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- GAME-DAY GRIND: May 10, 2025
GAME-DAY GRIND: May 10, 2025
Farrell's Picks, Finals Drama & Your Footy Fix
Tom Hillary
May 10, 2025
In partnership with
👋 Hey there, coffee crew,
What a week it's been! This week’s been so crazy we’re sending this out on a Saturday morning instead of the usual Friday - don’t worry, all will be back to normal next week.
We've got your weekend fixtures sorted, a proper coffee recipe that'll get you match-ready, and that all-important rugby badge quiz to test your rugby knowledge.
Whether you're here for the Lions breakdown, the tactics talk, or just need to know where to find Liverpool v Arsenal on Sunday - consider this your sporting bible for the next 48 hours.
Let’s brew it.
Table of Contents
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1. The Perfect Pour: The Test Match Macchiato
A short, sharp Lions inspired coffee with a tactical twist
This week, we’re celebrating the announcement of the British & Irish Lions squad by brewing up a little something worthy of the test arena. Enter: The Test Match Macchiato - a classic espresso macchiato with a sharp twist of lion’s mane mushroom powder for added edge and clarity.
Ingredients:
Double shot of espresso (18–20g ground coffee, 36–40ml yield)
1–2 tablespoons of milk (whole milk or your preferred alternative)
¼ teaspoon lion’s mane mushroom powder (optional but recommended for its cognitive benefits)
Equipment:
Espresso machine (or AeroPress/Moka pot as an alternative)
Milk frother or steam wand
Small spoon
Demitasse cup or small espresso glass
Instructions:
Step 1: Pull the Double Espresso
Use freshly ground coffee (medium-fine grind) and tamp evenly - in the spirit of the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad announcement, we recommend 2009 Lion Keith Earls’ Eleven Fourteen The Number 14 Blend.
Pull a double espresso (about 36–40ml) into your cup.
If using lion’s mane powder, stir it into the hot espresso immediately to dissolve fully.
Tip: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a strong Moka pot brew or AeroPress concentrate.
Step 2: Froth the Milk
Steam or froth about 30ml of milk – you only need a small amount of microfoam (think cappuccino milk, but less volume).
Aim for a velvety texture with fine bubbles (not stiff foam like for a latte).
Tip: No steamer? Use a handheld frother or shake warm milk in a jar and let it settle for 30 seconds before spooning.
Step 3: Assemble the Macchiato
Gently spoon a dollop of frothed milk directly on top of the espresso.
Aim to "mark" the espresso – just enough milk to mellow the top without overpowering the shot.
Step 4: Serve & Sip
Serve immediately in a demitasse cup.
No sugar needed – it’s all about bold clarity and precision.
Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa or nutmeg for a visual kick.
Summary:
Taste: Bold, earthy, focused
Best time to drink: Morning strategy meetings, matchdays, or simply when you need to get stuff done!
2. 🔥☕ Espresso Express – A quick, bold shot of sports headlines, served hot and fast!
⚽ Watch Out Bilbao, The English are Coming!
The Europa League final is officially an all-Premier League party with Manchester United and Tottenham earning their tickets to Spain's Basque Country in style.
The numbers:
7-1 (United's ridiculous aggregate demolition of Athletic Club)
2 goals from super-sub Mason Mount at Old Trafford (statement made!)
5-1 (Spurs' comfortable aggregate win over Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt)
0 previous European trophies for Tottenham this century
Why it matters: May 21st isn't just about silverware - the winner lifts that coveted Champions League spot for next season, turning this final into a winner-takes-all Premier League grudge match.
The big picture: United's resounding victory signals they might be finding form at the perfect moment, while Spurs continue their impressive European campaign under Ange Postecoglou.
Between the lines: With both squads desperate for a trophy to salvage terrible domestic campaigns, this all-English showdown in Bilbao promises tactical warfare and Premier League intensity on Spanish soil.
⚽ Paris Vs Milan: The European Throne Awaits
The Champions League final is officially set, and for the first time in 21 years, the big dance will feature neither an English, Spanish, nor German club. Mark your calendars for May 31st at Munich's Allianz Arena!
The numbers:
3-1 (PSG's aggregate victory over Arsenal in the semi-finals)
7-6 (Inter's insane aggregate win over Barcelona in extra time)
3 previous Champions League trophies for Inter (last in 2010)
0 European Cups for PSG (still chasing that elusive first!)
Why it matters: This showdown represents a massive power shift in European football, with French and Italian clubs reclaiming their seat at the continent's top table.
