The Playlist is 888sport’s new weekly YouTube video series, where Rory Jennings, Ade Oladipo and Abbi Summers, plus another influencer/celebrity guest, debate a big talking point in football by putting together a definitive Top 5 list.
EPISODE 28: RASHFORD THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD – ON CURRENT FORM?
Tottenham fan Abbi Summers joined Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo on this week’s Playlist – to discuss which Premier League player is this season’s MVP (Most Valuable Player).
The 5 players in contention for the number one spot included Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Mo Salah – and the gang found it difficult to agree on the order.
Is Haaland making City worse? Is Rashford currently the best player in the world? Is Kane single-handedly dragging Spurs to a top-4 finish?
Watch our latest Playlist episode today – and let us know what you think…
EPISODE 27: PARTEY OR RODRI – WHO WOULD YOU HAVE?
On this week’s Playlist, 888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo are joined once again by music artist Majestic – to rank the top 5 best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
The panellists have the difficult decision to choose between Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, City’s Rodri, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, United’s Casemiro and West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Are West Ham holding Rice back? Is Bruno Real Madrid level? Does ‘phenomenal’ Rodri just about trump ‘world-class’ Partey?
Watch the latest Playlist episode to see what the gang think – and as always, please share your opinion on our social channels.
EPISODE 26: IS THE SUPER BOWL BIGGER THAN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?
On this week’s Playlist episode, Rory Jennings, Ade Oladipo and Majestic debate which sports event is the ultimate – the biggest of all.
Is the World Cup the pinnacle? Does the Super Bowl have more global reach than the Champions League? Are big fight build ups unrivalled?
Watch The Playlist – and see how our panellists rank their top 5. Do you agree with them?
Let us know what you think on our social channels.
EPISODE 25: CONTE, POTTER, KLOPP…WHO’LL BE THE FIRST TO WALK – OR BE SACKED?
888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were joined once again by Spurs fan Majestic on this week’s Playlist to discuss which Premier League managers’ position is the least secure out of Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.
The panellists talk about Potter being out of his depth, debate whether or not Howe will become a victim of his own success – and discuss if Pep is bigger than his club.
Do you agree with The Playlist panel? Watch this week’s video on our YouTube channel now – and let us know what you think on YouTube, Twitter or Instagram.
EPISODE 24: WHICH JANUARY SIGNING WILL MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT?
On this week’s Playlist episode, 888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were joined by music artist and Spurs fan Majestic to discuss which January signing will have the biggest impact on their club this season.
The panellists top 5 list consisted of Chelsea's new-boy Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal’s £21m signing Leandro Trossard, and Dutch trio Arnaut Danjuma, Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst.
Is Weghorst just a body upfront? Will Mudryk propel Chelsea to a top 4 finish? Is Danjuma a panic buy?
How did the 888sport gang rank them? Watch the latest Playlist episode on our YouTube channel to find out.
EPISODE 23: WHO’S THE GREATEST PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYER TO PLAY BETWEEN THE STICKS?
On this week’s Playlist episode, 888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were joined by Spurs fan Abbi Summers and Man United supporter Flex to discuss the best goalkeepers in the Premier League era.
With the panellists agreeing on the top 5 with relative ease: Alisson, David Seaman, Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel and Petr Cech – placing them in order proved far trickier.
Was Cech helped out by a fierce defence? Was anyone more imposing than Schmeichel? Is Alisson the most complete?
Who did the 888sport Playlist panel choose as their number one…?
Watch the latest Playlist episode on our YouTube channel to find out.
EPISODE 22: WHICH PREMIER LEAGUE STAR WILL BOUNCE BACK IN 2023?
On this week’s 888sport’s The Playlist episode, regular panellists @RoryJenningsFootball, @AdeOladipo1 and Abbi Summers debate which Premier League players will make a comeback in 2023 – and which players will continue to flop.
The 888sport gang discuss Son Heung-min’s patchy form, Ronaldo being ‘finished’, Trent’s fall off, Grealish’s ‘lack of belief’, and Maguire’s uncertain future.
But who do they think is most likely to turn their fortunes around?
Watch the latest Playlist discussion on our YouTube channel and see how the panel rank the Top 5.
EPISODE 21: WHO NEEDS TO SPEND THE MOST IN JANUARY?
On the latest episode of 888sport’s The Playlist, @RoryJenningsFootball, @AdeOladipo1 and Abbi Summers rank the Top 5 Premier League clubs who need to spend in January.
Rory, Ade and Abbi debate how big title chasers Arsenal should go to cover for the injured Gabriel Jesus and who Man Utd should sign to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
The trip also discuss what Newcastle need to do to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the Champions League and whether Liverpool, who have just signed Cody Gakpo, will wait until the summer to sign Jude Bellingham.
