The Athletic FC Podcast

Adam Leventhal hosts Luke Bosher, Tim Spiers, and Nick Miller to preview matchweek 14 in the Premier League. First on the docket is the Man City vs Tottenham, with the away side looking to live up to their reputation as the champion's 'bogey team', with Spurs having won 5 of the last 7 matchups. Then it's a trip to Tyneside for Newcastle vs Man United. With both teams having had emotionally exhausting midweek games, who will come out on top?And there's also time for a discussion of basement battle Burnley vs Sheffield United, league leaders Arsenal vs Wolves, and Chelsea vs Brighton. Producer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bottom of the group having conceded 14 goals in only 5 group stage games, Man United now stand on the brink of Champions League elimination...But despite some costly individual errors, is it really all goalkeeper Andre Onana’s fault? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Man United writer Carl Anka and our Italian football writer James Horncastle.Produced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The lure of Real Madrid has proven almost irresistible to the world’s best players and coaches for decades...Success feels like a virtual guarantee these days with Jude Bellingham at the heart of one of the most exciting young teams on earth - So why would anyone want to leave?The Soap Opera of ‘Don’ Carlo Ancelotti’s future continues…Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana Santos and La Liga writer Dermot CorriganProduced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddie Howe has questioned why all the focus seemed to be on Newcastle, following the Premier Leagues effort to block ‘related-party loans’…So are they actually going to sign Ruben Neves in January? Or anyone else from the Saudi Pro League for that matter? And why is the richest club in the world, turning to a 17 year-old midfielder amid an injury crisis? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, plus Jacob Whitehead & Chris Waugh.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly hit the ground running but could his late-winner at Brentford mean lift-off for his Arsenal career? And with the best defence in the division - are Arsenal a better team than last season - if not quite as fun to watch? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal writer Amy Lawrence and German football writer Raphael Honigstein. Produced by Adonis PratsidesExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City host title rivals Liverpool in the first game of the weekend, as the Premier League returns from the final international break of the year, with the visitors looking to lay down a marker.Sunday sees Everton welcome Manchester United to Goodison Park fresh from their 10-point deduction while Tottenham take on Aston Villa in a battle of fourth versus fifth.Newcastle welcome Chelsea to Tyneside to round off the heavyweight clashes, while Sheffield United and Bournemouth play out a relegation 6-pointer. All that and more, as Adam Leventhal hosts Colin Millar, Thom Harris, and Reuben Pinder.Produced by John RogersExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles in the early 2000s, we’d forgive you for thinking Lyon are still firmly a part of European football’s aristocracy But after 11 games this season - they’re bottom of the table, their world-famous pool of academy talent seems to have dried up, and after losing one of the most influential football executives of this century could a genuine 'legacy club' soon be a second-division side?Ayo Akinwolere is joined one final time this week by The Athletic’s Matt Slater & Adam Crafton, plus our German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins in to connect the dots with our fifth club, Hertha Berlin.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead**• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a pretty good start to the season for Inter Milan. Ticking along nicely in the Champions League and top of Serie A as they chase silverware for a fourth consecutive season… Behind the scenes however, the picture isn’t quite as rosy. Despite increased revenues, profits are low and debts are sky-high. Add to that an outdated stadium, an ageing squad and some high-profile departures.So, is it enough for them to just be successful on the pitch and if a takeover is the solution, are they, or any Italian club, attractive enough to buy? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater & our Italian football writer James Horncastle.Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead**• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It doesn’t seem that long ago, that Pep’s Barcelona were the epitome of a well-run football club.Moving on from Messi & co was always going to be difficult, but a series of failings on and off the pitch, led to a fall from grace. Only last month however, President Joan Laporta proclaimed the crisis he ‘inherited’ was over.But, as the reigning La Liga Champions’, net debt climbs to almost £1.2bn - is everything quite as it seems at Barca? In the second part of our series ‘Crisis Clubs’, examining the financial states of five European football clubs, Ayo Akinwolere, Matt Slater & Dermot Corrigan dig into the numbers and plot a potential way out for Barcelona.Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday came the news that Everton have been hit with an unprecedented 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules.Leaving Everton with only four points, and in the relegation zone, despite an up-turn in recent form on the pitch… So today, we’ll explain why Everton have been punished, what happens next & what it might mean for clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Senior football news reporter Matt Slater, Football Correspondent David Ornstein & Everton writer Patrick Boyland.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An international break gives Adam Leventhal and co a chance to sit down and reflect on the 12 gameweeks of Premier League action so far. With the help of Nick Miller, Jay Harris, and Caoimhe O’Neill, we start by asking whether Man City can be beaten to the title this season, with Liverpool and Arsenal looking like the key contenders.Then it's a trip to the foot of the table, and wondering whether the three promoted clubs - Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton - can escape instant relegation. And finally, it's a tour of our moments of the season so far, featuring our favourite goals, matches, players, signings, and more!