The Athletic FC Podcast

After 10 years, 13 major honours and six Premier League titles Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City.So where does he rank amongst the best to play in the Premier League and how do City go about replacing him?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Man City writer Sam Lee as they share their reaction to the news, reflect on the brilliance the Belgian has brought to the Premier League and assess how Pep Guardiola's side move on from his departure.Plus football data writer Thom Harris drops by to remember some of De Bruyne's most crucial moments in a Man City shirt.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Sam LeeProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, where Manchester United will be hoping to complete a league double over their city rivals for the first time in five years. With Ruben Amorim's side lacking a cutting edge up front and Pep Guardiola without the injured Erling Haaland, where will both managers look for solutions in attack?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Manchester City writer Sam Lee to preview Sunday's derby. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Carl Anka, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite running Liverpool close, it was a familiar feeling for David Moyes at Anfield, as Diogo Jota scored the only goal as Everton feel to defeat to their neighbours.Defeat to Liverpool makes it 22 visits to Anfield without tasting victory as a manager.But with upshoots of encouragement and the move to their new stadium on the horizon, do Everton have reasons to be optimistic?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland and senior football writer Oli Kay to discuss the impact Moyes' return to the blue half of Merseyside has had ahead of what could be a defining summer prior to their move to their new stadium.We want to hear about you and your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a quick survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Paddy Boyland and Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the contracts of key players up for renewal in the not too distant future, and a big summer window on the horizon, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has plenty to do.So where do Arsenal’s priorities lie this summer?And could Viktor Gyokeres be the answer to their number 9 dilemma?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The days of Juventus winning Serie A season after season feel like they’re long gone.Last week, Thiago Motta was sacked with Juve languishing outside of the top four places. Add to that, they’re out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia as well.So… what has gone wrong at Juventus, and how do they rebuild?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Max Callegari & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham Hospur have made Andoni Iraola their top target if they decide to make a managerial change.Having taken his side to the last eight of the FA Cup - and with a European finish still possible in the Premier League.What more can Iraola do at Bournemouth? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football data writer Thom Harris who was at Bournemouth's FA Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and The Athletic FC's newsletter lead writer Phil Hay to discuss the attraction of Spurs to Iraola as well as analyse the work the Spaniard has done on the south coast.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Thom Harris, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office, and they all met, with the US, in the Nations League finals.Adam Leventhal has been looking into what happens when the sport and politics are thrust together like this speaking with the players, stakeholders and fans to find out how they feel about the various subplots surrounding this tournament and the 2026 World Cup.How do the co-hosts put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division?Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi PatersonFeaturing audio from: The Daily, The Headlines, CBS, NBC, CSPAN, ESPN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer transfer window doesn’t open until mid-June, yet Chelsea are not waiting around, having already agreed deals for Dario Essugo, and Geovany Quenda. So why are Chelsea doing their business so early, and should other clubs be following suit? Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Simon Johnson, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay BealeWe want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of football’s worst kept secrets could soon be resolved as Real Madrid look to close a deal to sign Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.So how did it get to this, the Reds losing a homegrown asset in the prime of his career on a free transfer and where will he fit at the Bernabeu?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool correspondent James Pearce and Phil Hay to delve into the detail around the increased activity regarding Alexander-Arnold’s future.Plus, the panel are joined by Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai to discuss the possibility of a move to the Bernabeu including the use of the media in persuading players to head to the Spanish capital.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, James Pearce, Phil Hay and Guillermo RaiExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the third and final part of our multi-club ownership series. We’ve learned how multi-club operations work and provided some practical examples from the world of football.Today - we answer your questions on the effectiveness and future of MCOs.So, can we say for certain multi-club ownership is here to stay?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike StavrouWe want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a short survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday we heard part one of our multi-club ownership eries, as we learned about how MCOs work - and their purpose.Today, we get some real-world examples, hearing from inside the operations whose clubs include sides from the Premier League and Major League Soccer.So what is it like to own and manage multiple clubs in different leagues and sometimes in different sports?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Tim Bezbatchenko & Larry BergExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether it’s Manchester City, Chelsea or even Bournemouth more and more Premier League clubs are sitting as part of multi-club ownership portfolios.But why?How do multi-club ownership groups work, are they purely about making money, or do they help guarantee success on-the-pitch?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Matt Slater for the first of our three-part series in multi-club ownership including Matt speaking with AJ Swoboda, Managing Director in the Americas for consultancy firm Twenty First Group about the role of MCOs within the global game.