It's the Merseyside derby this weekend, and we get into that a bit with this week's guest. After all, our guest Stephen Warnock came up through the Liverpool academy and has been to Anfield and Goodison Park many times — and to Everton's brand-new Hill Dickson Stadium once. That one's at Liverpool's cathedral, however, and it's not the marquee match of the weekend. Neither is Man United-Chelsea.

The big one is Arsenal vs Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, and it could tell us a lot about whether the Premier League is about to see a two-horse title race, a three-way, or even four if Chelsea get involved. For his part, Warnock thinks it will come down to just Arsenal and Liverpool, though there's always the chance of injuries or a tactical mastermind maneuver from Pep Guardiola. The Catalan will certainly have something up his sleeve for his old student, former Man City assistant coach Mikel Arteta, who will hope his newly super-deep squad can challenge on all fronts this season.

Beyond all that, Warnock also talks about a couple of his more idiosyncratic managers back in his playing days, Big Sam Allardyce and Neil Warnock. He also talks about sharing a flank with streets-won't-forget Barclaysman Morten Gamst Pedersen, and these are the kind of behind-the-scenes stories you'll find — along with some expert insight on the fitness and recovery side — on his new podcast venture, Strain on the Game.

Check that out, but first: Have a listen here, leave a review if you enjoy yourself, and check out more sharp conversations and on-the-ground reporting at The Football Weekend.com.

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