***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the news that Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold will be stepping down to be replaced by Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, and with billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS set to buy a 25 per cent stake in United, does this move represent the start of a change of direction after a difficult 12 months at the club? And can United live up to the claim they made to investors, that with the right support they can enjoy billion pound revenues? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & Dan Sheldon.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia after just 16 matches in charge…Walter Mazzarri is the surprise replacement having previously been in charge of the club in 2013..So how have Napoli gone from winning their first league title in 33 years to sacking their manager just six months later?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Italian football writer James Horncastle.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having taken Bayer Leverkusen from the relegation zone to the top of the Bundesliga within 13 months of taking charge, Xabi Alonso has made a meteoric start to his managerial career.After playing under some of the biggest names in coaching during his playing career, including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, Alonso has already begun to forge an impressive reputation for himself.The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein and Thom Harris join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse Alonso's start in coaching at Leverkusen, which influences have shown within his side as well as assessing what could come next for the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amongst the chaos at Stamford Bridge yesterday there was a top draw performance from one of the usual suspects in Raheem Sterling.But despite being one of the best players on the pitch in Chelsea’s four four draw with Manchester City, Sterling has - once again - not made the latest England squad.So is Sterling being unfairly overlooked or has Gareth Southgate moved on with new faces, such as Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Chelsea writer Simon Johnson as well as Oli Kay.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead ***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Find your bright spot this season, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal welcomes Jay Harris, Jon Mackenzie, and Omar Garrick to the studio to preview the weekend's fixtures. Chelsea vs Manchester City headlines the weekend's action as Pochettino's side look to claim another big scalp after taking down Spurs on Monday. Tottenham will look to regroup despite losing four key players to injury or suspension as they take a trip to Wolves.Elsewhere, Brighton are five games without a Premier League win; we ask Tifo tactics expert Jon Mackenzie whether other managers have figured them out, or if it's just a blip, as they prepare to take on Sheffield United. Finally, as Manchester United lurch from one crisis to another, surely they have enough to beat Luton at home? All that and more!Produced by John RogersExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both Rasmus Hojlund and Nicolas Jackson have felt the weight of expectation following their respective summer moves to Man United and Chelsea.To analyse their starts to life in the Premier League Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor and ex-Brighton & Hove Albion forward Glenn Murray as well as The Athletic's Oliver Kay.The panel assess the impact of the environment both players are operating in, the options available within the transfer market for 'elite' clubs as well as what it will take for both Hojlund and Jackson to succeed.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's German football writers Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor as well as ex-Bundesliga striker Jan Aage Fjortoft to analyse Borussia Dortmund following their 2-0 Champions League win over Newcastle United.Having lost out on the Bundesliga title on the final day of the 2022/23 season before selling Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in the summer, the panel analyse what is possible for Edin Terzic's side both domestically and in Europe.With Bellingham following on from the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho in leaving Dortmund in recent seasons, we also delve into their changing approach in the transfer market as well as the influence of their supporters.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forget the famous ‘Battle of the Bridge’, Tottenham vs Chelsea was 'Monday night Madness' in North London.Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and Spurs writer Charlie Eccleshare to explore whether Postecoglou's side really emerged stronger in defeat?Plus, what can Chelsea take from a huge win that was arguably one of their worst performances of the season?Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arteta's Arsenal were furious with VAR following their defeat at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, but with just one shot on target in match - should they be more concerned with their own misfiring attack?From his brilliant hat-trick at home to Sheffield United - to being subbed with his team in need of a goal in Newcastle - has Nketiah become the fall-guy for Arsenal’s need to evolve in attack? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Arsenal writer James McNicholas to explore the Gunners' creative problems and their January transfer plans.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Make time to chill this holiday season and reach for the beer that’s Made to Chill. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of Premier League fixtures. Headlining the weekend is Arsenal's trip to Newcastle, their first away game at a top-six team so far this season. Can Newcastle withstand the Gunners even without new signings Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali to call upon? Jacob Whitehead, the Athletic's Newcastle correspondent, is on hand to tell us. Then it's a return to Tottenham for Mauricio Pochettino for the first time with a new club. Can his Chelsea team break out of their slump to shock the league leaders? And finally, we discuss the race to the bottom, and whether Luton is the most likely to escape relegation this season. Adam Leventhal hosts Nick Miller, Jacob Whitehead and Luke Bosher***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Australia's withdrawal to host the 2034 World Cup on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia has been left as the sole bidder to stage world football's showpiece event.Matt Slater and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to analyse how Saudi Arabia became the only bidder for the tournament, what benefit the Gulf state hosting the tournament brings to FIFA and the impact it could have on the wider football world.Plus the panel debate the discussion around Human Rights, following the scrutiny the Qatar World Cup came under, before debating the impact it could have for the Saudi Pro League over the next 11 years before the tournament is played.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last season in the Premier League it felt like there was a manager being sacked every week. This season, it feels like the writing’s on the wall for a few struggling clubs already...So is it a surprise that no head coaches have paid the price. And will November once again prove to be the start of 'sacking season'?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by he Athletic’s Dom Fifiled, Duncan Alexander & Jay Harris to discuss.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Real Madrid about to leave Barcelona behind, both on and off the pitch?After losing Saturday’s El Clasico and then seeing Lionel Messi collect a record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or, you can bet there were a few people at Barcelona, hankering for the old days..Add to that, Jude Bellingham’s goals, and last night’s Kopa Trophy win — the award for the best under-21 player - it's clear Real Madrid are looking towards the future.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writer Pol Ballus, Spanish football editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & tactics writer Michael Cox…Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Old Trafford yesterday Manchester City proved once again they are levels above Manchester United.How much is Erik ten Hag to blame and is he right to say United are still moving in the right direction after being outclassed by City?Or with all the turmoil off pitch going on, at one of the worlds biggest clubs, does he simply have an impossible job?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Spiers, in for Adam Leventhal, hosts Jon Mackenzie, Reuben Pinder, and Omar Garrick for our weekly preview of the Premier League.Matchday 10 welcomes the Manchester derby, with United welcoming their City rivals to Old Trafford. Can United repeat their 2-1 victory from last season or will City continue to expose some of their neighbour's flaws?Elsewhere there's a West London derby as Chelsea welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge. The Blues once again impressed without winning last time out versus Arsenal, leaving our panel wondering if their results will ever catch up to their performances.And in the race to the bottom, Bournemouth take on Burnley - could a poor result either way spell the end of Andoni Iraola or Vincent Kompany's managerial reign at their respective clubs? Produced by John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two months on from his last appearance for Manchester United, Jadon Sancho seems no close to a first team return.The Athletic's Manchester United writers Laurie Whitwell and Carl Anka join Ayo Akinwolere to explain and analyse Sancho's ongoing exile with the 23-year-old currently banished from all first team involvement.As well as looking into the public fallout with manager Erik Ten Hag the panel discuss where things had already been going wrong for the England international at Old Trafford before assessing what comes next ahead of the January transfer window opening.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner and Naby Keita all left Anfield in the summer transfer window, Jurgen Klopp’s midfield required a full-scale re-build - with Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai at the heart of it.The 23-year-old is the only Liverpool outfielder to have played in all 810 minutes of the Premier League campaign so far, and is already a fan-favourite on Merseyside.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Raphael Honigstein, data writer Mark Carey and Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap, to assess the his 'transformative' impact, changing role in Klopp's team and whether comparisons to club legend Steven Gerrard are worthy.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night, Tottenham went two points clear at the top of the Premier League, thanks to goals from Maddison and captain, Son Heung-min.Michael Bailey is joined by Charlie Eccleshare and Adam Crafton to discuss whether Spurs are title contenders or if their incredible early season form is unsustainable?Plus, Liam Tharme shares his thoughts on how Son has adapted to the No.9 role and filled the goals void left by Kane, and the panel ask whether Ange Postecoglou deserves more respect?Produced by Jay Beale and Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of his first anniversary as Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery has Villa within striking distance of the top of the Premier League.Having returned to English football last season, following an ill-fated 18 month spell at Arsenal, Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Gregg Evans to analyse the Spaniard's resurgence in the West Midlands.Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell shares his take on Villa's start to the season, their best season 1998/99, while Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas reviews his time in North London before assessing how he feels seeing Emery thrive at Villa Park.