Other talking points include if Spurs need to spend in order to keep Antonio Conte , as well as how many transfer windows it will take for Chelsea to challenge for the Premier League title again.
EPISODE 20: ARE ARSENAL GOING TO CAPITULATE?
On the latest episode of 888sport’s The Playlist, @RoryJenningsFootball, @AdeOladipo1 and Abbi Summers predict what the Top 5 of the Premier League table will be at the end of the season.
Rory, Ade and Abbi discuss whether Arsenal can outlast Manchester City to win the title and why, despite their poor start to the season, Liverpool are still the team most likely to finish third.
The trio ponder what impact Harry Kane's penalty miss for England will have on Spurs' season and whether Graham Potter is capable of turning Chelsea's season around.
Finally, they debate whether Newcastle can finish in the top four and how Manchester United will fare now Cristiano Ronaldo has left the club.
EPISODE 19: WHO SHOULD BE ENGLAND MANAGER?
On the latest episode of 888sport’s The Playlist, @RoryJenningsFootball, @AdeOladipo1 and Abbi Summers debate the Top 5 candidates to be England manager.
Rory, Ade and Abbi discuss whether Gareth Southgate should carry on after England’s World Cup exit and debate the managers who could potentially replace him.
Graham Potter and Eddie Howe are ideal candidates, but are they gettable? Should foreign managers such as Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, or Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers, be considered?
EPISODE 18: WHO’S THE MOST ICONIC PLAYER IN WORLD CUP HISTORY?
Brazil legend Ronaldo was voted as the most iconic player in World Cup history according to 888sport’s Playlist panel.
In this week’s Playlist debate, 888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were once again joined by Spurs fan Abbi Summers and music artist Majestic – to discuss the best players to ever play in the World Cup.
All four panelists were in agreement about one player in particular – the original Ronaldo.
Ade said: “He’s (Ronaldo) the best footballer I’ve ever seen.”
Majestic responded: “He’s a complete footballer.
“I go and look for R9 videos as that man was unbelievable.”
Rory replied: “In terms of what he can do on the pitch, nobody really comes close.”
With no real argument over their number one choice, Rory moved swiftly on to discuss his second choice on his list, England’s Paul Gascoigne (Gazza).
The Chelsea supporter said: “It’s slightly controversial but I’ve gone Gazza second. In terms of capturing my imagination as a kid, I don’t think I’ve known anything like Gazza.”
Majestic argued: “If you look at France 1998, he (Gazza) didn’t even get a look in. For that reason, I don’t think Gazza can be up there as a World Cup legend in number 2, when you’ve got the likes of Zidane.”
As the panel continued to discuss other players – Germany’s Miroslav Klose, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Bulgaria’s Hristo Stoichkov and more, Ade cheekily asked Rory if the panel could go a bit more rogue on this occasion – opening up the list to anyone they wanted.
Rory obliged, saying: “Everybody do what you want. I’m going to take a hit from the producers and everybody at 888sport. This is on me. Everybody make a list of everyone they adore in the World Cup.”
Watch The Playlist video in full and see which names the gang put forward – and let us know if you agree or disagree with them in the comment section below the video. Plus, don’t forget to tell us your top 5, we’d love to hear it...
EPISODE 16 & 17: WHAT’S ENGLAND’S GREATEST WORLD CUP MOMENT? PLUS, WHO ARE THE BEST PLAYERS AT QATAR 2022?
Michael Owen’s wonder goal against Argentina in 1998 was voted as England’s best-ever World Cup moment according to 888sport’s Playlist panel.
In this week’s Playlist debate, the 888sport gang Rory Jennings, Ade Oladipo and Abbi Summers were joined by music artist Majestic – to discuss England’s most iconic World Cup memories.
Majestic felt that England’s recent penalty win at Russia 2018 deserved to be high up on the list – as it reignited the nation’s love for the national team.
The musician said: “2018 we fell back in love with England. I’d fallen out of love with England – I couldn’t care less.”
Rory agreed that this moment helped ‘recapture the imagination’ of the nation but didn’t feel that it was worthy of a spot on the final list.
The Chelsea fan argued: “I appreciate that it was symbolic because it’s our first ever penalty shoot-out win – but we beat Colombia on penalties. That shouldn’t be on a list of best moments ever. We should have beaten them in normal time.”
However, the panel did all agree on something – and that was Michael Owen’s magic moment in 1998 against Argentina.
