Wildcards with Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant

This week, Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant break down another huge week in football and Fantasy Premier League - with major discussions around Liverpool’s decline under Arne Slot, Arsenal’s title race run-in, Chelsea’s FA Cup final chances and the future of Manchester United.

The episode opens with FPL frustrations after Pep Guardiola’s rotation once again causes chaos for Fantasy Premier League managers. Triple Captain chips, bench disasters, minus-eight transfer hits and Gameweek 37 planning are all debated as the season reaches its final stages. Arsenal defenders, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres and Erling Haaland all become key talking points ahead of the final two gameweeks.

There’s also a huge debate around Arsenal’s title charge, with both hosts believing the pressure could still swing the race dramatically. Burnley’s low-block style, Crystal Palace away on the final day, and Arsenal’s struggles against defensive teams are all analysed in detail as the Premier League title race heads towards a dramatic conclusion.

The podcast also dives into one of the biggest stories of the week: Liverpool fans turning on Arne Slot. Jermaine Pennant gives a brutally honest assessment of Liverpool’s performances, claiming fans have “lost patience” and warning that the club could fall apart if they continue in the same direction. The discussion expands into whether Xabi Alonso should replace Slot and why Liverpool may have made the wrong managerial decision.

There’s also discussion around Michael Carrick becoming permanent Manchester United manager after an impressive interim spell. The lads debate whether Carrick deserves the opportunity long-term, if Manchester United need a bigger-name manager, and whether the club can finally rebuild into genuine title challengers again.

Follow @wildcardspod on Instagram and you can even join our official Wildcards Pod FPL league to see if you have what it takes to beat Jenas and Pennant

Key Moments:

0:00 – Fantasy Football Frustrations & Liverpool Mood Check

0:31 – Welcome to Episode 37 of the Wildcards Podcast

01:02 – Penn’s Golf Day & TalkSPORT Filming Plans

01:35 – Triple Captain Chip Drama & Pep’s Rotation (Haaland & City)

03:04 – Gameweek 36 Score Reveal: 77 Points Each & League Standings

05:16 – Bench Nightmares, Clean Sheet Hopes & DCL’s Sneaky Returns

07:08 – Gameweek 36 Winner Announcement & Wildcards Mug Prize

07:44 – Gameweek 37 Preview: Man City, Arsenal & Bournemouth’s Unbeaten Run

08:55 – Arsenal Title Run-In, Burnley Test & Palace Threat

11:13 – Controversial Arsenal Goal: Goalkeeper Protection & VAR Debate

13:53 – FPL Gameweek 37 Strategy: Arsenal Defenders, Captains & Forwards to Sell

17:16 – Top Transfers In & Out for GW37 + Wildcards League Update

18:37 – Building the Perfect Footballer: Left Foot, Right Foot, Pace, Mentality & Effort

22:25 – Championship Play-off Spying Scandal: Southampton vs Middlesbrough

26:05 – FA Cup Final Preview: Man City vs Chelsea

27:31 – Michael Carrick to Manchester United: Right Appointment for a Rebuild?

33:59 – Liverpool’s Managerial Future, Fan Boos & Fear of a Full Decline

37:23 – Xabi Alonso to Chelsea? Chelsea Project, Owners & Recruitment Concerns
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Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant react to another dramatic week across football and Fantasy Premier League - with huge debates around Chelsea’s collapse, Arsenal’s chances against PSG, and the impact of Double Gameweek 36 in FPL.

The episode opens with a major swing in the Wildcards mini-league after Jermaine Jenas lands 89 points thanks to a successful Bench Boost, while Jermaine Pennant prepares to use his Triple Captain chip on Erling Haaland ahead of Manchester City’s double gameweek. Crystal Palace assets, Victor Gyökeres, Jarrod Bowen, and risky Bournemouth picks are all debated as managers try to gain rank in the closing weeks of the season.

The conversation then shifts towards the international stage and the growing feeling that France are favourites for the next World Cup. With players like Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Kylian Mbappé all discussed, the lads question whether England currently have the level to compete with elite nations.

