Episode 93: Racing collapse in the clásico, River & Lanús still lead, and more

Episode 93 sees English Dan appearing briefly by Skype, due to food poisoning – or maybe he was just too ashamed to show up in person after his side failed to turn up against Independiente in last weekend’s clásico de Avellaneda, losing 2-0. Sam is joined by real-life Arsenal de Sarandí fan Santiago, who fortunately caught most of the weekend’s action, and we discuss his team’s away win over Argentinos Juniors, what Gabriel Schurrer’s exit as manager could mean for Argentinos, and River Plate’s amazing 3-2 thriller over Tigre, as well as a lot more besides. And if you’ve ever wondered why Arsenal have a tower on their club badge, here’s the HOP episode where you find out. Enjoy.

As usual, Mystic Sam’s predictions are below the line. Don’t forget you can follow HOP on Twitter, and subscribe to us on iTunes as well.

Episode 92: Lanús & River lead & Independiente shock Vélez ahead of the Avellaneda clásico

In the ninety-second episode of Hand Of Pod, Sam and English Dan are joined by Mariano the San Lorenzo fan to discuss a Torneo Inicial second round with one outstanding result; ten-man Independiente’s shock victory over champions Vélez Sarsfield. Away from Liniers, there were wins for both Lanús and River Plate, who go joint top of the nascent Inicial table, a win against Racing, inspired by Luciano Vietto, which sends both clubs into the clásico de Avellaneda this coming weekend in good spirits, and a draw for Mariano’s San Lorenzo which we discuss, as well as asking him for his thoughts on Viggo Mortensen’s charity flower seeds, and an update on the Return To Boedo (which is San Lorenzo’s plan to buy back the land their old stadium stood on, not another Lord Of The Rings film).

As ever, Mystic Sam’s third round predictions are below the line – and don’t forget you can subscribe to us on iTunes if you haven’t already.

Episode 91: An enjoyable first round, Riquelme finally signs and more

In the ninety-first episode of Hand Of Pod, Sam, English Dan and Joel look back on an opening weekend of Torneo Final action that Sam and Joel thoroughly enjoyed, and which English Dan missed almost all of. We discuss an unconvincing win for Vélez Sarsfield as they seek to defend their title, and rather more emphatic victories for Tigre and Lanús, among others. Joel attended a thriller in La Bombonera, as Juan Román Riquelme returned to the stands and Carlos Bianchi to the managerial bench and Boca came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, with one of several stunning long range goals this weekend. All this and much more – enjoy.

As usual, you’ll find Mystic Sam’s predictions below the line. And don’t forget you can subscribe to us on iTunes; just click here.

Episode 90: previewing the 2013 Torneo Final & wondering where Riquelme will go

In the ninetieth episode of Hand Of Pod, Sam, Dan and Joel preview the 2013 Torneo Final, which kicks off with Unión hosting Arsenal de Sarandí on Friday evening. We discuss Fernando Gago’s move to Vélez Sarsfield – easily the most spectacular signing of the summer – and what Vélez’s chances are of retaining their title, as well as talking about Racing’s transfer window departures, River Plate’s relative success and most of the other ins and outs, before moving on – we couldn’t very well avoid him – to the interminable saga of Juan Román Riquelme’s ever changing mood. Will he play for Boca? Will he play for Tigre? Should we really care any more? After that, we answer listeners’ questions on Argentine sides in the 2013 Copa Libertadores and more.

Don’t forget, you can subscribe to us here on iTunes, if you want. Or follow us on Twitter. And check Mystic Sam’s progress through the first weekend of the Final by reading his predictions below the line.