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt SlaterFeaturing: AJ SwobodaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has raised a few eyebrows, most notably the inclusion of both Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. During media duties this week, the England manager put an emphasis on physicality and pressing, a tactic not commonly associated with international football. He also voiced that he felt England were more afraid to drop out of Euro 2024 than having the hunger and excitement to win it. So is Tuchel's first squad a step forward or step back, and can his more proactive style of management win England the World Cup? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the evolution of the profession to the impact of VAR, the pressures officials face has never been greater.Today we’re joined by a man who’s refereed at the highest level of European football - both in the club and international game.With fan-fueled conspiracies on the rise and scrutiny at an all-time high, how difficult is it to be a referee?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Premier League and FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg as well as The Athletic's senior writer Rory Smith to discuss Mark's career, his time at Nottingham Forest as well as the impact conspiracy has on officiating.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Mark Clattenburg and Rory SmithExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raphinha is having an incredible season for Barcelona.After being pushed towards the Nou Camp exit door in the summer the Brazilian has grown into one of Hansi Flick’s most important players.So how has Raphinha reinvented himself to become one of Europe’s most effective players? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & Laia Cervello HerreroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a disappointing week for Liverpool.Just days after their Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, came a hammer blow at Wembley.After an abject display in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle, we’re asking if Liverpool have run out of steam.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes, Andy Jones & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 70 years of waiting, Newcastle United finally have their hands on domestic silverware after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.So how did Eddie Howe’s side make such light work of Liverpool?And will success at Wembley kick start a new era of success on Tyneside?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead, who were both at Wembley, to discuss the significance of the occasion, and the role of a number of Newcastle's individual players. Later, they ask whether League Cup success can provide the launchpad to greater riches.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh, Jacob Whitehead and Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first piece of domestic silverware will be contested between Liverpool and Newcastle when they meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.Eddie Howe's Newcastle are looking to end a 70 year drought, will the occasion get the better of them as it did in 2023?And after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG midweek, how will Arne Slot's side respond in his first final at Liverpool?Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writer Tim Spiers, Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Liverpool writer Andy Jones to preview Sunday's tie.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Chris Waugh, Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday night Atletico Madrid found a new way to suffer Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid.Diego Simeone's side were knocked out courtesy of penalties after Julian Alvarez had his effort rule out for a 'two-touch' kick.From VAR, to penalty shootouts, to near misses, Atleti have once again failed to find a way past their neighbours.So why is there always something stopping Simeone’s and his team from getting over the line in this competition? Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Phil Hay to reflect on a chaotic night at the Metropolitano, discuss Atleti's 'El Pupas' curse and analyse how Simeone lifts his side for the La Liga title run-in.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Phil Hay and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday, Manchester United announced that they intend to build a 100,000-capacity new stadium rather than redevelop their existing Old Trafford home.The news came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated the club could run out of money by Christmas without cost-cutting.So, with concerns around Manchester United’s finances, how would this development be paid for, and how will it affect their on pitch ambitions?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s clear that Nottingham Forest are the real deal this season..So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season?And is their success down to the system or their raft of standout players?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller, Ahmed WalidExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not for the first time Manchester United have proven they still have glimpses of class in the team - as shown by Bruno Fernandes in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.Despite sitting 14th in the Premier League, the Europa League still offers a backdoor into next season’s Champions League.So how crucial is European qualification to Ruben Amorim’s plans for an Old Trafford overhaul?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Phil Hay to discuss the Ruben Amorim 'project' at Old Trafford to date while Mark Critchley also drops in to explain the financial need to secure European qualification to help finance a summer overhaul of the playing squad.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell, Phil Hay and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.But what damage could they be causing you and others?Adam Leventhal has spent the last nine months investigating the illicit trade of counterfeits, and uncovered some shocking details along the way.Host: Adam LeventhalMixing: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Culture Force Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal face Manchester United on Sunday, looking to win consecutive away games at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979. This week, Mikel Arteta’s side thumped PSV 7-1 in the Champions League, meaning there will be no distractions as they look to build on an impressive attacking display. After a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, Ruben Amorim will not be afforded that luxury. Manchester United’s hopes of silverware and Champions League qualification rest on their Europa League campaign, will the United boss have one eye on Thursday’s second leg? Arsenal writer Art de Roché and Manchester writer Mark Critchley join Adam Leventhal to preview Sunday’s tie. Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Art de Roché, Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Isak is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers having scored 17 goals in his last 17 games since the start of December.The Swede has helped fire Newcastle United to Wembley and has also put them in the mix for Champions League qualification.But the question is can they deliver the success needed to keep him at St James’ Park?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead to explore what it is that makes Isak the player he is as well as the cult hero he's become on Tyneside before exploring how difficult, or not, it may be to keep hold of him this summer.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh and Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a new wonderkid on the block, and his name is Florian Wirtz. He has established himself as the man to carry the creative responsibility for Bayer Leverkusen.But how does he measure up against the world’s best in his position? And is there a danger in becoming over-reliant on one player to make things happen?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay & Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No matter where he’s managing, Jose Mourinho simply cannot stay out of the headlines.His time managing in the Turkish Super Lig has seen more of the same.So is this ‘typical Jose’? Or is he a victim of the chaos that surrounds him?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Rory Smith & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are looking to conclude their search for a new Sporting Director by the end of March.So, with the search set to conclude this month, who is the ideal candidate for the role and could this appointment be the missing link to help Arsenal finally end their wait for a Premier League title?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to analyse what the Gunners are looking for and who could be the man to replace Edu in trying to help Mikel Arteta bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just six points separating Nottingham Forest in 3rd and Aston Villa in 10th, European football is up for grabs in the Premier League.Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writers Tim Spiers and Nick Miller to discuss which side needs European qualification the most.After wins midweek, Manchester City and Chelsea sit 4th and 5th respectively, are any of the chasing pack consistent enough to earn Champions League football?With Manchester United and Tottenham languishing in the bottom half of the table, which clubs are eyeing up the Europa and Conference League?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Nick MillerFeaturing: Paul Taylor, Sam Lee, Liam Twomey, Chris Waugh, Jacob TanswellEditor: Nick ThomsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a week in which they were dumped out of the Champions League and given a dose of reality by Liverpool, Man City got back to winning ways, beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 courtesy of Erling Haaland on his return from injury.So, with Haaland back from injury and their new recruits bedding in is the City rebuild not as big a job as we thought it might be?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City correspondent Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke to analyse City's performance at the Tottenham Hotspur season before assessing the state of their squad rebuild.New signings Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez are all discussed as well as the ageing spine of Guardiola's dynastic team before questioning whether the Spaniard can return City to their previous standards?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio couldn’t save Aston Villa last night as they lost 4-1 away at Crystal Palace.The two marquee signings were brought in to boost Unai Emery’s side at the business end of the season.But are Rashford & Asensio the solution to Villa’s problems right now? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jacob Tanswell & Rory Smith Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 AkinwolereWith: Stu James & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Oli Kay and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul PowerProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City host Liverpool on Sunday in what could be a decisive game in this season’s title race. Pep Guardiola will be hoping to fix Manchester City’s out of possession problems, that contributed to them being dumped out of the Champions League midweek. After consecutive draws away from home in the Premier League, can Arne Slot’s side make a statement at a ground they have won just once at in their previous 15 attempts? The Athletic’s senior data analyst Mark Carey and data writer Thom Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to preview Sunday’s clash. Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Carey, Thom HarrisFeaturing: James Pearce, Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale 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 AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Tom WilliamsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Oli Kay, Carl Anka & Charlotte HarpurExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater & Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey and Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 LeventhalWith: Carl Anka, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim SpiersFeaturing: James McNicholas, James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Andy Jones, Stu James and James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Paddy Boyland, Rory Smith and Adrian ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Natalie Gedra and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first piece of silverware in 2025 will be contested between Newcastle and Liverpool, when they meet in the Carabao Cup final. The Athletic's senior writer George Caulkin joins Tim Spiers and host Adam Leventhal to discuss whether Eddie Howe's side can finally end their 70 year trophy drought. Plus we check in with some of the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the FA Cup fourth round. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: George Caulkin, Tim SpiersFeaturing: James McNicholas, James Pearce, Andy Mitten, Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale 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 AkinwolereWith: Lisa Nandy MP, Matt Slater and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Jan Åge Fjørtoft & Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Rory Smith and Jacob TanswellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: James McNicholas, Phil Hay, Art De Roche and David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.