Ade said: “We talk about England stars – and fingers-crossed, they erupt in the World Cup. Foden’s 23. But Owen was eighteen and decided I want to run past all this lot by myself.”
The gang also discussed the highs and lows of Italia 90 – from Platt’s goal to Gazza’s tears, England’s World Cup songs, Beckham’s redemption (Korea/Japan 2022) and lots more.
Some notable omissions from the panel’s final list included Maradona’s Hand of God (Mexico 1986) and England’s win in 1966 – with Maj and Ade suggesting that they happened too long ago.
Majestic said: “The reason I don’t have Maradona in there is because it doesn’t really evoke any emotion for me because I didn’t have any attachment to that competition. That’s why I’ve not got 66 in there.”
Watch The Playlist video today and see if you agree with our panel’s final order.
Also, to celebrate the 2022 World Cup, we have another debate for you – the 5 best players at Qatar.
EPISODE 15: SAKA OR FODEN – WHO WILL STAR FOR THE THREE LIONS?
Arsenal’s Bakayo Saka is set to shine this World Cup according to 888sport’s Playlist panel.
In this week’s Playlist episode, the 888sport gang: Rory Jennings, Ade Oladipo and Abbi Summers were joined by music artist and Spurs fan Majestic – to discuss which young player will emerge as England’s breakout star at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Arsenal’s Bakayo Saka, Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount, Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, Leicester’s James Maddison, Man City pair Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, and Man United’s Marcus Rashford were those shortlisted by the panel before the debate began.
There were gasps of shock when panelists revealed their lists as Rory and Ade had an identical order – with 3 panelists (including Abbi) initially handing Phil Foden the top spot.
Rory said: “No way, Ade. That’s the first time ever.”
Ade joked: “That’s the first time ever we’ve actually agreed on something in life.”
However, guest panelist Majestic argued that Foden was not a guaranteed starter – and felt that Saka is far more likely to feature.
Majestic said: “Foden needs that moment for England, and I think it definitely could come at this World Cup.
“It’s whether or not Gareth (Southgate) unleashes him. If he’s unleashed, I’d go with Foden, but I think there’s almost a bit of a trust in Saka from Gareth that he doesn’t necessarily have with Foden for some strange reason.”
In response to Majestic’s comments, Rory, Ade and Abbi reconsidered their number one choice.
Abbi responded: “As Majestic said, Foden hasn’t had that massive breakthrough season for England yet – probably because of how Gareth Southgate sets the team up and how they play.
“But you know Saka is going to play, he’s going to start. We saw the impact he had at the Euros. So, I’m happy to put him (Saka) top.”
Rory and Ade also agreed that Saka is more of a nailed-on starter – as they rejuggled their ordering.
The gang also debated how many minutes the likes of Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Conor Gallagher will get.
Rory said: “I don’t think Grealish features, whether that is right or wrong. I think he’ll probably get some minutes, but I think he’s so low in the pecking order.
“He’s a truly brilliant player but he’s not getting in the Man City team. When he was dominating Premier League football, Southgate didn’t like him, so I just don’t think he is going to get the opportunity.”
Despite Majestic making a case for Grealish because of the ‘adoration’ he gets from the fans, the rest of the panel didn’t seem convinced of a sustained run in the team – with Ade suggesting the initial love for him is fading.
Ade said: “I think that’s changed (the love for Grealish). There was a shout from England fans – he has to start. I don’t think anyone has even mentioned Grealish to start (this time). I think more English fans want to see Maddison on the pitch as opposed to Grealish.”
The panel’s final list consisted of Saka, Foden, Bellingham, Grealish and Mount (in that order) – do you agree?
Head to our YouTube channel or Twitter account today – and feel free to leave your comments under the video.
EPISODE 14: DECLAN RICE -- THE BEST OF THE REST? OR OVERHYPED?
West Ham’s Declan Rice was voted the best Premier League player playing outside the top 6 in this week’s Playlist debate – edging out Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha.
888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were joined by Tottenham fan Abbi Summers and Man United supporter Flex to discuss the best Premier League players that ply their trade at ‘smaller’ clubs.
With the panel putting many names forward, the final list consisted of Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha, Leicester’s James Maddison, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and West Ham’s Declan Rice – but the 888sport gang had trouble agreeing on their ordering.
Chelsea fan Rory said: “I definitely think Declan Rice is the best player outside the top 6.”
“West Ham had a brilliant season last year. They nearly won a trophy in Europe. He (Rice) starts for England every single game.”
However, despite agreeing with Rory that Rice is an ‘incredible player’, Liverpool supporter Ade felt that he is ‘overrated’.
