how far can Burnley go and can you keep it going?

Rowan: Of course, we will keep fighting and pushing. We are the underdogs against whoever we play but underdogs can win. We have the right work ethic and a brilliant manager in Sean Dyche.

Rich: But how far can you go with fighting spirit?

Rowan: I think that is an easy mistake to make. We fight and work for each other but these are Premier League players and don’t get the credit they deserve - we don’t just lump the ball up front, you know.

Rich: Yes, of course, so who should we be watching out for this season?

Rowan: Dwight McNeil is a fantastically talented forward who can operate on either wing or centrally. I think he’ll be in the England squad by the end of the season.

Language Focus 4

Rich: Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan was proud about.

Jack: She said she was proud of her club and how a small club and a small town can be battling against other Premier League clubs based in large cities with larger fan bases.

Rowan: The bit of language we want to look at in this roleplay is the word underdog.

Rich: People use the word underdog to talk about football and other sports all the time. The underdog in football is the team that has less chance of winning.

Jack: This might be because on paper the players aren’t as good, the team is in a lower league, their budget is much smaller or the team haven’t been playing well.

Rowan: Burnley are often described as underdogs as they aren’t a club with a big budget or a big fan base. They are often seen as a team that are greater than the sum of their parts.

Rich:  Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the word underdog in a natural context.

Roleplay 4b

Jack: Burnley

Rich: What can you say about Burnley? Another top half finish last season. Can you ask for anything more?

Rowan: It’s something that not just the club and its fans are proud about but something the whole town is proud about. Burnley is a small town there are only 70,000 people here. We have not right to be in the Premier League really.

Rich: But you are and you do have the right, but how far can Burnley go and can you keep it going?

Rowan: Of course, we will keep fighting and pushing. We are the underdogs against whoever we play but underdogs can win. We have the right work ethic and a brilliant manager in Sean Dyche.

Rich: But how far can you go with fighting spirit?

Rowan: I think that is an easy mistake to make. We fight and work for each other but these are Premier League players and don’t get the credit they deserve - we don’t just lump the ball up front, you know.

Rich: Yes, of course, so who should we be watching out for this season?

Rowan: Dwight McNeil is a fantastically talented forward who can operate on either wing or centrally. I think he’ll be in the England squad by the end of the season.

---

Rowan: Let’s move onto our next roleplay. Your question is:

Rich: What is this Premier League fan excited about?

Roleplay 5a

Rowan: Chelsea

Rich: There has been a lot of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Jack: Yes, it’s very exciting. Roman Abramovich has been splashing the cash and I can’t wait for the season to start and see some of these players in action.

Rich: Who have you signed then?

Jack: We’ve signed Ben Chilwell from Leicester for £50 million, Timo Werner for another £50 million, Hakim Ziyech from Ajax for nearly £40 million and the big one is on its way.

Rich: And who’s that?

Jack: Kai Havertz from Bayern Leverkusen for a rumoured £90 million quid and we’ve also signed the PSG captain Thiago Silva on a free transfer.

Rich: Is this the most exciting transfer window ever for Chelsea fans?

Jack: It’s got to be up there. Let’s just hope that Frank can get the team to gel. If we can hit the ground running we’ve got a real chance this season.

Language Focus 5

Rich: Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan was excited about.

Rowan: Well, he’s excited about all the new signings that Chelsea have made. They’ve made seven so far and there are signs that there are more to come.

Jack: The football phrase we want to look at from this roleplay is to hit the ground running.

Rich: To hit the ground running means to start fast and is often used to talk about teams at the beginning of a new season.

Rowan: The fan wants to see Chelsea hit the ground running. He wants Chelsea to start the season by winning their first few matches and gather momentum from that.

Jack: Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase to hit the ground running in a natural context.

Roleplay 5b

Rowan: Chelsea

Rich: There has been a lot of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Jack: Yes, it’s very exciting. Roman Abramovich has been splashing the cash and I can’t wait for the season to start and see some of these players in action.