A hilarious new segment, Two Truths, One Lie, delivers brilliant dressing room stories from their careers - including Rafael van der Vaart and Benoît Assou-Ekotto nearly fighting over a free kick while naked in the dressing room, and Nobby Solano playing trumpet in a hotel room the night before Jenas’ Premier League debut.

There’s also a deep tactical breakdown of Arsenal vs PSG, with PSG’s intensity, pressing structure and attacking quality leaving both hosts convinced the French side are currently the best team in world football.

The lads question whether Chelsea still even feels like Chelsea anymore, criticising the football decisions being made at the top of the club and the lack of identity throughout the squad.

Plus: Liverpool players getting criticised for taking time off, Morgan Gibbs-White’s nasty head injury, and final predictions for the Premier League title race.

Follow @wildcardspod on Instagram and you can even join our official Wildcards Pod FPL league to see if you have what it takes to beat Jenas and Pennant

Key Moments:
0:00 – Intro: Wildcards Podcast Episode 36 & Gameweek 35 Mood Check
01:26 – Fantasy Premier League GW35 Recap: Bench Boost Success & League Standings
03:30 – FPL Chips Strategy: Triple Captain vs Bench Boost for the Run-In
05:05 – Gameweek 36 Planning: Double Gameweek, Man City & Crystal Palace Targets
07:05 – Player Transfer Debates: Bowen, Pedro, Watkins, Thiago & Bournemouth Assets
09:12 – Victor Gyökeres In: Premium Striker Pick for the Season Run-In
11:25 – FPL Differentials: Cherki, Semenyo, Sarr & Chip Lessons
12:48 – Most Transferred Players: Thiago, João Pedro, Bowen, Palmer & Market Trends
13:29 – France National Team Superpower: Mbappé, Dembélé, Barcola & Euro/World Cup Outlook
14:33 – England Concerns: Bellingham, Trent, Palmer, Kane & Rice Form Review
16:04 – Champions League & League Focus: PSG, Arsenal and Title Favourites
17:41 – Community & Podcast League: Wildcards Mini-League and World Cup Plans
18:14 – New Segment: Two Truths One Lie – Dressing Room Stories
20:12 – Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Rafa Benítez, Spurs, Arsenal & Trumpet Night Before Debut
23:24 – Champions League Semi-Finals: PSG vs Bayern Analysis & Final Preview
26:05 – Can Arsenal Beat PSG? Tactical Matchups, Pressing & Key Battles
30:20 – Chelsea Crisis: What Is Going Wrong at Stamford Bridge?
33:04 – Gibbs-White Injury & Forest Selection Dilemma: Masks, Stitches & Risk Management
36:14 – Everton vs Man City: Life Without Rodri and Title Race Implications
41:00 – Title Race Predictions: Arsenal, Man City and the Final Fixtures
41:41 – Outro: Season Reflections, Next Episode Tease & The Wildcards Mug
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Is Haaland the obvious FPL captain this week, are Arsenal losing attacking spark, and was PSG vs Bayern one of the best Champions League games ever?

In Episode 35 of Wildcards, Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant break down another huge week of Fantasy Premier League, Premier League debate and Champions League drama.

The lads start with the latest Wildcards FPL league update as Pennant extends his lead over JJ. There is also a full FPL Gameweek preview, covering Haaland captaincy, Alexander Isak, Jarrod Bowen, Bruno Fernandes, Semenyo, Cherki, Morgan Gibbs-White, Bournemouth assets, Arsenal defenders and the top transferred-in and transferred-out players.

Spurs come under the spotlight after another major injury blow, with JJ and Pennant discussing Tottenham’s injury crisis, Xavi Simons’ reported ACL issue, player conditioning, rotation, pitch firmness and whether clean sheets could be key to Spurs staying up.

Arsenal are also heavily debated. Are Mikel Arteta’s side struggling creatively? Is their best FPL value now in defence? And can they handle the pressure of the Premier League title race and Champions League knockout football?

The episode then moves into Champions League reaction, as JJ shares what it was like watching PSG vs Bayern live in Paris. The lads discuss the speed, quality, fitness and atmosphere inside the Parc des Princes, whether English football is falling behind Europe’s elite, and why VAR and refereeing decisions are damaging big football moments.