Ade argued: “I’ve seen him with Kalvin Phillips for England, and he looks fantastic. Now I’ve seen him with Bellingham, who I think is a baller, and I think that’s the difference.
“He (Rice) doesn’t score enough goals for me. At all. He should score way more.”
The Liverpool fan felt that Palace’s Zaha was more deserving of the number 1 spot.
Ade said: “There was a stat under Hodgson, where if Zaha didn’t play, Palace lost.”
Rory responded: “He’s (Zaha) a jewel in the crown at their club (Palace), but he had his moment at a bigger club, and it didn’t work out.”
Ade eventually gave in to Rory – awarding Rice the top spot.
One thing the panel did agree on was the form of James Maddison – putting him third on their list.
After Rory labelling Maddison’s season so far as ‘sensational’, the gang agreed that it is just a matter of time before a big club comes knocking – with Tottenham fan Abbi hinting that Arsenal or Spurs could be his next destination, saying that ‘he’s exactly what Spurs need’.
Bruno Guimaraes and Ivan Toney had to settle for fourth and fifth positions on the panel’s final list – and other candidates were discussed including Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, Wolves’ Ruben Neves and Brighton’s Leandro Trossard.
To watch the video in full, head to our YouTube channel – and as always feel free to share your thoughts.
EPISODE 13: HAS JESUS MADE A BIGGER IMPACT THAN HAALAND?
On the latest episode of 888sport’s The Playlist, @Rory Jennings, @ADE OLADIPO and Abbi Summers are joined by Flex from the @United View to rank the Top 5 signings who have made the biggest impact this season.
The panel debate who has made the biggest impact out of Erling Haaland, Gabriel Jesus, Lisandro Martinez, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Richarlison and Darwin Nunez.
Rory, Ade, Abbi and Flex ponder whether Manchester City would win the league even without Erling Haaland and, if so, does that mean Gabriel Jesus’ impact has been bigger given he has transformed Arsenal into title contenders?
The panel also praise Lisandro Martinez, who has shrugged off criticism about his height to become one of Man Utd’s key players and the main reason why their defence has improved so dramatically.
They also debate why Darwin Nunez and Richarlison have underperformed for Liverpool and Spurs respectively and discuss if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will solve Chelsea’s issues in attack.
EPISODE 12: IS SALAH OR SON THE BIGGEST LETDOWN IN THE PL?
On the latest episode of 888sport’s The Playlist, @Rory Jennings, @ADE OLADIPO, Abbi Summers are joined by Flex from the @United View to rank the Top 5 underperformers in the Premier League so far this season.
The panel debate who has had the most disappointing season so far out of Mohamed Salah, Heung-min Son, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho.
Rory, Ade, Abbi and Flex ponder whether we have seen the best of Mo Salah and whether his new contract at Liverpool has anything to do with his loss of form.
They also debate whether Heung-min Son should no longer be considered an automatic starter at Spurs after his underwhelming season so far.
Other talking points include Raheem Sterling’s slow start to life at Chelsea and whether Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho, despite their huge price tags, are actually elite players.
They also discuss other players who have underperformed this season, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Darwin Nunes, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire.
EPISODE 11: HENRY IS ‘KING’ – BUT WHO’S THE BEST OF THE REST?
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was voted as the greatest ever Premier League import in this week’s fiery 888sport Playlist debate.
888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were joined by Tottenham fan Abbie Summers and Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie Lyle – to discuss the top 5 overseas players to have played in the Premier League.
With the panelists choosing between Arsenal’s Thierry Henry, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Liverpool’s Mo Salah, Man City’s Sergio Aguero and Man Utd’s Ronaldo – it didn’t take long for disagreement to set in.
As the gang revealed their lists, Rory was less than pleased with Abbie’s fifth-placed pick.
Rory said: “Drogba bottom, are you insane? You’re going to be relegated from this show. We cannot proceed until that is erased.”
Abbie argued: “So you’re telling me I should put Salah fifth?”
“I don’t care who you put fifth, but you cannot put Didier Drogba fifth,” Rory responded.
Liverpool supporter Ade backed Abbie up by claiming that no one has had ‘more impact’ than Salah in their first season and that ‘no one’ should put Drogba above Salah.
However, Arsenal fan Robbie was in Rory’s corner, labelling Drogba as a ‘big game player’ – and worthy of a higher place.
As the debate raged on, it wasn’t long before another name caused controversy.
Abbie had a look of disbelief on her face as Ade and Rory placed Aguero fifth on their lists with the latter handing Drogba the top spot because of his ‘cultural impact’.
“How have you put Aguero fifth? That is crazy,” Abbie said.