Rich: Who have you signed then?

Jack: We’ve signed Ben Chilwell from Leicester for £50 million, Timo Werner for another £50 million, Hakim Ziyech from Ajax for nearly £40 million and the big one is on its way.

Rich: And who’s that?

Jack: Kai Havertz from Bayern Leverkusen for a rumoured £90 million quid and we’ve also signed the PSG captain Thiago Silva on a free transfer.

Rich: Is this the most exciting transfer window ever for Chelsea fans?

Jack: It’s got to be up there. Let’s just hope that Frank can get the team to gel. If we can hit the ground running we’ve got a real chance this season.

---

Rowan: Let’s move onto our next roleplay. Your question is:

Rich: What is this Premier League fan worried about?

Roleplay 6a

Jack: Crystal Palace

Rich: Another solid season by the Eagles last year do you expect anything different this season.

Rowan: We’ve been in the Premier League since 2013 now and I think we’re established now. We’re not a yo-yo team like in the past.

Rich: What about this season do you think you’ll be able to push on?

Rowan: I hope so. We’ve got the most experienced manager in the league with Roy Hodgson. It will be his 46th season in the dugout. I think he’s probably the most experienced manager in the world.

Rich: Are you aiming for a top half finish?

Rowan: That’s the aim. If we can grind out a few results early in the season then we’ve got a springboard.

Rich: Any worries?

Rowan: Wilfried Zaha. He’s our best player by a mile and if he leaves I think we might struggle but we’ve brought in a guy called Eberechi Eze. He looks exciting and it’s the most we’ve spent on a player in a couple of seasons.

Language Focus 6

Jack: Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan was worried about.

Rich: She was worried about Palace’s star player, Wilfried Zaha, leaving the club.

Rowan: Right, the football phrase we want to look at from this roleplay is to grind out a result.

Jack: To grind something out means to produce something that is not that good or interesting often in large quantities.

Rich: When a team grinds out a result it has a slightly different meaning. It means that they didn’t play well but they managed to win or get a point.

Rowan: Teams don’t play at their best all the time so we often hear managers and fans talking about grinding out results.

Jack: Teams that do well are often those who can still grind out results despite not playing very well.

Rich: Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase to hit to grind out a result in a natural context.

Roleplay 6b

Jack: Crystal Palace

Rich: Another solid season by the Eagles last year do you expect anything different this season.

Rowan: We’ve been in the Premier League since 2013 now and I think we’re established now. We’re not a yo-yo team like in the past.

Rich: What about this season do you think you’ll be able to push on?

Rowan: I hope so. We’ve got the most experienced manager in the league with Roy Hodgson. It will be his 46th season in the dugout. I think he’s probably the most experienced manager in the world.

Rich: Are you aiming for a top half finish?

Rowan: That’s the aim. If we can grind out a few results early in the season then we’ve got a springboard.

Rich: Any worries?

Rowan: Wilfried Zaha. He’s our best player by a mile and if he leaves I think we might struggle but we’ve brought in a guy called Eberechi Eze. He looks exciting and it’s the most we’ve spent on a player in a couple of seasons.

---

Rowan: Let’s move onto our next roleplay. Your question is:

Rich: What is this Premier League fan looking forward to?

Roleplay 7

Rowan: Everton

Rich: So, how are Everton fans feeling before the start of the new season.

Jack: We’re not usually an optimistic bunch but I’d say heading into the new season we’re quietly confident of doing well.

Rich: Why is that? A 12th place finish shouldn’t inspire confidence, should it?

Jack: No, it was poor but it was a season of transition. In Carlo Ancelotti, we’ve got a top manager and he’s had half a season to bed in and see the players he wants to keep.

Rich: And there are a few new signings in the pipeline.

Jack: Yes, Ancelotti can attract big players. The type of player we haven’t seen at Goodison Park for years.

Rich: Who’s arrived?