Follow Wildcards on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildcardspod/ Join the Wildcards FPL league and get involved with the show.

KEY MOMENTS:

0:00 – Intro to Episode 35

0:24 – Pennant beats JJ again in FPL

1:33 – JJ regrets not using his Free Hit

3:30 – Van de Ven and Spurs clean sheets

4:29 – Xavi Simons injury and Tottenham’s crisis

7:21 – Isak and Bowen FPL debate

10:13 – Arsenal vs Fulham FPL preview

13:12 – Odegaard criticism and Eze debate

14:16 – Haaland captaincy against Everton

16:22 – Top FPL transfers in and out

17:42 – Biggest FPL overachievers and underachievers

22:00 – JJ on watching PSG vs Bayern live

23:09 – Was PSG vs Bayern an all-time Champions League classic?

26:27 – Why English football atmospheres need to improve

28:23 – VAR, referees and controversial decisions

32:23 – Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid prediction

34:43 – Bayern, PSG and Harry Kane’s Champions League hopes

35:46 – Iraola, Carrick and the Man United manager debate
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This week, Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant react to one of the most chaotic weeks of the season — from Tottenham’s alarming collapse to the growing pressure at Chelsea and the unpredictable Fantasy Premier League landscape.

The episode opens with a huge swing in their FPL league, as a massive 123-point Gameweek flips momentum and highlights the impact of double gameweek strategy, free hits and differential picks.

With players like Pascal Groß delivering unexpected returns and key decisions paying off, it’s a reminder of how quickly rankings can change at this stage of the season.

Attention then turns to Chelsea’s decision to sack Liam Rosenior, with a deep dive into the realities of managing a top club without experience. The discussion explores dressing room power, player authority, and why modern football makes it almost impossible for young managers to control elite squads without proven pedigree.

The title race debate between Arsenal and Manchester City continues to intensify. While City’s experience and momentum make them favourites, there’s still a feeling Arsenal could “nick it” if results swing their way. The key question remains: can Arsenal finally get over the line, or will City’s winning mentality prove decisive again?

At the bottom of the table, the biggest story is Tottenham’s relegation crisis. With zero wins in 2026 and confidence completely gone, Spurs are in serious trouble. The debate centres on whether they can recover — or if it’s now a straight fight between Spurs and West Ham to avoid the drop.

Plus we have quick-fire football debates, Mourinho’s potential return to Real Madrid, and honest reflections on what separates teams that win from those that fall apart.

You Will Hear:
- Chelsea sack Liam Rosenior
- Player power vs young managers
- Who now wins the title?
- Mourinho to Real Madrid?
- Spurs relegation crisis: no wins in 2026
- Gameweek 34 blanking crisis

Key Moments:
0:00 – Banter & Cold Open: Arsenal, Spurs and 2026 Form
0:25 – Episode Intro: Wildcards Podcast Ep 34 & FPL Focus
01:18 – FPL Gameweek 34 Recap: Free Hit, Double Gameweek, Brighton & Chelsea Flop
03:10 – Pascal Groß, Joao Pedro & Cole Palmer: Double Gameweek Heroes and Near Misses
05:00 – Free Hit Strategy Debate: Was Gameweek 34 the Right Time to Chip?
06:19 – Upcoming Fixtures Preview: Fulham, Liverpool, Spurs v Wolves, Arsenal v Newcastle, Man United v Brentford
09:20 – Listener League Update: Points, Rankings & ‘WeWonItInBilbao’ Wins the Mug
10:00 – Transfer Trends: Most Transferred In & Out (Watkins, Gibbs-White, Bowen, Semenyo, Pedro)
12:34 – Main Talking Point: Liam Rosenior Sacked by Chelsea – What Went Wrong?
15:00 – Player Power, Dressing Room Politics & Lessons for Young Managers
19:17 – Who Should Be Next Chelsea Manager? Glasner, Marco Silva, Xabi Alonso & Owner Critique
23:03 – Man City vs Arsenal Title Race: Run‑In Fixtures, Momentum and Rodri’s Importance
26:20 – Are Arsenal Favourites? Mentality, Points vs Big Six and Arteta’s Future
31:17 – Is Arsenal’s Squad Really the Best in the Premier League? Depth vs Man City
36:32 – Quick-Fire Round: Champions League vs League Titles, Era Debate & Modern Football
38:18 – Jose Mourinho Back to Real Madrid? Manager Profile, Trophies and Dressing Room Fit
41:37 – Relegation Battle: Spurs vs West Ham, Nuno’s Game Plan and Maddison’s Role
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In Episode 33 of Wildcards, Jermaine Jenas and Jermaine Pennant break down one of the most unpredictable periods of the season - where double gameweeks, injuries and bad transfer decisions are flipping Fantasy Football leagues upside down.