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides**• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns to preview Premier League matchday nine.The weekend starts with a Merseyside derby at Anfield. With only one win against Liverpool since 2010, can Sean Dyche’s team take advantage of Liverpool’s dodgy form in early kickoffs?Then we’re off to Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea host Arsenal. With Arsenal’s recent dominance we ask if the title of ‘biggest club in London’ has swung back to North London.And Man City host Brighton on the back of a blip, with three losses in the last four games. Will they right the ship, or can the Seagulls add to their misery?Adam Leventhal hosts Jay Harris, Tim Spiers and Luke Bosher.Producer - John Rogers***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Contracted through to 2025, there's no immediate sign of Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City.Yet with Roberto De Zerbi taking his Brighton & Hove Albion side to the Etihad this weekend, he could outlines his credentials to succeed the Spaniard at City with Guardiola a known admirer.Adam Levethal is joined by The Athletic's Italian and German football correspondents James Horncastle and Raphael Honigstein, with Man City writer Sam Lee also dropping in to assess Guardiola's impact on the Premier League and European Football before assessing the candidates who could be viewed as Guardiola successors.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Adonis Pratsides***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As England secured their place at Euro 2024, we watched on in awe at another Jude Bellingham masterclass - is there a better player in world football right now?And as England boss Gareth Southgate continues to bristle at questions over his team selection and along culture war lines - has the manager’s more 'combative' character, changed how you feel about him?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s England correspondent Tim Spiers and reporter Adam Crafton to discuss...Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Adam Leventhal and a couple of The Athletic's resident gamers, Jay Harris & Art de Roché, reflect on the cultural impact, messy divorce and exciting future of FIF... EA SPORTS FC 24!Why Gianni Infantino will miss the PR cover the game inadvertently provided for FIFA and why EA were happy to go it alone. How the franchise pulled clear of rivals like Pro Evolution Soccer and their efforts to impact the sport in the real world.With interviews from David 'DJ' Jackson (VP of Brand at EA SPORTS) and Leah Revelle (leading female FC streamer in North America) on the decision to incorporate the biggest stars from the Women's game in 'Ultimate Team', gaming addiction and spending on 'packs'.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay BealeAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Manchester United’s board being set to vote on selling a minority stake in the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater, David Ornstein and Adam Crafton is debate the proposal.Following Sheikh Jassim’s Qatari group claiming to have withdrawn from the process the panel analyse Ratcliffe's offer to purchase a 25% minority stake in the club, in return for sporting control at Old Trafford.Plus there's debate around what impact it could have on the Glazers' tenure as well as which personnel could be at risk following INEOS involvement at Manchester United.Produced by Guy ClarkeAdditional Production by Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/athleticfootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of the Weekend Preview we welcome another round of Euro 2024 qualifiers, with England potentially securing qualification if they can see off Italy on Tuesday.With the Three Lions in good shape ahead of Germany next summer, we ask the panel whether they’re comfortable with the ‘favourites’ tag and which countries fear them the most.Also, with the UK and Ireland having been confirmed as hosts of Euro 2028, our panelists get out their crystal balls to predict the starting lineups five years from now.Adam Leventhal hosts Nick Miller, Tim Spiers and Thom Harris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the release of the David Beckham documentary that everyone is talking about, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Carl Anka and Felipe Cardenas to discuss Beckham and how he became a global icon that broke America.We’ll also hear Adam in conversation with Paddy Harverson - former Manchester United Head of Communications, during the peak of Beckham’s celebrity.How much of the documentary is a true reflection of the player and the man? Or is it all part of the Brand Beckham plan?Produced by Guy Clarke & Jay BealeAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and our tactics writer Michael Cox to reflect on the career of Eden Hazard following his retirement this week.Was he a player that didn't quite hit the heights expected or was his approach to the game - married with his undoubted ability - make his achievements all the more impressive?We detail why his dream move to Real Madrid didn't work out and hear from Premier League defenders who actually had to try and stop Eden Hazard at a time when he was one of the best players in the world.Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional Production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Benji Lanyado & The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas to assess how quickly West Ham have rebuilt after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in the summer...They discuss the work that manager David Moyes has done to integrate new summer signings and doubling-down on a style of play that has led to a surprisingly strong start in the Premier League.Roshane also shares details of Jarrod Bowen's new seven-year-contract and there is a closer look at how midfielder Lucas Paqueta has developed.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Arsenal writer James McNicholas and reporter Adam Crafton following the Gunners' first Premier League win over Man City in almost eight years.The panel discuss the importance of the win over Pep Guardiola's side for Mikel Arteta before analysing Arsenal's summer transfer business and assessing whether or not it will be enough to help Arsenal leapfrog Man City in the Premier League.Plus, after five years in sole charge of the club, the role of the ownership group KSI is also debated in how Arsenal have become an aligned force on-and-off the pitch.