She argued: “You’re talking about a whole change of a culture, Aguero was the epitome of that. How can you put Drogba there (first) and then not put Aguero as second if that’s what you’re talking about?”
Rory replied to Abbie saying that ‘Drogba’s contribution was much more significant’ which resulted in a stunned response from Abbie, calling Rory’s comments ‘outrageous’.
Elsewhere, the panelists agreed that Henry was deserving of the top spot with Arsenal fan Robbie saying there was ‘no argument about the number 1’ and Ade agreeing that he (Henry) was ‘number 1 by some distance’.
However, Rory did try to argue that Henry was ‘not a big game player’ but the panelists did eventually come to an agreement on a top three of Henry, Ronaldo and Aguero.
But the debate still rumbled on as to which way around Drogba and Salah should be on the list, with Rory asking the audience what they think.
What do you think? Didier or Mo? Let us know by leaving your comments below the Playlist video on our social channels.
EPISODE 10: IS JOSE V WENGER THE BIGGEST EVER PREMIER LEAGUE RIVARLY?
The rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho was voted as the fiercest managerial clash in Premier League history – according to the 888sport Playlist panel.
888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo, Spurs fan Abbie Summers and Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie Lyle discussed the biggest ever managerial rivalries in the Premier League in the latest Playlist episode.
In this week’s show, it didn’t take long for the panelists to disagree, with Gunners’ fan Robbie suggesting that the number one rivalry was between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
Robbie said: “The number one rivalry, as we all know, was Wenger versus Fergie.
“Even when Wenger came in, when he first arrived, Fergie said what does he know about English football. What does he know. Who’s this guy coming from Japan. What’s he going to do.
“First season, Wenger wins the double. and it started from there.
“Those two were always at each other. On the pitch, you had Vieira and Keane – it always used to kick off.”
However, Rory and Ade were not in agreement with Robbie – and felt the top spot deserved to go to Wenger versus Mourinho.
Ade claimed that the rivalry between Wenger and Ferguson was largely down to ‘player rivalries’ and not the managers.
He argued: “Club rivalry yes, but managers...
“Jose (Mourinho) said some spiteful stuff about Wenger, they had a fight, you can’t beat that.”
Rory stated: “I think it has to be Mourinho-Wenger as number 1.”
Other rivalries were discussed, including Benitez and Mourinho’s fiery relationship, Tuchel and Conte’s ‘fight’, Wenger and Allardyce’s ‘clash of styles’, and Keegan’s famous rant at Fergie.
Despite conflicting opinions, the panel did all agree on one thing – that Pep and Klopp’s relationship was too friendly to be considered on the list.
“Pep and Klopp doesn’t belong in here,” Rory said.
Robbie agreed: “I don’t like that relationship. It's too nice, hugging each other after games.”
Abbie added: “And telling each other how good they both are.”
Head to our YouTube channel today – watch the debate in full, and feel free to share your opinion.
EPISODE 9: ROMERO OR SALIBA – WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Virgil van Dijk was voted as the best defender in the Premier League in this week’s Playlist debate – but panelists couldn’t agree on the ordering of the last two spots in their top 5 list.
Spurs supporter Abbie Summers and Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie Lyle joined 888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo, to decide which centre-backs currently playing in the Premier League are the best.
Arsenal’s William Saliba, Chelsea’s Thiago Silva, Man City’s Ruben Dias, Man Utd’s Raphael Varane and Spurs’ Cristian Romero were all discussed – but it was Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk that topped the panelists list, despite his recent dip in form.
Rory said: “We’ve all gone van Dijk at the top.
“There’s nothing to say there, slightly out of form but still the best defender in the league.”
Ade agreed, saying: “Even though his standards have slipped (from last season), he was so far in front of the rest anyway. He needs to drop for another season for the Thiagos and Dias’ to catch him.”
Rory also added that van Dijk was ‘in the conversation’ to be considered alongside the Premier League greats – although admitted that Chelsea legend John Terry was ‘definitely’ still above him.
With the gang agreeing on a top 3 of Virgil van Dijk, Thaigo Silva and Ruben Dias – the real debate was over who deserved the fourth and fifth spot, between Romero, Saliba and Varane, and in which order.
“Varane is a world-class centre-back, so I couldn’t leave him off the list,” Robbie said.
However, Ade disagreed and argued that great centre-backs raise the level of others around them.
The Liverpool fan said: “I see what Romero has done with Dier. And how he’s elevated his (Dier’s) game. And I’ve seen Varane with Maguire and how he’s not been able to elevate Maguire’s game.
“I think a good centre-back is able to elevate whoever.”