The lads go deep on FPL Gameweek 33 strategy, discussing whether taking minus points is worth it, how to navigate upcoming blank gameweeks, and why loading up on double gameweek players could define your rank. There’s honest reflection on recent transfer mistakes, including failed punts, injuries and players going cold at the worst possible time.

New segment, “Start, Bench, Sell”, sparks debate around key FPL players -including Bruno Fernandes, Semenyo and defensive picks , revealing where the real differential value could be in the final stretch.

Outside of FPL, the conversation turns to the bigger football picture with Arsenal’s form raising serious concerns. Defensive solidity has dropped off, goals are drying up, and there are real questions about whether they can hold on in the title race or whether City can catch then on the current streak that Pep's team seem to be enjoying.

And at the bottom of the table, the relegation battle is brutally dissected with teams criticised for lacking identity, creativity and most importantly… goals.

You Will Hear:

Planning for FPL double gameweeks vs short-term gains

Big FPL mistakes: injuries and failed signings

Start, Bench, Sell

Bruno Fernandes vs Semenyo debate

Title race pressure and key fixtures ahead

Relegation battle is becoming more and more tense

Players with the biggest aura back in the day

Key Moments:
0:00 – Wildcards Podcast Ep 33 Intro & Banter
02:05 – Hosts’ FPL Rank Battle & Season Narrative
03:07 – Van de Ven FPL Disaster & Injury Problems
04:17 – Transfer Regrets, Planning Ahead & Mindset
05:20 – Double Gameweek Strategy: Chelsea, Leeds, Bournemouth, Brighton, Man City
06:30 – Specific Transfers: Cole Palmer Out, Alex Scott & Cherki In
08:10 – Balancing Double Gameweeks vs Future Blanks & Free Hit Usage
09:06 – Forwards Talk: Thiago, Ekitike, João Pedro Going Cold
10:13 – Clean Sheets Rare: Targeting DEFCON (Defensive Contribution) Points
11:00 – Haaland vs Mid‑Priced City Attackers Debate
11:26 – Top FPL Transfers In & Out for Gameweek 33
13:03 – Gameweek 32 Winner: SVG Eindhoven (Producer Sam AGAIN)
14:45 – New Segment: Start, Bench, Sell – Goalkeepers First
15:48 – Start, Bench, Sell – Defenders & Season‑Long Picks
16:39 – Start, Bench, Sell – Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes vs Semenyo vs Rogers
19:13 – Start, Bench, Sell – Haaland, João Pedro, Thiago
20:16 – Community Growth & Call to Action for the Wildcards League
22:10 – Arsenal’s Wobble: Bournemouth Loss & Sporting Draw
25:44 – Title Race: Arsenal vs Man City, Champions League Chances
29:49 – Arsenal & Man City Remaining Fixtures Breakdown
32:02 – Tottenham’s Relegation Battle & De Zerbi Concerns
33:26 – Analysing Spurs’ Remaining Fixtures & Survival Chances
35:04 – Biggest Auras in Football: Captains & Opponents
38:22 – Lionel Messi’s Aura & Facing Barcelona
40:21 – Managers with Aura: Arsène Wenger & Sir Bobby Robson
41:03 – Teammates with Aura: Berbatov, Bergkamp & Training Ground Stories
44:41 – Iráola Leaving Bournemouth: Next Club, Man United or Real Madrid?
45:41 – Why Managers & Players Announce Departures Early
47:36 – Man City vs Arsenal: Tactical Preview & Score Predictions
00:50:13 – Final Verdict on the Title Decider & Wrap‑Up
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