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal returns as he does every Friday to preview the weekend's football. The showcase this week: a clash between last season's top two, as Arsenal host Manchester City.Can Arsenal snap their 12 (twelve!) game losing streak to the Citizens? Will Bukayo Saka be fit enough to play? And could the suspended Rodri be a game-changer? These are just some of the questions Adam and co will try to find answers to.Also on the docket, following Jurgen Klopp's replay wishes after an incorrect VAR call against his side, we're reviewing which games our panelists would like to do over again.And there's a tour of the other interesting fixtures on offer: Luton vs Spurs, Manchester United vs Brentford, Liverpool vs Brighton, and more!Guests: Tim Spiers, Nnamdi Onyeagwara, Jordan Campbell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Danny Donachie former Head of Medical Services at Everton, ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke & The Athletic’s Oli Kay to discuss how elite footballers are facing the threat of injury and burnout in the ever expanding football calendar The panel discuss the huge demands on stars like Bukayo Saka, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe playing much more than similar players of previous generations yet continue to deliver on the world stage…So what can be done to improve welfare and demands on players and will they really need to take action and stop playing to be listened to? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Manchester United writers Andy Mitten and Mark Critchley to explore Marcus Rashford's 'streaky' goalscoring form and the weight of expectation on him at Man United...How does Erik ten Hag get Rashford back to his best, and could the budding partnership with new striker Rasmus Hojlund be the key?And after one-time United winger Wilfried Zaha returned to haunt them in the Champions League on Tuesday - why didn't it work out for him at Old Trafford?Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s George Caulkin and French football writer Tom Williams to explore some intriguing parallels between the state-backed 'projects' at both Newcastle & PSG - ahead of their hotly anticipated clash in the Champions League...Have Newcastle actually learnt from PSG’s mistakes, and, after turning over a new leaf under Luis Enrique - are PSG actually trying to be a bit more like Newcastle?Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Mike StavrouExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Pearce and Oli Kay are alongside Ayo Akinwolere to react to Liverpool's VAR-impacted defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.Both the PGMOL and Liverpool have issued statements following Luis Diaz's first half 'offside' effort not being overturned by VAR, with the panel dissecting events around the mistake made at Stockley Park.Plus, there's analysis of the Reds' start to the season who despite seeing their 17-game unbeaten run ended possess one of the league's most devastating attacking line-ups as well as remodelling their midfield during the summer transfer window.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal hosts Caoimhe O'Neill, Nick Miller, and Tim Spiers as they look ahead to match day seven of the Premier League.One game stands out among the rest: Tottenham vs Liverpool. With both teams unbeaten so far this season, we ask where the improvement in both squads has come from, and what kind of match it will produce.We also take a whistle-stop tour around some of the other fixtures, with Man United facing Crystal Palace for the second time this week, the champion’s Man City away to Wolves, and can Everton make it three wins in a row versus Luton?***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roberto Calenda, the agent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, has threaten the club with legal action for mocking the striker on TikTok.James Horncastle and Carl Anka join Ayo Akinwolere to dissect and debate the fallout and analyse the impact the social gaff could have for one of Napoli's most prized assets.With his contract set to end it's final year in the summer, could this incident mark the beginning of the end for Osimhen's time in Naples?Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Simon Hughes, plus Chief football writer for Dutch newspaper AD Sjoerd Mossou, to explain how Ajax imploded - after the ugly scenes on Sunday that led to 'De Klassieker' being abandoned...The panel discuss the power vacuum left by Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar and former manager Erik ten Hag, and how far the club has fallen from that run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.Also, what role the former Arsenal and Dortmund transfer chief Sven Mislintat has played in this summer's chaos, as Ajax, like so many of Europe's legacy clubs, have been plunged into an 'identity crisis' of their own.Produced by Adonis PratsidesAdditional Production: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Rodri's red card at the weekend, Pep's Manchester City will have to find a way to cope without the most reliable player in the Premier League... But is he more than that?With the trip to Arsenal looming, Ayo is joined by City writers Sam Lee and Mark Critchley, to talk about how the Spaniard became the lynchpin of Pep’s all-conquering champions, a sliding doors moment for Kalvin Phillips and how the best 'problem-solvers' in football might try to adapt to this temporary set-back.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Ornstein and Art De Roche are alongside Ayo Akinwolere following Arsenal's 2-2 draw in the North London Derby at home to Tottenham Hotspur.Within the game, Gabriel Jesus missed a presentable chance to put the Gunners 2-0 up in the first half while Eddie Nketiah also drew attention later in the game too, for Mikel Arteta's men, leading to debate around whether or not Arsenal possess the firepower needed to mount a Premier League title challenge.As well as the panel getting stuck into the debate, Mark Carey also drops in to dive into the data regarding Arsenal's attacking output.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead***• Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door with Drizly or Instacart by going to coorslight.com/COOLIGANS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.