The Athletic FC Podcast

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Chelsea vs Arsenal. Which side will make the bigger statement with a win? Does Enzo Maresca have to start Estevao? Who would the panel have in their side out of Rice and Caicedo? Mark Critchley and Cerys Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Crystal Palace vs Manchester United, Spurs vs Fulham, and West Ham vs Liverpool. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Mark Critchley & Cerys Jones Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the battle of two of Europe’s heavyweights it was Arsenal who came out on top. So, how much damage does a first defeat of the season do to Vincent Kompany’s Bayern? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Kev Hatchard Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid are top of La Liga and have won three from four in the Champions League, but there’s always drama around the corner at the Bernabeu. Vinicius Junior has told the club he doesn’t want to renew his contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains strained. So… who will end up winning this battle: star player or head coach? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Mario Cortegana, Dermot Corrigan, Jack Lang Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After six defeats in their last seven Premier League matches, reigning champions Liverpool sit 12th in the league. Supporters streamed out of Anfield when Nottingham Forest’s third goal went in on Saturday. So is Arne Slot’s position at risk? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jon Mackenzie and Oli Kay Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with Eberechi Eze playing a starring role. So, how important has their summer business been? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton and James McNicholas Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Arsenal vs Spurs. Which side is under more pressure to win? Who replaces Gabriel? Where can Spurs hurt Arsenal? Reuben Pinder and Alexander Barker join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Newcastle vs Manchester City, Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United vs Everton. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Reuben Pinder & Alexander Barker Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has a £65m release clause - as revealed by The Athletic's David Ornstein. He could be on the move in January. So who wants him? And where will he go? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Carl Anka, Dan Kilpatrick and Dean Holden Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 World Cup is almost set. We now know 42 out of the 48 teams going to next year’s tournament. With the draw just around the corner, we're looking at who has qualified already, who is yet to qualify, and what a 48-team World Cup will look like. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Felipe Cardenas, Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we bring you an audio exclusive with David Kogan, Chair of the Independent Football Regulator. A role that makes him one of the most powerful people in English football. So what powers will he actually have, and what difference will they make to fans of clubs in the Premier League and beyond? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater and David Kogan Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week ago we released a documentary about illegal streaming. It’s fair to say, you’ve had a lot to say about it. So, today we’re going to answer your questions, and look to the future of watching football. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Adam Crafton and Matt Slater Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re eleven games into the 2025/26 Premier League season. Arsenal are top, Man City are clinging to their coat tails, Sunderland are in the Champions League places and just four points separate 2nd from 9th. Meanwhile Newcastle are languishing in 14th, Fulham’s top scorer is own goals, West Ham and Nottingham Forest are in the relegation zone and Wolves sit rock bottom, still yet to win a game. So, is this the most unpredictable the Premier League has been in recent years? Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Tim Spiers & Megan Feringa Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Como 1907 are one of the most intriguing clubs in modern football. They have gone from Serie D to Serie A in just six years, backed by billionaire owners they have ambitious plans to grow the Como brand and emulate a Disney model. In this show we're talking to Mirwan Suwarso, President of Como 1907 about how the club rose to the top and their plans to sustain their success. You'll hear all about manager Cesc Fabregas's involvement in succession planning, their data-led recruitment strategy, and insight into plans for their match abroad against AC Milan. We also talk fashion, Suwarso's surprising LinkedIn account, and Como's gorgeous lakeside stadium. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater and Mirwan Suwarso Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Exec Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're bringing you an exclusive interview for The Athletic, Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton in conversation with David Ornstein. Ahead of next summer's World Cup, they get into his England chances, being overly self critical, the constant transfer speculation that surrounds him and much more... Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein & Adam Wharton Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruben Amorim’s first year at Manchester United has been box office. From the lows of the Europa League final defeat to the highs of that historic win at Anfield. So how do we assess his time at Old Trafford - and what next for the project? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Mark Critchley, Oli Kay and Charlotte Harpur Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game in management ended with Liverpool thrashed and Man City just four points off Arsenal. Erling Haaland was among the goals, but Jeremy Doku got all the attention at the Etihad. Can they now sustain a serious challenge for the title? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the rise of illegal streaming pose an existential threat to football? To answer that question, Adam Leventhal has spent the last six months looking into the culture, crime and crisis associated with pirating live football matches.In this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast you'll hear undercover reporting and behind the scenes access to police investigations, including how the world's largest illegal sports streaming platform was taken down. We get the takes of match-going fans, and ask if 'Premflix' is the future of Premier League broadcasting? If you're an Athletic subscriber you can have your say here. And if you're not yet a subscriber, join here and have your say. Please note that the documentary has content some listeners may find upsetting. Host: Adam Leventhal Mixing: Jay Beale Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from Amazon, Sky Sports, tallkSPORT, Leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Manchester City vs Liverpool. Where do you play Wirtz? How do you stop Haaland? And will either of them reel in Arsenal? Andy Jones and Jordan Campbell join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Sunderland vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Manchester United and Crystal Palace vs Brighton. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Andy Jones & Jordan Campbell Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Halfway through the Champions League league phase and one pattern is emerging; the dominance of the Premier League. But is that a problem for the balance of the Champions League? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Michael Cox and James Horncastle Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anfield roared - and booed - as Liverpool emphatically defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League. So could this victory reignite their season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce and Tomás Hill López-Menchero Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another home defeat, and flat performance against Chelsea, losing 1-0 on Saturday. But Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League - having finished 17th last season. So, are Spurs improving under Thomas Frank? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunderland have enjoyed a dream start so far in the Premier League. Their win over Chelsea means they’re in the top four after nine games. 17 points from their opening nine Premier League games is the best return by a promoted club at this stage of a season since Hull City in 2008-09. So how have they done it? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Weatherspoon, Phil Hay and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

El Clasico was back to its fiery best on Sunday, as Lamine Yamal's pre-match comments sparked fury in Madrid. Has he reignited this famous fixture? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Andy Mitten, Pol Ballus, Guillermo Rai Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Jay Beale and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are top of the Premier League - four points ahead of Bournemouth in second. It was an important win for them against Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea also losing. Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three times in nine games, so does a solid defence win you titles? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adrian Clarke and James McNicholas Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona were set to play Villarreal in Miami in December. That’s now been cancelled. Today, we explain why. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan and Matt Slater Featuring: James Horncastle Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life after Alexander Isak has been hit and miss for Newcastle. But in Nick Woltemade, have they already found the key to Newcastle's fortunes this season? And in terms of Isak, why is he struggling after that record-breaking £125million summer move to Liverpool? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Waugh, Oli Kay, Andy Jones Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United’s first victory at Anfield since 2016 was a massive moment for the club. But how does Ruben Amorim ensure this isn’t another false dawn? The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley join host Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the win over Liverpool, Harry Maguire, Matheus Cunha, the Brighton fixture this weekend and Amorim’s future. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we speak to one of the best players to have graced the Premier League, İlkay Gündoğan. The iconic former Manchester City midfielder sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans. With: Jordan Campbell & İlkay Gündoğan Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is for many, the marquee match up in English football, Liverpool vs Manchester United. Oli Kay and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Fulham vs Arsenal, Spurs vs Aston Villa, and the hotly anticipated Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Oli Kay, Megan Feringa Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The transfer window may not be open but the industry is still moving behind the scenes.So what do agents actually do? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by the Athletic’s Stu James and James Featherstone, agent of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Stu James and James Featherstone Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are heading to the World Cup, and typically it’s thanks to captain Harry Kane. So how important is he to their chances next summer? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Charlie Eccleshare, Seb Stafford-Bloor Featuring: Rob Green Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks 15 years of FSG ownership at Liverpool In that time they've won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League. So, how did Liverpool become a modern superclub? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes and Matt Slater Featuring: Peter Moore and Dr Ian Graham Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast discusses the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often? Are goalkeepers throwing the ball less? And how is it changing the game? Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re seven games into the 25/26 Premier League season and Arsenal sit top, Wolves are the only side yet to register a win and Sunderland are 9th!? Carl Anka and Tim Spiers join Matt Davies-Adams to assess all 20 Premier League teams' respective starts, asking whether they’ve answered the big questions that surrounded them prior to the new season. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Carl Anka, Tim Spiers Executive Producers: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven games played: five defeats, two draws, no wins. Statistically the worst start by any Nottingham Forest manager for a century. Ange Postecoglou is battling to keep his job at Forest, despite only having four Premier League games in that time. So, how did things get so bad so soon? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Paul Taylor and Charlie Eccleshare Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a year since Thomas Tuchel signed up as England manager. He’s had six games to make his mark so far, with the World Cup just eight months away. So how prepared are the Three Lions? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Jack Pitt-Brooke Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So far, this season we’ve had… long throws, rugby-style kickoffs and big lads up front. So why has the Premier League gone old school? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Mark Carey, Oli Kay and Thomas Grønnemark Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool had a perfect start after record spending, but now they've lost three in a row. So why is Arne Slot’s Red Machine mis-firing? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Simon Hughes Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jurgen Klopp is back in football but not as a manager. In January, he began work as global head of soccer at Red Bull. Our very own Adam Crafton sat down with the former Liverpool boss at the New York Red Bulls’ training facility in New Jersey. They discuss all things Red Bull, the future of football and why he closed the chapter on his coaching career. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton & Jurgen Klopp Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the red card loving blues of Chelsea versus the no longer red hot reds of Liverpool. Stu James and Megan Feringa join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Arsenal vs West Ham and Manchester United vs Sunderland. Plus after losing 3-2 to FC Midtjylland at the City Ground on Thursday night Nottingham Forest fans are already turning on their new manager Ange Postecoglou, who faces a tough trip to St James’ Park on Sunday. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Stu James, Megan Feringa Executive Producers: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eight games into his Liverpool career Florian Wirtz is yet to score or assist. So why the slow start and how long will he take to adapt to the Premier League? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Kev Hatchard Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace are flying. They’re the FA Cup holders, they’re in Europe and they’re on an 18-game unbeaten run across all competitions. So… what is the secret behind their success? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Reuben Pinder and Jon Mackenzie Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graham Potter is the latest manager to be shown the door at West Ham. In comes a new challenger - Nuno Espírito Santo. But do West Ham’s problems go beyond their manager? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Roshane Thomas and Benji Lanyado Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 17 defeats in 33 Premier League games for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United after Saturday's latest defeat at Brentford. So, how much more misery can they take? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton and Oli Kay Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead and Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Newcastle vs Arsenal. Eddie Howe's side have won each of their last three home games against Arsenal in all competitions without conceding a single goal, and are looking to make it four in a row for the first time since August 1969. With Liverpool five wins from five, will anything but a win keep Mikel Arteta's title hopes alive? Oli Kay and Jacob Whitehead join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Oli Kay, Jacob Whitehead Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FIFA have discussed making the 2030 World Cup a 64-team tournament. So who actually wants it and could it really happen? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton, Phil Hay and Felipe Cardenas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ousmane Dembele scooped the Ballon d’Or on Monday night. His 35 goals helped PSG clinch their first ever Champions League. So how did he evolve from a promising winger to a ruthless goalscorer? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Tom Williams Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston Villa are currently 18th in the Premier League and have scored just one goal so far. So is the team really "lazy” or does Unai Emery need to change? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jacob Tanswell and Dan Bardell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have fallen five points off the pace in the Premier League, after drawing 1-1 with Man City on Sunday. And in the boardroom there are changes as well, so how much do they have to do, to catch Liverpool? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Arsenal vs Manchester City. In what is often dubbed as master vs apprentice, Mikel Arteta is looking to become the first manager to go 5 games in a row unbeaten against Pep Guardiola. Mark Critchley and Nick Miller join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to some of the fixtures elsewhere, including the Merseyside derby and Manchester United vs Chelsea. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Mark Critchley, Nick Miller Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea’s young squad were given a reality-check on their Champions League return, losing 3-1 in Munich to Bayern after two years out of the competition. Prior to Wednesday night The Blues Champions League squad only had a combined 117 games in the tournament under their belts in comparison to Bayern's 860. So, will a lack of experience cost them in Europe and the Premier League? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Simon Johnson and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.