Jack: Well, we haven’t signed anyone yet but I’ve heard three big players are due for medicals this week.

Rich: Who’s that then?

Jack: Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford, the Brazilian midfielder Allan from Napoli and wait for it James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.

Rich: James Rodriguez - the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup?

Jack: That’s the one. I can’t wait until he helps us do the double over Liverpool next season. 

Language Focus 7

Rowan: Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan was looking forward to.

Rich: He’s obviously looking forward to a better season for Everton this season and seeing some top player sign for the club but the thing he is looking forward to most is Everton doing the double over Liverpool.

Jack: This is the phrase we want to look at from this roleplay: to do the double over.

Rowan: It means to beat another team in the league twice - at home and away from home.

Rich: A team does the double over another team. This Premier League fan wants Everton to do the double over Liverpool because they are city rivals.

Jack: It’s sweet to do the double over your local rivals. Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase to do the double over in a natural context.

Roleplay 7b

Rowan: Everton

Rich: So, how are Everton fans feeling before the start of the new season.

Jack: We’re not usually an optimistic bunch bit I’d say heading into the new season we’re quietly confident of doing well.

Rich: Why is that? A 12th place finish shouldn’t inspire confidence, should it?

Jack: No, it was poor but it was a season of transition. In Carlo Ancelotti we’ve got a top manager and he’s had half a season to bed in and see the players he wants to keep.

Rich: And there are a few new signings in the pipeline.

Jack: Yes, Ancelotti can attract big players. The type of player we haven’t seen at Goodison Park for years.

Rich: Who’s arrived?

Jack: Well, we haven’t signed anyone yet but I’ve heard three big players are due for medicals this week.

Rich: Who’s that then?

Jack: Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford, the Brazilian midfielder Allan from Napoli and wait for it James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.

Rich: James Rodriguez - the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup?

Jack: That’s the one. I can’t wait until he helps us do the double over Liverpool next season. 

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Rowan: Let’s move onto our next roleplay. Your question is:

Rich: Who is most important for your team?

Roleplay 8

Jack: Leeds United

Rich: Leeds are back in the Premier League after 16 years. How does that feel?

Rowan: It feels wonderful. 16 years is a long time in the wilderness for a club like Leeds. Now we’re back, we’re going to make the most of it.

Rich: A tough start - away at Liverpool.

Rowan: It doesn’t get much tougher than that but I think we might catch them cold at the start of the season. There could be a shock result on the cards.

Rich: You think you are going to do pretty well this season.

Rowan: Honestly, yes. We’re not taking anything for granted and we’re not going to win the league but I think there are a few teams worse than us in this league.

Rich: What should the Premier League be looking out for?

Rowan: Our manager - Marcelo Bielsa. Pep Guardiola? Who did he learn from? Marcelo Bielsa. His tactics and work on the training ground have transformed the team.

Rich: Can a manager be that important?

Rowan: I think so. I said before we’re not taking anything for granted and that’s because Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t take anything for granted. He always does his homework on every team we face.

Rich: A prediction?

Rowan: 9th. I’d be very happy with 9th place.

Language Focus 8

Jack: Before the roleplay, we asked you who this Premier League fan thinks is most important for her team?

Rich: The answer is the Leeds United manager - Marcelo Bielsa. 

Rowan: The football phrase we want to look at from this roleplay is to take something for granted.

Rich: To take something for granted means to be so used to something that you don’t see its true value.

Jack: We often talk about children taking their parents for granted. Children don’t notice everything that their parents do for them because they are so used to them doing everything for them.

Rowan: In football, we often hear managers saying that they won’t take a win for granted or a result for granted.

Rich: They use it to say that they will be working as hard as ever and not relaxing even if they are favourites to win.

Jack: In the roleplay, it was used to say that Leeds will work hard even if the fan thinks they belong in the Premier League.

Rowan: Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase to take something for granted in a natural context.