Arsenal fan Robbie also had a glowing review of the French youngster William Saliba.
“He’s got all the attributes. He’s big, he’s quick, strong, reads the game brilliantly. I think if he can stay injury-free, I think he can really be up there with the real top top players. Because he reminds me a lot of van Dijk with his commanding presence.”
Though, Tottenham fan Abbie responded: “As good as Saliba has been in the past 7 games, Romero’s been in the Premier League longer and we’ve seen more of him.”
As the panel failed to come to an agreement, Rory wrapped up the conversation by putting it to the viewers – asking them to decide on who should fill spots four and five on the list.
Watch this week’s video on our YouTube channel today – and let us know what you think…
EPISODE 8: PEP OR KLOPP – WHO IS BETTER?
Pep Guardiola was voted as the best Premier League manager by the Playlist panel in the latest 888sport debate.
In this week’s chat, Playlist regulars Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were joined by Spurs fan Abbi Summers and Arsenal Fan TV presenter Robbie Lyle, to discuss who the top 5 managers in the Premier League are.
With the majority of the panel siding with Pep, Liverpool fan Ade disagreed – saying that Klopp deserved the top spot as ‘he’s won everything at Liverpool’ and that Pep’s failure to win the Champions League is his ‘achilles heel’.
Ade said: “He (Guardiola) would swap all those Premier League’s he has won at Man City for one Champions League.”
Rory replied: “I don’t think he would.”
Robbie said: “I love Klopp, but he has won ONE (Premier) league. ONE. Pep has won everything (including his time at Barca and Bayern).
"He (Klopp) competes with him (Guardiola) but doesn’t normally come out on top.”
After their excellent starts to the season, the panelists also discussed the rivalry between Spurs’ Antonio Conte and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta with Rory asking the panel who they think is doing a better job.
Despite Spurs fan Abbi Summers admitting that she prefers to watch the ‘style’ of football that Arteta plays, she believes Conte is the ‘better manager’.
Abbi said: “We’re fairly even so far this season. I’d say in terms of who’s football do I prefer to watch, the style, I would say Arsenal.
"I think you know what you get with Conte. The formation he is going to play. And that probably comes at a loss of a more attractive, free-flowing, sexy football.
"But I still think that Spurs have a better manager. I think they are pretty well-drilled, and I still think that Spurs will finish above Arsenal, but I do think that both of us will end up in the top 4.”
Highlighting the Italian’s fiery reputation, Arsenal fan Robbie joked that he wasn’t even sure if Conte would ‘make it until the end of the season’ and that he fancied Arsenal to finish above their rivals.
You can watch the video on our YouTube channel today to see the full list – which also includes Chelsea’s Graham Potter. And as always, feel free to leave your comments.
EPISODE 7: IS THERE A BETTER ENGLISH STRIKER THAN MICHAEL OWEN IN HIS PRIME?
Wayne Rooney was nominated as the greatest English striker of all time on this week’s Playlist – edging out Michael Owen.
Panelists Rory Jennings, Ade Oladipo, Steven McInerney and Antony Costa discussed which English striker was the best in their prime years – out of Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Harry Kane, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.
Rory said: “Do you know who is really giving me a headache? Michael Owen. He was sensational. If we’re doing this in their prime.”
"I don’t know what to do with him. On one level I want to put him fifth, and on another level, I want to put him first.”
Ade added: “If you’re talking about golden moments, you’re not going to get bigger than what he (Owen) did against Argentina.
"You’re not supposed to do that. You’re not supposed to take the ball from the midfield and then skin a couple and slot it away.”
However, Antony and Steven were firmly in the Rooney corner – with Steven labelling Rooney a ‘big game’ player.
Antony said: “Rooney was an allrounder – at 16 years old he came on and with his first touch he lobbed David Seaman. And it wasn’t even a good Everton side.”
The three other contenders were discussed but Kane’s ‘lack of trophies’, Shearer’s reputation ‘worldwide’, and Cole’s ability as an all-round footballer were brought into question by the panel.
In the end it came down to a shootout between Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, and despite Rory’s best efforts to convince his fellow panelists to award Owen the number one spot, the gang agreed that Rooney deserved it more.
What do you make of the Playlist’s final decision? Watch the video on YouTube today and let us know your thoughts…
EPISODE 6: RICE UP THERE WITH LAMPS AND STEVIE G – BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR CITY?
Declan Rice will have a big season – but may struggle to reach the very highest level of the game according to some members of 888sport Playlist panel.