The big picture: Donnarumma and Dembélé were immense for PSG against Arsenal, while Inter survived an absolute thriller against Barcelona to book their ticket to Munich.
Between the lines: The winner doesn't just get the big-eared trophy - they'll also secure spots in the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. Talk about raising the stakes!
🏎️ Alpine’s Meltdown: Flav Returns!
The drama at Alpine F1 has officially reached DEFCON 1 levels with not one but 2 bombshell team switches that nobody saw coming!
The numbers:
5 races for Argentine newcomer Franco Colapinto (starting at Emilia-Romagna)
6 races before Jack Doohan was axed
2 Oakes brothers at the centre of this tornado
1 controversial comeback (Flavio Briatore's shocking return!)
Why it matters: Just when you thought F1 couldn't get more dramatic, the infamous Flavio Briatore swoops in to replace the departing Oliver Oakes, bringing his larger than life personality back to the paddock.
The big picture: Oakes' rapid exit following his brother William's arrest on financial misconduct charges has opened the door for Briatore's sensational return to the team principal role.
Between the lines: With Crashgate's mastermind now calling the shots and rookie Colapinto thrust into the driver's seat, it appears that Alpine are trying to rival Redbull for the most dramatic team strategy change we've seen in years - let alone one season!
🏀 NBA Going Global: London Lakers Anyone?
The basketball empire is about to expand westward as the NBA sets its sights firmly on Britain for a massive European takeover!
The numbers:
No 1 "single biggest opportunity" (that's what the UK represents according to NBA bosses)
0 existing teams in the UK... yet
Infinite debates about whether us Brits can handle basketball without throwing pints (surely we can behave ourselves?)
TBD on the number of teams joining this potential league
Why it matters: The NBA isn't just talking about exhibition games or occasional matches - they're exploring a full-blown European league with proper UK & EU franchises.
The big picture: With ongoing discussions about structure and team locations, this move represents the most aggressive international expansion in NBA history.
Between the lines: While the Premier League has conquered the globe, the NBA is flipping the script by potentially bringing American basketball superstars to British soil. Imagine courtside seats at the O2 Arena whilst watching Steph Curry dropping a 40-point game!
🏏 England Cricket’s Jampacked Summer
England's 2025 summer cricket schedule is stacked with wall to wall international action!
The numbers:
6 Tests (1 vs Zimbabwe + 5 vs India)
6 ODIs (3 vs West Indies + 3 vs South Africa)
6 T20Is (3 vs West Indies + 3 vs South Africa)
4 months of non-stop cricket chaos (May through September)
Why it matters: This is England's most loaded cricket summer in ages, with a proper five-Test series against India as the crown jewel of the schedule.
The big picture: The fun kicks off with Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge (May 22nd), builds to that epic India showdown starting at Headingley (June 20th), and wraps with the Saffers touring in September.
Between the lines: With 18 international matches across all formats, this summer's about to deliver more cricket than a highlight reel marathon on Sky Sports.
⚽ 5 In a Row: Chelsea’s WSL Dominance Continues
The Blues just made it 5 titles in a row after a nail-biting 1-0 win over Spurs - all it took was one moment of magic from Catarina Macario!
The numbers:
5 consecutive WSL titles (Dynasty mode: Activated)
1 penalty that sealed the deal (Macario with the nerves of steel)
0 doubt about who owns London's women's football scene
… the number of nights Chelsea fans will be celebrating this week
Why it matters: The Blues aren't just winning - they're absolutely owning the WSL landscape, building a legacy that'll be talked about for decades.
The big picture: Another year, another trophy for the seemingly unstoppable Chelsea machine. That first-half penalty from Macario sealed Chelsea’s place in the history books as 5 consecutive times WSL champions.
Between the lines: While the scoreline was narrow, Chelsea's five championships is anything but - this is a squad that's turned dominance into an art form. Spurs put up a fight, but in the end, blue proved true.