Roleplay 8b

Jack: Leeds United

Rich: Leeds are back in the Premier League after 16 years. How does that feel?

Rowan: It feels wonderful. 16 years is a long time in the wilderness for a club like Leeds. Now we’re back, we’re going to make the most of it.

Rich: A tough start - away at Liverpool.

Rowan: It doesn’t get much tougher than that but I think we might catch them cold at the start of the season. There could be a shock result on the cards.

Rich: You think you are going to do pretty well this season.

Rowan: Honestly, yes. We’re not taking anything for granted and we’re not going to win the league but I think there are a few teams worse than us in this league.

Rich: What should the Premier League be looking out for?

Rowan: Our manager - Marcelo Bielsa. Pep Guardiola? Who did he learn from? Marcelo Bielsa. His tactics and work on the training ground have transformed the team.

Rich: Can a manager be that important?

Rowan: I think so. I said before we’re not taking anything for granted and that’s because Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t take anything for granted. He always does his homework on every team we face.

Rich: A prediction?

Rowan: 9th. I’d be very happy with 9th place.

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Jack: Let’s move on to our next roleplay. Your question is:

Rich: What is this fan worried about?

Roleplay 9

Rowan: Leicester City

Rich: Leicester had a great season last year - just missing out on the Champions League but still have a European Campaign to look forward to.

Jack: Yes, yes, it was great but a bit disappointing at the end. We were in the Champions League places all season so just to miss out like that was a bitter pill to swallow.

Rich: Can you get there this season?

Jack: I’m not sure. Breaking into the top four is so difficult and now we’ll be playing all these extra games in the Europa League.

Rich: A chance of some silverware?

Jack: Yes, and it would get us into next season’s Champions League but look at Wolves and Manchester United last season. It’s a hard trophy to win.

Rich: Any new signings yet?

Jack: No, new signings and we’ve lost Ben Chilwell to Chelsea so the strength of our squad is a bit of a worry and if Jamie Vardy gets injured I don’t know where the goals are going to come from.

Language Focus 9

Rowan:  Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan is worried about.

Rich: He was generally quite worried. He was worried about playing too many games, he was worried about not having enough players but he was probably most worried about the possibility of Jamie Vardy getting injured.

Jack: The phrase we want to look at from this roleplay where are the goals going to come from.

Rowan: It’s not really a fixed phrase but it’s something I often hear football fans talk about when they are worried about their team not scoring enough goals.

Rich: All our strikers are injured - where are the goals going to come from.

Jack: If we play with just one striker who knows where the goals are going to come from.

Rowan: Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase where are the goals going to come from in a natural context.

Roleplay 9b

Rowan: Leicester City

Rich: Leicester had a great season last year - just missing out on the Champions League but still have a European Campaign to look forward to.

Jack: Yes, yes, it was great but a bit disappointing at the end. We were in the Champions League places all season so just to miss out like that was a bitter pill to swallow.

Rich: Can you get there this season?

Jack: I’m not sure. Breaking into the top four is so difficult and now we’ll be playing all these extra games in the Europa League.

Rich: A chance of some silverware?

Jack: Yes, and it would get us into next season’s Champions League but look at Wolves and Manchester United last season. It’s a hard trophy to win.

Rich: Any new signings yet?

Jack: No, new signings and we’ve lost Ben Chilwell to Chelsea so the strength of our squad is a bit of a worry and if Jamie Vardy gets injured I don’t know where the goals are going to come from.

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Rowan: Let’s move onto our final roleplay. Your question is:

Rich: What is this fan nervous about?

Roleplay 10

Jack: Fulham

Rich: That didn’t take long, did it? Fulham are back in the Premier League after just one season.

Rowan: No, it’s great. I think the play-offs are the best way to get promoted. It’s just so exciting and to beat our local rivals was even sweeter.

Rich: And do you think you’re going to make a better fist of it this time?