In this week’s Playlist debate, 888sport ambassadors Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo were joined by Man City fan Steven McInerney and Spurs supporter Antony Costa – to discuss which English player will have the better 2022/23 campaign out of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Rory, who led the debate, said: “I think that Declan Rice will have a big season with the World Cup coming up. His place in the England team isn’t really in jeopardy. He is West Ham. He carries the expectations of a club and country.”
He said: “I honestly think he’s sensational.”
However, other panelists disagreed with Rory’s glowing review of the West Ham captain.
Steven argued: “If he (Rice) went to Man City now, he’d be sat on the bench all season behind Gundogan, Rodri, Bernardo, De Bruyne. He doesn’t have that high-level quality.”
Rory responded: “Not getting in the City team is neither here nor there. You can be a class footballer and not get into the City team.
I think he is a class act and I think he is going to grow and become an archetypal central midfielder, the swashbuckling box-to-box Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard. I think he’s that good a player.”
Steven and Ade were less than convinced with Rory’s comments, with Ade saying that Rice was ‘nowhere near’ that level.
The panel also expressed their disappointment in Marcus Rashford’s development, with Rory stating that his (Rashford’s) football talent is ‘not comparable’ to the other players mentioned on their list.
Plus, concerns were raised over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties – with Steven labelling his defending against Man United as ‘schoolboy-esque’; and the gang argued over Mason Mount’s questionable role within the Chelsea team.
It was decided that Man City’s Jack Grealish came a close second behind Declan Rice, with Antony suggesting that the City star ‘has got something to prove’ this season after his hefty £100m price tag.
Who do you think will have the better season out of these 5 English talents? Watch the Playlist on our YouTube channel today – and leave your comments below the video.
Episode 5: LIVERPOOL'S 2005 COMEBACK WIN WAS THE GREATEST EVER - OR WAS IT?
The Playlist panel’s final verdict this week was that Liverpool’s victory over AC Milan in 2005 was the greatest ever win by an English club in a Champions League final.
In the latest YouTube debate show, Rory Jennings, Steven McInerney, Ade Oladipo and Antony Costa discussed the 5 best Champions League finals won by English teams – with the five contenders being Chelsea in 2012 (vs Bayern) & 2021 (vs City), Man Utd in 1999 (vs Bayern) & 2008 (vs Chelsea), and Liverpool in 2005 (vs Milan).
Rory, who opened this week’s debate, caused a stir by putting Liverpool’s epic 2005 comeback win against AC Milan third on his initial list – which was met by a stunned response by two other panel members Ade and Antony.
“You’ve got them (Liverpool) third?”, Antony responded in disbelief.
Antony continued “Liverpool 05 they were 3-0 down. To get to three-all and to win on penalties the way they did in front of those fans was unbelievable.”
And Liverpool fan Ade backed up Antony’s comments, claiming that the AC Milan team that Liverpool beat was ‘insane’, with the likes of Pirlo, Kaka, Shevchecko and Crespo – making Liverpool’s feat even more spectacular.
However, Chelsea supporter Rory was less than convinced, arguing that what Chelsea did in 2012 in Munich trumped what Liverpool achieved in 2005.
He claimed that for the Blues to go to Munich and play a 'brilliant' and 'exceptional' Bayern team - and beat them, was more significant.
Steven and Ade disagreed with Rory, both saying that it wasn’t ‘memorable’ enough to be worthy of the number one position.
And despite being a Man City fan, Steven thought that United’s treble winning year in 1999, where the Red Devils beat Bayern with two last minute goals, deserved to top the list.
But eventually, after much disagreement, the gang settled on Liverpool (2005) taking the top spot, with Man Utd (1999) in second, Chelsea (2012) in third, Man Utd (vs Chelsea in 2008) in fourth and Chelsea’s recent win (2021) against City in fifth.
See the full Playlist video on our YouTube channel – and feel free to share your thoughts.
Episode 4: MAN UTD LESS EUROPEAN TROPHIES THAN LIVERPOOL - BUT STILL A BIGGER CLUB?
Manchester United were voted the biggest Premier League club by the 888sport panel in this week's Playlist debate.
Rory Jennings, Abbi Summers, Ade Oladipo and Flex ranked the top 5 contenders, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United – in order of who they considered the biggest.
However, one member of the panel, Liverpool fan Ade was less than pleased with what Rory called a 'unanimous' decision.
Ade argued that Liverpool have ‘more trophies’ than their north-west counterparts and when pressed further by Manchester United supporter Flex, who stated that United have a ‘bigger fanbase’, Ade responded:
“You know what the definition of a big club is. The real definition. The Real Madrids, the Bayern Munichs, it’s European success. We (Liverpool) are a bigger club based on European success.”
