The Athletic FC Podcast

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 LeventhalWith: James McNicholas, Sam Lee, Tim SpiersFeaturing: Simon Hughes, James MawExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle, Phil Hay and Jacob TanswellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Rory Smith, Tim Spiers, Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Mark Carey, Phil Hay & David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell, Mark Critchley and Charlotte HarpurExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: 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 BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Thom HarrisFeaturing: Sam Lee, Simon Johnson, Andy Mitten, Laurie Whitwell, James Pearce, James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton, Felipe Cardenas and Meg LinehanExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Jon Mackenzie, Phil Hay, Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Liam Twomey, Phil Hay & David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein & Pierre-Emerick AubameyangExecutive 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 LeventhalWith: David Ornstein, Sam Lee, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After sacking manager Sean Dyche on Thursday, by Saturday Everton have confirmed their decision to bring back David Moyes to replace him.So is Moyes the right choice to rebuild Everton and keep them in the Premier League? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland and The Athletic FC newsletter lead writer Phil Hay to discuss and analyse the decision to remove Dyche and bring back Moyes.The Athletic's Greg O'Keeffe, having seen Moyes' first reign firsthand, also drops in to give his views on the return of the Scot as well as Italian Football correspondent James Horncastle looking at the role of new owners The Friedkin Group.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Patrick Boyland, Phil Hay, Greg O'Keeffe and James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke 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 LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Mark CitchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 historyJoining 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 IrvingWith: David Ornstein, Roshane Thomas and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 IrvingGuests: Paul Taylor, Tim Spiers, Matt Slater, Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike StavrouVideo 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 IrvingGuests: David Ornstein and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 IrvingWith: Adam Crafton and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 BaileyWith: Jon Mackenzie and Nick MillerExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: 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 BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Duncan AlexanderExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: 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 AkinwolereGuests: Laura Williamson and Adam CraftonExecutive 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 BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Rory SmithExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Colin MillarProducer: 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 BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Phil Hay and David NovoExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 1, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters unfolded. At the Stade du 3 Avril in Nzerekore, Guinea, a devastating crush led to chaos and, according to officials, the deaths of 56 people. But domestic human rights organisations believe they have verified that at least 135 people lost their lives that day.The Athletic travelled to Nzerekore to visit the stadium, analyse what happened and speak to eyewitnesses and relatives of those involved. They are grieving and searching for the truth.Content Warning: This show contains reporting that some listeners may find upsettingHost: Adam LeventhalProducer: Abi PatersonNews reporting: Channel 4, France News, Sky News 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 BaileyWith: Sam Lee, Mark Citchley, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Charlie EccleshareExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: 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 AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay and Liam Twomey Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After just five months, Dan Ashworth has left his role as sporting director at Manchester UnitedSo why has he gone, and what does it say about the new leadership at the club?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale 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-AdamsWith: Tim Spiers, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So far just two Premier League managers have been shown the door this season, with Erik Ten Hag and Steve Cooper having been sacked.But as we head toward the January transfer market, who else could follow Manchester United and Leicester City’s lead?And just when is the right time to sack a manager?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Stu James and lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the situations around both Julen Lopetegui and Gary O'Neil at West Ham United and Wolves, while Leicester City correspondent Rob Tanner explains Leicester's decision to swap Cooper for Ruud van Nistelrooy.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Stu James, Phil Hay and Rob TannerExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re taking you inside the 2025 transfer market to explain the deals that are being worked on across both the winter and summer windows.This includes the players who could arrive and the ones who could be on their way out, across the Premier League and beyond.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David OrnsteinExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have got off to a decent start, with two wins and one draw so far.But how are they going to handle a visit to Arsenal this week? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Carl Anka, Art de Roché, Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Liverpool moved 9 points clear at the top of the Premier League after a comfortable victory over Manchester City Anfield serenaded Pep Guardiola with "you're getting sacked in the morning".So after four league titles on the bounce is City’s title race over already?Having been at Anfield for The Athletic both Man City writer Sam Lee and Liverpool writer James Pearce join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic FC's newsletter lead writer Phil Hay.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Sam Lee and Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major weekend of action kicks off on Friday evening, culminating in a massive game in the title race, as Liverpool welcome Manchester City.Arne Slot's Reds have 17 wins from 19 games in all competitions, while Pep Guardiola's side are coming off the back of 3 Premier League defeats in a row - as many as they’d lost in their previous 47. Can Pep turn things around? Or will Liverpool go 11 points clear?Elsewhere, big battles at the bottom for Palace, Southampton and Ipswich and what on earth will we get from Spurs?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of this weekend’s games the top five teams in Italy are separated by just one point.Added to that, the last five seasons have seen four different clubs end as champions.So, why is Serie A so competitive and it is Europe’s most entertaining league?The Athletic's James Horncastle joins Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the start to the Italian season with Jordan Campbell also dropping by having recently written for The Athletic about The Scots thriving in Italy.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle and Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston Villa are exceeding expectations in the Champions League, but it’s seems to have come at a cost.Their form has dipped in the Premier League, leaving them eighth in the table.So, can sides like Villa stop themselves becoming victims of their own success?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jacob Tanswell and Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, Premier League clubs voted in favour of amendments to the associated party transaction rules.After labelling the rules ‘discriminatory and distortive’ back in June, Manchester City were one of four clubs to vote against the adjustments. So what exactly has changed, and which clubs will benefit? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I'm probably more out than in," Mohamed Salah said on his future, after another match-winning performance against Southampton.His goals mean Liverpool are now eight points clear at the top of the Premier LeagueSo will Salah be offered a contract that will keep him at Anfield? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Mark Carey Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In April 2023, civil war broke out in Sudan. It continues to this day leaving in its wake the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.Despite this, Sudan’s national football team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and tops its World Cup qualification group.They are a source of hope to a nation left in ruins.In this special episode of The Athletic FC Documentary we’ll take you into the war torn country where amateur matches continue amid the shelling, and football grounds have become burial grounds.At a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad, we’ll hear of the horrors of war and how football is helping children there.And hear how geo political influence, immigration and perilous journeys over land and sea are part of this journey with Sudan, football and a war struggling to be seen and heard.CreditsWritten and presented by Adam LeventhalProduced by Abi PatersonAdditional reporting in collaboration with Tom Rhodes and Zemenfes Goudos GebreMikaelFeaturing footage from beIN Sport, Al Jazeera, British Pathé, Sky News, Fairshot, SuperSport, Sudan FA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City host Tottenham at the Etihad, the first game since Pep Guardiola announced he’ll be staying in Manchester a little longer. Tottenham were beaten at home to Ipswich last time out, while Manchester City are four games without a win in all competitions — the panel assess which side look better placed to bounce back. All that plus a look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Nick MillerExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re talking; captains, differentials, and when to wildcard. You know it. We’re talking Fantasy Premier League aka FPL.So, how has a fantasy game changed the way we watch football?Host Ayo AkinwolereGuest, Sam Bonfield. Mark Critchley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola has agreed to extend his contract as Manchester City manager So why has he decided to stay and will he be able to build another team to dominate the Premier League? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Pol Ballus Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s focus is on Kylian Mbappe’s stuttering start to life at Real Madrid Has the big-money move made Madrid worse? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.