3. 📅 What's Brewing – Upcoming Games to Watch
⚽️ Football: Premier League (Match Week 34)
AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Saturday, May 10, 5:30 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Premier League; Sky Go
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio 5 LiveNewcastle United v Chelsea
Sunday, May 11, 12:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; TNT Sports Ultimate; Discovery+
📻 Listen on: talkSPORTNottingham Forest v Leicester City
Sunday, May 11, 2:15 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Premier League; Sky Go
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio 5 Live
Liverpool v Arsenal
Sunday, May 11, 4:30 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Premier League; Sky Go
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio 5 Live
🏉 Rugby Union: Gallagher Premiership Rugby
Saracens v Newcastle
Saturday, May 10, 3:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports Extra; discovery+
📻 Listen on: No broadcastBristol Bears v Bath Rugby
Saturday, May 10, 3:05 PM BST
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; TNT Sports Ultimate; itvX; discovery+
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio Bristol; BBC Radio SomersetHarlequins v Gloucester
Saturday, May 10, 5:30 PM BST
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; TNT Sports Ultimate; discovery+
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio GloucestershireExeter Chiefs v Northampton
Sunday, May 11, 3:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; TNT Sports Ultimate; discovery+
📻 Listen on: BBC Radio Devon
4. The 2025 British & Irish Lions Squad has Landed
The Lions Roar: Farrell’s Australian Ambitions
Andy Farrell has unveiled his 38-man British & Irish Lions squad for the Australian tour, and it's absolutely packed with intrigue!
The numbers:
15 from Ireland (the Green Machine flexing their Six Nations strength)
13 from England (the Red Rose brigade)
8 from Scotland (the Scots bringing Highland fire)
2 from Wales (hmmm… enough said!)
3 different fly-halves for 3 different game plans
Who's wearing the armband? Maro Itoje gets the captain's nod - and it's historic! The England lock becomes the first Black player to captain the Lions in their 137-year history and the first England player since Martin Johnson in 2001.
The surprise packages: Scott Cummings and Henry Pollock getting the call-up raised eyebrows across the Home Nations. Meanwhile, Sam Prendergast's absence speaks volumes about Farrell's preference for proven big-match performers.
The fly-half trinity: Farrell's gone for the Swiss Army knife approach with three very different 10s. Finn Russell brings the creativity, Marcus Smith the dynamism, and Fin Smith the system nous. Versatility is clearly the watchword.
Built for speed: Forget the old-school Northern Hemisphere style Lions pack - this is a mobile, ball-handling forward unit that looks primed to run Australia ragged. The back row might lack traditional lineout specialists, but with Jack Conan as the primary ball-carrier and Josh van der Flier's work rate, they're built for pace, not size.
Bottom line: Upon initial analysis, the squad screams "running rugby." The final selections were made just 24 hours before the announcement, proving Farrell was sweating every detail. If the Lions plan to go toe-to-toe with the Wallabies in a high-tempo game, this squad could be absolutely lethal.
5. 🤔 Extra Shot: Your Weekly Dose of Sports Trivia
Flags, Feathers & Ferns: Test Your Rugby Emblem Knowledge
Think you know your International Rugby? It’s time to separate the true connoisseurs from the wannabe experts!
We've got ten international team badges lined up below, and it's your job to name the nations they represent. From the All Blacks' iconic Kiwi to the Springboks' mighty buck, these badges represent the finest rugby nations on the planet - but some are trickier than others!
Fancy yourself a rugby nerd? Here's your chance to prove it.
Answers will be announced in next week’s newsletter! Respond to this email with your answers to be in with a chance of a shout in next week’s edition.
Right, so about last week's anagram quiz... turns out the "foolproof" Chat-GPT powered anagram generator had about as much sense as a chocolate fireguard. Instead of proper anagrams, it basically just scrambled letters like a toddler with alphabetti spaghetti! Thanks to everyone that responded letting me know and in the case you struggled through the quiz anyways the “answers” are below.
Answers:
• A LEGAL HEADSHIP ELIP
(PHILADELPHIA EAGLES)
• MIDSHIPMAN OIL
(MIAMI DOLPHINS)
• TAKE A SLEET SAWS SHE
(SEATTLE SEAHAWKS)
• CASH BARGE COHOI
(CHICAGO BEARS)
• FATTY CHIC SANK ACES
(KANSAS CITY CHIEFS)
• SENTINELS ARSON WASN’T
(NEW ORLEANS SAINTS)
• BETTER SUPER GIRL’S HUSH
(PITTSBURGH STEELERS)
• SLOW ABLY A CODS
(DALLAS COWBOYS)
• YANK SINGER TO WOK
(NEW YORK GIANTS)
• CORNERED BOVINES
(DENVER BRONCOS)
That's full-time on this week's brew! Got a juicy sports story we missed or a coffee blend we need to try? Don't be shy—hit reply and spill the beans!
How did you find this week's Game-Day Grind? |