Flex, who pointed out that Manchester United had more ‘domestic trophies’ than Liverpool, didn’t feel that trophies were the only measure of how big a football club is.
The United fan said: “You’re just talking about trophies. You’re not talking about the global fanbase, the global reach. You’re not talking about years of being unsuccessful.
Part of being the biggest and the best means your diversity and reach is bigger than anyone else’s.”
With Rory stating that the battle for the number one spot could only be between Manchester United and Liverpool, the panel continued their debate, discussing where Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City came in their list.
Rory claimed that Chelsea were deserving of the third spot, behind the two juggernauts, and ahead of London rivals Arsenal.
The Chelsea supporter suggested that the pendulum had swung in recent years, admitting that if he had this conversation ‘3 or 4 years ago’ Arsenal would be above Chelsea in his list.
But he felt that the turning point was Chelsea’s 4-1 demolition of Arsenal in the 2019 Europa League final and their two Champions League trophies.
The gang agreed that Man City fell some way short of the rest, in fifth. And there were calls by Rory and Abbi for Spurs to replace the Citizens on the list altogether – with Abbi arguing that Tottenham have ‘more heritage and more history’ than City.
You can watch the full 888sport Playlist video on our YouTube channel – let us know which side of the Lancashire-fence you sit on.
Episode 3: RICHARLISON - JUST A USEFUL SQUAD PLAYER OR A REAL STATEMENT OF SPURS' INTENT?
In the latest 888sport Playlist video, Rory Jennings, Abbi Summers, Ade Oladipo and Flex, started this week’s debate in unexpected agreement, much to the surprise of their viewers – but this didn’t last long.
The gang sat down to discuss which summer signing will have the biggest impact this season out of Raheem Sterling, Cristian Eriksen, Richarlison, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kalvin Phillips.
After quickly dismissing Kalvin Phillips as a contender, the team immediately moved on to Cristian Eriksen – sending a lot of love his way.
888sport ambassador Rory claimed that Eriksen’s ability to pick a pass is up there with the likes of Fabregas, and fellow panelist Flex continued to heap praise on the Dane, saying he’s better on the ball than Bruno Fernandes.
With the panel largely agreeing on Raheem Sterling to have a positive impact at Chelsea – the conversation grew, and they became more and more divided.
It was the topic of Tottenham new-boy Richarlison, known for his nasty style of play, that ironically sparked a change in tone, as things started to get heated.
Rory fueled the debate, saying: “Richarlison is a really significant signing – arguably the most.
Part of the reason that I’m so convinced they're (referring to Spurs) going to have a brilliant season is the signing of Richarlison, simply because of the statement it makes.”
Spurs fan Abbi nodded in agreement, backing Rory’s comments up by adding “We've never had the strength and depth”, as she highlighted Richarlison was a clear upgrade on Lucas Moura.
However, Ade and Flex seemed less convinced, and when Rory later went on to say “Richarlison would turn defeats into draws and draws into wins”, this was met with a puzzled look on Ade’s face, who responded: “You’ve gone too far, you’ve gone too far”.
Who do you think will have the biggest impact for their club this season? Make sure you watch the whole Playlist video on our YouTube channel and share your thoughts.
Episode 2: JESUS IS A BETTER SIGNING THAN HAALAND! TOP 5 PREMIER LEAGUE STRIKERS
On the latest episode of The Playlist, 888sport’s new weekly series, @Rory Jennings , @ADE OLADIPO, Abbi Summers are joined by Flex from the @United View to rank the Top 5 strikers in the Premier League.
Rory, Ade, Abbi and Flex debate whether Erling Haaland is guaranteed to be successful at Manchester City, how many goals Darwin Nunez will score for Liverpool and whether Gabriel Jesus is the perfect striker for Arsenal.
The panel also debate whether Spurs need to win a trophy to keep Harry Kane and whether Kai Havertz is good enough to lead the line for Chelsea, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United.
Episode 1: SPURS WILL FINISH ABOVE LIVERPOOL! TOP 5 PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS
On the first episode of The Playlist, 888sport’s new weekly series, @Rory Jennings , @ADE OLADIPO and Abbi Summers are joined by Flex from the @United View to predict the Top 5 teams in the Premier League 2022/23 season.
Rory, Ade, Abbi and Flex debate whether any team can compete with Manchester City’s money, whether Liverpool’s continued success under Jurgen Klopp is sustainable and, if it’s not, can Antonio Conte’s Spurs finish ahead of them?
The panel also debate which teams are most likely to miss out on the Champions League out of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as pondering whether any teams outside the Big Six are capable of mounting a challenge for the top four.
