The Athletic FC Podcast

Last season marked the first time since 1998 that all three promoted Premier League teams were relegated. It looks like history may repeat itself this season, after another miserable weekend for Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton. So will all three go down? And if so, what does it say about the gap between the Premier League and the Championship? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Stu James & Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool have moved 11 points clear in the Premier League title race with Mohamed Salah leading the way in their 2-0 win over Manchester City. His goal and assists are edging him towards records set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Mohamed Salah is one of the Premier League’s Greatest but could he be THE greatest? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay, who was at the Etihad on Sunday for The Athletic as well as Simon Hughes, author of Chasing Salah: The Biography of Mohamed Salah. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Oli Kay and Simon Hughes Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever thought about how elite football clubs actually go about using data to analyse and recruit players? Well, The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast has the answers you need. Paul Power from sports data company, Skillcorner, joins the show to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis. Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a night Man City had no margin for error, Kylian Mbappe took away any hope scoring his first hat-trick at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid. With his treble, the Frenchman became just the fourth player to score a Champions League knockout hat-trick for Madrid following in the footsteps of the likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Karim Benzema and of course Cristiano Ronaldo. So can Mbappe reach Cristano Ronaldo's levels at Real Madrid? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to analyse the win over Man City and how fair Carlo Ancelotti's side can go in this season's Champions League. Plus, French football writer Tom Williams drops by to discuss Mbappe's evolution and his use of speed through his career. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Tom Williams Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Defeat at Spurs last weekend left Manchester United in 15th place in the table Next up they take on a resurgent Everton managed by the first person challenged with bringing back the good times at Old Trafford. So from David Moyes to Ruben Amorim, United seems to be stuck in a cycle of underperformance. So what is preventing them from moving forward? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton, Oli Kay, Carl Anka & Charlotte Harpur Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League’s financial rules will still be in place for next season despite plans to change them. Teams like Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle blame these rules for stopping them spending heavily on new players. So why the delay for the new rules? And how exactly do they impact clubs and their summer transfer plans? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater & Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday night Chelsea suffered a fourth defeat in eight Premier League games, going down 3-0 away to Brighton & Hove Albion. Having slipped from fourth to sixth, frustrations have come to the fore including from star player Cole Palmer. So, has Maresca ball gone flat? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and senior football writer Oli Kay to analyse Chelsea's recent shortcomings, discuss the form and contributions of Palmer as well as assess whether or not Chelsea are improving under Maresca. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Liam Twomey and Oli Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The self destruction derby? The banter bout? El Calamitico? The Athletic’s Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke join football writer Tim Spiers and host Adam Leventhal to preview Tottenham vs Manchester United. With the sides sitting 13th and 14th respectively, who will be holding the crisis baton come Sunday evening? Plus we check in with some of the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Carl Anka, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers Featuring: James McNicholas, James Pearce Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goodison Park’s final Merseyside derby delivered with James Tarkowski popping up with the stoppage time equaliser for Everton in their 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders, Liverpool. Despite the draw sending Arne Slot's side seven points clear at the top of the Premier League could the draw at Goodson disrupt their title charge? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Stu James and Andy Jones to pick the bones out of the Merseyside derby, the context of the wider title race as well as the run of games to come for Slot's side. Arsenal writer James McNicholas also joins to discuss the impact of Kai Havertz's hamstring injury for Arsenal, given Mikel Arteta's side are the closest challengers to land the Premier League title. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Andy Jones, Stu James and James McNicholas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight’s Merseyside derby will be the last ever at Goodison Park - and there have been some absolute belters in the past. So what are Everton losing in moving from Goodison? And what are the benefits of football clubs switching to a new home? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Paddy Boyland, Rory Smith and Adrian Clarke Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, Santos fans welcomed back club legend Neymar after 12 years away. So why is he back in Brazil, why did it go so wrong in Saudi Arabia? And how hard is it for players to live up to exorbitant price tags? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Natalie Gedra and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the space of just four days, Tottenham Hotspur have been knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the hands of Liverpool and Aston Villa. It means their hopes of ending their 17-year trophy drought now rest solely on the Europa League. So where do Spurs and Ange Postecoglou go from here? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter, Phil Hay, while Jay Harris also drops by to react to Ange Postecoglou's post-match press conference having been at Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy to discuss the introduction of an independent football regulator within English football. Whether it’s financial mismanagement, questionable ownership, or lack of accountability - football in England has faced some huge challenges in recent years which is why the British government, wants to appoint an independent regulator. So why are the Premier League and its member clubs unhappy with the plan and are the concerns of fans really at the heart of all this, as all sides claim? Ayo Akinwolere is also joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater and Phil Hay, lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Lisa Nandy MP, Matt Slater and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Bayer Leverkusen’s miraculous title-win last season, this season it seems to be business as usual, with Bayern Munich six points clear of Leverkusen at the top of the table. So, can anyone stop Bayern reestablishing themselves as the dominant force in the Bundesliga? And is Vincent Kompany creating a side that are serious contenders for Champions League glory? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jan Åge Fjørtoft & Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The January transfer window has officially shut. We saw Marcus Rashford move to Aston Villa on loan, while Manchester City brought in a much-needed midfielder in Nico Gonzalez. So… which teams were the winners and losers in the window? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Rory Smith and Jacob Tanswell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen who famously said "you can't win anything with kids" Yet on Sunday Arsenal’s teenagers took centre stage as they dismantled the champions with both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri getting on the scoresheet. So can Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal win anything with kids? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's James McNicholas and Phil Hay to discuss the 5-1 win over Man City. Art De Roche also drops by to discuss the emergence of the likes of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri. Meanwhile, The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein also gives his thoughts on the impact the youngsters have had on the club's recruitment plans along with the pressure of their pursuit for a striker. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James McNicholas, Phil Hay, Art De Roche and David Ornstein Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football fans are desperate for transfer news - and it's often bigger than the sport itself. Open twice a year - in January and the summer - the transfer window changes the game. But what actually goes on when deals are made? Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at training grounds, stadiums and offices to explain the anatomy of a transfer and to breakdown the complex process of what a player goes through when they move from club to club. Host: Adam Leventhal Exec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday in what some are called the 'stay humble' derby. The last time these sides met was back in September's thrilling 2-2 draw, where things boiled over at full time. The Athletic's Arsenal writer James McNicholas and Manchester City writer Sam Lee join Tim Spiers and Adam Leventhal to preview Sunday's clash. Plus we check in with some of the club podcasts across The Athletic FC and set you up for the key games elsewhere. Host: Adam Leventhal With: James McNicholas, Sam Lee, Tim Spiers Featuring: Simon Hughes, James Maw Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On an evening of mayhem across Europe, Man City got the job done and avoided Champions League elimination, beating Club Brugge 3-1 to progress into the knockout phase. But is the prospect of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-off something Pep Guardiola's side will relish? Elsewhere, with Jhon Duran set to leave for Saudi Arabia and Arsenal interested in Ollie Watkins, could Aston Villa’s front line look a little different in the knockout stages? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle and Phil Hay to reflect on an action-packed final night of the league phase of the revamped Champions League, while Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell joins to discuss the latest around both Duran and Watkins. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle, Phil Hay and Jacob Tanswell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are languishing in the bottom half of the table - they sit in 12th and 15th place respectively. Tough times have fallen on two of the ‘Big Six’ - the traditional heavyweights of English football. So in terms of both on-pitch and off-pitch matters, does the idea of those aforementioned powerhouse clubs dominating the Premier League still ring true? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Rory Smith, Tim Spiers, Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As revealed by David Ornstein on today’s Transfer DealSheet, Aston Villa could be tempted to sell Jhon Duran for around 80 million pounds. That valuation of the Villa striker got us thinking - what makes a top No.9 in 2025? And with many teams wanting an elite striker - why is it so hard to find them? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Mark Carey, Phil Hay & David Ornstein Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A smashed TV, a lack of cash, and more box office quotes from Ruben Amorim who told the media after his side's 1-0 win at Fulham he would prefer to name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench ahead of Marcus Rashford. Having made it four wins from five, are Man United showing signs of improvement under Amorim? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley with Charlotte Harpur also dropping by to discuss Amorim's handling of the media and his man-management. Plus, with a week left of the January transfer window there's a focus on United's finances and whether they will be able to spend their way back up the Premier League table. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laurie Whitwell, Mark Critchley and Charlotte Harpur Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad on Saturday and with just two points separating the sides this could be a key battle in the race for the top four. Pep Guardiola will be looking to get back on track after seeing his side throw away a two goal lead in the Champions League midweek, losing 4-2 to PSG at the Parc des Princes, with issues in midfield an ongoing problem. After already spending more than €140m in the January transfer window, do Manchester City need further additions? Following five Premier League games without a victory, Chelsea got back to winning ways on Monday beating Wolves 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, but how does Enzo Maresca get his forwards firing again? Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC and look ahead to a fixture that nobody would've predicted being quite so exciting when the season kicked off; Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest. Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Thom Harris Featuring: Sam Lee, Simon Johnson, Andy Mitten, Laurie Whitwell, James Pearce, James McNicholas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Among the tech billionaires, cabinet nominees and former leaders as Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. president was the most powerful man in football - FIFA president Gianni Infantino…. So, with both the Club World Cup and World Cup taking place in the USA in the next 18 months. What impact will Trump and his policies have on football over the next four years? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton in New York, Felipe Cardenas in Atlanta and Women's Sports Lead, in Burlington, Vermont, Meg Linehan to analyse and debate Trump's role in football, relationship with Infantino as well as assess what his legacy on the sport could be at the end of his time in office. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton, Felipe Cardenas and Meg Linehan Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth produced one of the performances of the season as they demolished Newcastle at the weekend. They are now seventh in the Premier League and eyeing up European football for next season. So how much of their success is down to Iraola - and will they be able to keep hold of him for much longer? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jon Mackenzie, Phil Hay, Dermot Corrigan Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night, Chelsea ended their winless run with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Wolves. But despite spending more than a billion pounds assembling their squad - are Chelsea still light in certain areas? And are we to expect a flurry of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge this month? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Liam Twomey, Phil Hay & David Ornstein Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham's defeat at Goodison Park on Sunday made it seven defeats in their last nine Premier League games. So what is going wrong for Spurs and will Ange Postecoglou be given enough time to turn things around? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jon Mackenzie and Jack Pitt-Brooke, who was at Goodison Park covering the game, to analyse Spurs' run of form, the depth of their injury crisis and whether they can improve things with any additions in the January transfer market. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jon Mackenzie Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For an exclusive interview, David Ornstein sits down with former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a career marked with chaos, mistakes and glory. So coming up you’ll hear about; why Aubameyang wanted to leave Arsenal but stayed, how his relationship with Mikel Arteta broke down, The ‘chaos’ of his time at Chelsea and his harrowing account of the break in that took place at his home. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: David Ornstein & Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein and Manchester City writer Sam Lee join Adam Leventhal to discuss Erling Haaland's new 9 and a half year contract, a story David broke exclusively on The Athletic. The panel reflect on what the deal means for Manchester City's rebuild and whether the contract contains a release clause. In the second half Adam is joined by Jacob Whitehead and Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke to preview Everton vs Spurs, two sides in desperate need of a win. Ange Postecoglou's side have gone five Premier League games without victory, while Everton have scored just one goal in their last six matches. Plus - a huge weekend in the title race, Alexander Isak's importance at Newcastle and what's caused Chelsea's slump in form? Host: Adam Leventhal With: David Ornstein, Sam Lee, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a damaging week with defeat in both Carabao Cup and FA Cup to Newcastle United and Manchester United, Arsenal bounced back on Wednesday night with a 2-1 win in north London derby over Tottenham Hotspur. So, how will the victory over Spurs influence Arsenal’s title challenge and do they need strengthening this month if they are to catch Liverpool? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Arsenal writer Jordan Campbell to assess the impact of the win, what could be to come in the transfer market before looking ahead to what it could mean for any possible title challenge. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Jordan Campbell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has taken aim at the club's critics in the wake of the Dani Olmo registration saga. So why is he so angry, and is the situation even over? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laia Cervelló Herrero, Pol Ballus, Dermot Corrigan Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has confirmed superstar winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wants to leave Naples. So why does he want to depart? And where is his most likely destination? We also talk the future of Manchester City's Kyle Walker, plus Arsenal pursuing a deal to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad next summer. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the FA Cup is upon us again, we're asking which Premier League side needs the competition most this season? Tottenham and Newcastle lead the way on the The Athletic's Import-o-meter, with both sides currently on course to meet in the Carabao Cup final. FA Cup holders Manchester United head to the Emirates to face record 14-time winners Arsenal, who since winning the competition in 2020 have not progressed past the fourth round. Does Mikel Arteta need a trophy this season? And how will Ruben Amorim's progress be measured? Plus - outside shouts for Bournemouth and Brentford, and has the FA Cup lost its magic? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Tim Spiers, Mark Citchley Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday, after weeks of speculation West Ham finally sacked Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard lasted just eight months - and 22 games in charge of the Hammers, the shortest reign of a permanent manager or head coach in the club's 124-year history Joining Ian Irving to analyse the decision to sack Lopetegui and replace him with Graham Potter are The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and West Ham United writer Roshane Thomas. Plus, Football Tactics writer Liam Tharme also drops-by to discuss Potter's fit at the London Stadium and look back on his previously successful spell in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion. Host: Ian Irving With: David Ornstein, Roshane Thomas and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another week, another beaten opponent and another milestone notched for Nottingham Forest. They made history with six wins on the bounce with their 3-0 victory away at Wolves. So how have Nuno Espirito Santo’s side gone from fighting relegation & PSR last campaign to being one of the very best sides in the Premier League this season? Host: Ian Irving Guests: Paul Taylor, Tim Spiers, Matt Slater, Mark Carey Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Video Producer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The January transfer window is officially open! We take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on, We have David Ornstein’s One To Watch, Kolo Muani, plus, ongoing interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in Nico Williams. And fresh news today from David of a possible loan move for out of favour Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford. Plus, we hear all about David’s excellent exclusive interview with former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which is available to read on The Athletic right now. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6036322/2025/01/07/aubameyang-arsenal-arteta-chelsea-saudi/ Host: Ian Irving Guests: David Ornstein and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite a 23-point gap between Liverpool and Manchester United, on Sunday there was nothing to separate them. So, how did Man United unsettle Liverpool? And with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor performance under the microscope, amid transfer interest from Real Madrid, is his contract uncertainty causing a distraction? Host: Ian Irving With: Adam Crafton and Simon Hughes Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tifo's Jon Mackenzie and The Athletic's Nick Miller are alongside Michael Bailey ahead of Sunday's meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. Fresh from Real Madrid outlining their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold we also hear the thoughts of both Simon Hughes and James Pearce on the future of the England international. Plus, Carl Anka drops in with his take on a disappointing December for Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford having suffered four successive defeats in charge of Man United. As well as focusing on the meeting at Anfield, there's also a look at some of the Premier League's other standout games of the weekend including Arsenal's visit to Brighton, Newcastle United heading to Tottenham and Nuno Espirito Santo returning to Molineux with his in-form Nottingham Forest. Host: Michael Bailey With: Jon Mackenzie and Nick Miller Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Spiers and Duncan Alexander join Michael Bailey for a Christmas special — reviewing the biggest moments from Boxing Day, as well as looking ahead to the next round of Premier League fixtures. Fulham stunned Chelsea winning at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years, was this a reminder that Enzo Maresca'a side are not yet the finished product? Marco Silva's Fulham face Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth next, are these two sides optimising the fun and unpredictability of the Premier League this season? Liverpool capitalised on Chelsea's slip up, extending their lead at the top of the table — are we witnessing another 2019/20 season? Everything continues to go wrong for Manchester United — suffering their fourth defeat in five Premier League games as captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off — how does Ruben Amorim turn things around with in-form Newcastle United up next? Plus, back to back wins for Wolves and new boss Vitor Pereira, Nottingham Forest's Champions League chase, and how do Arsenal replace the injured Bukayo Saka? Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a year filled with news, moves and eyebrow raising events in the world of football and we're here to look back at them with our own Christmas countdown. What happened this year, and how have those decisions played out? Here to reminisce and recoil at the year it's editor-in-chief Laura Williamson and senior writer Adam Crafton. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Laura Williamson and Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After beating Manchester United midweek in classically chaotic fashion, Tottenham host league leaders Liverpool. With just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League home games, the panel analyse why Spurs are making things so difficult for themselves. Meanwhile Liverpool have shown a more adaptable side to their game this week, could Ange Postecoglou take a leaf out of Arne Slot’s book? Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere and talk sacking season after Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin were relieved of their duties this week. Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Mark Carey Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. He has been provisionally suspended. Both club and player have issued statements to make categorically clear that Mudryk has never “knowingly used” any banned substances. So where does this leave Chelsea and the £62m man? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson and senior writer Adam Crafton to discuss the scenario facing the Ukrainian winger. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Johnson and Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s now one win and eight losses in 11 games for Man City after the weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester United. So… what will it take to fix their current situation? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Sam Lee and Rory Smith Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Atletico Madrid made it 11 wins on the bounce with Alexander Sorloth scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe. Having drawn level at the top of La Liga - next up they head to table-toppers Barcelona. So can Diego Simeone’s new-look Atleti sustain their challenge? Ayo Akinwolere is joined from Madrid by The Athletic's La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan as well as Colin Millar to analyse Atleti's red-hot form, their summer investment in the transfer market and whether their title challenge is sustainable ahead of the trip to face Barca. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan and Colin Millar Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sacking season is in full flow. Russell Martin departed Southampton, hours after Gary O’Neil was shown the door at Wolves. Three wins between these teams, 76 goals conceded. It has been coming. Today, we focus on Wolves, who look set to appoint Vitor Pereira. So… just how much relegation danger are they in? Host: Michael Bailey With: Tim Spiers, Phil Hay and David Novo Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City writer Sam Lee, Manchester writer Mark Citchley and tactics writer Thom Harris join Michael Bailey for a Manchester derby roundtable. With Pep Guardiola's side picking up just one win in their last 10 games, the panel dissect why it's still going wrong and look at whether Sunday's game presents an opportunity to bounce back. Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League games - but after coming from behind to win in Plzeň - are Ruben Amorim's side showing signs of moving in the right direction? Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across The Athletic FC. Host: Michael Bailey With: Sam Lee, Mark Citchley, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 Men’s World Cup after running unopposed. So why has FIFA allowed this to happen? What are the wider controversies surrounding their bid? And could Saudi Arabia actually be a good choice for a World Cup? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs have lost 19 of their last 43 matches in the Premier League, and their most recent defeat against Chelsea was particularly damaging. So have Spurs evolved under Ange Postecoglou? And will he be given the time to turn their season around? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Charlie Eccleshare Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the weekend, Chelsea overcame their biggest test yet under Enzo Maresca. The 4-3 win away at their bitter rivals Tottenham has seen them go up to second place in the table. So, are Chelsea “back” - and are they real title contenders? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay and Liam Twomey Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After defeat on the South Coast, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham host in form Chelsea. In a fixture that saw five goals scored, five goals disallowed, eight yellow cards, two reds and nine VAR checks in the first half alone last season, are we set up for similar chaos this year? Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are firing on all cylinders, having scored 57 goals in 22 matches in all competitions this campaign. While Spurs are as unpredictable as ever, following up their 4-0 victory at The Etihad by dropping points against Fulham and Bournemouth. After losing support from the fans midweek, how significant is Sunday’s game for Ange Postecoglou? Can Chelsea make a statement in their push for top four, or perhaps more? Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.