Rowan: I hope so. I think the manager, Scott Parker, has got the team working together better as a unit. We conceded 81 goals last time and I am a little worried about the defence again.

Rich: Any new signings at Craven Cottage to plug a few holes in that leaky defence?

Rowan: Not too many but I think that’s where we went wrong last time. We bought lots of players after getting promoted and they didn’t have time to gel.

Rich: So, you haven’t bought anybody?

Rowan: No, we’ve bought a couple and we’ve made a few of our loan signings into permanent deals like Harrison Reed - he was great last season. We’ve also got the Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina - he could be really good in the Premier League.

Language Focus 10

Jack:  Before the roleplay, we asked you what this Premier League fan is nervous about.

Rich: She said she was worried about Fulham’s defence. They conceded 81 goals the last time they were in the Premier League and she doesn’t want the team to make the same mistakes.

Rowan: The football phrase we want to look at from our final roleplay is a leaky defence.

Jack: A leak is a small hole that allows liquid to go where it shouldn’t. Sometimes you might get leaks in pipes in your house for example.

Rich: Something that is leaky has lots of holes in it so a leaky defence is a defence with lots of holes for attackers to move through.

Rowan: In the roleplay, Rich spoke about plugging holes in that leaky defence. To plug means to fill a hole.

Jack: Listen to the roleplay again and see how we used the phrase leaky defence in a natural context.

Roleplay 10b

Jack: Fulham

Rich: That didn’t take long, did it? Fulham are back in the Premier League after just one season.

Rowan: No, it’s great. I think the play-offs are the best way to get promoted. It’s just so exciting and to beat our local rivals was even sweeter.

Rich: And do you think you’re going to make a better fist of it this time?

Rowan: I hope so. I think the manager, Scott Parker, has got the team working together better as a unit. We conceded 81 goals last time and I am a little worried about the defence again.

Rich: Any new signings at Craven Cottage to plug a few holes in that leaky defence?

Rowan: Not too many but I think that’s where we went wrong last time. We bought lots of players after getting promoted and they didn’t have time to gel.

Rich: So, you haven’t bought anybody.

Rowan: No, we’ve bought a couple and we’ve made a few of our loan signings into permanent deals like Harrison Reed - he was great last season. We’ve also got the Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina - he could be really good in the Premier League.

TASK

Jack: Our task for you this week is to choose three of the teams we’ve been speaking about and tell us how you think they will do this season.

Rich: Tell us who you think their best players are, what do you think about the manager, what the club should be hoping for this season and give us a prediction of where you think they will finish.

Rowan: Try to use some of the language from the podcast and write all your answers on the Premier Skills English website or Apple podcasts if that’s where you listen to us.

Football Phrase

Jack: Have you got a football phrase for us, Rich? We said we’d go with a more difficult phrase this week.

Rich: I have a phrase and yes it’s more difficult than last week’s but I’m sure a few of you will get it right. This week’s football phrase is to **** ** **. This phrase is used by fans to complain that their team are trying to score the perfect goal and they are not having any success. The team are passing and passing and passing; they don’t want to shoot - they want to **** ** **. They want to play short passes, one-touch football, not run and get the ball in the back of the net without shooting. It’s usually got a negative connotation about teams who keep possession and don’t shoot enough.

Rowan: Yes, this is definitely more difficult so I’m going to give everyone a clue. The clue is the players definitely don’t run - they do something much slower than that.

Jack: Let’s see who can get our football phrase right. If you are still wondering what the answer was to last week’s football phrase it was the community shield.

Rich: Right, that’s all we have time for this week! Don’t forget to write your answers to our questions and make a guess at our football phrase in the comments below. If you get it right, we’ll announce your name in next week’s show. 

Rowan: If you have a question for us about football or English you can email us at premierskills@britishcouncil.org

Jack: or you can leave your questions and comments on the website in the comments section or on our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Rich: or you could give us a rating and a fantastic review on Apple Podcasts.

Rowan: Bye for now and enjoy your football!