The Game

After a big weekend in the Premier League, it’s an even bigger week to come in the Champions League. Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson. Tottenham’s dismantling of Chelsea leads to another chapter in the Kante/Jorginho debate. Gab sticks up for Sarri as the panel heap praise on Spurs and their manager, ahead of the make or break clash with the Spursiest team in Serie A – Inter Milan. Meanwhile Alyson sticks up for Salah as Liverpool warm up for what could be a classic with Paris Saint Germain. But just how good are PSG? That proves to be quite the debate in itself. Southampton lose again, not helped by the hands-off approach of Hughes. Has a chopping and changing of profiles caused the Saints to lose their pattern as a football club? Plus there’s Bradford, Boca and the reason why Jose Mourinho might be happier managing a pub team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League is back and so are Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti, aided admirably by Bill Edgar and George Caulkin.It’s a big weekend at the bottom with Ranieri taking charge of Fulham for the first time against fellow strugglers Southampton. Can Claudio cook up some chemistry? What will he do with Seri and Sessegnon? And are we about to witness the end of Mark Hughes’s managerial career in the Premier League?We have witnessed the end of Martin O’Neill’s tenure as Republic of Ireland manager. Is it all about results for the Irish, or should they be looking to evolve in the world of football? Possibly with Stephen Kenny at the helm?Plus Paul Joyce joins us to discuss his article for The Times on the injury epidemic in the Premier League, specifically those suffered by players at top 6 clubs who featured heavily at the World Cup. In the hectic schedule, are managers and players short-sighted in their approach to rest and recuperation?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Dickinson and Matt Hughes in the aftermath of England’s progression to the Nations League finals after victory over Croatia. Iceland feels like a long time ago. In the best Wembley atmosphere since Springsteen, Gareth Southgate continues to find answers to questions as England manager, including proving his tactical flexibility and showing the squad does have strength in depth. We show some love to Southgate and to Fabian Delph. Following the backlash to the news that Premier League clubs have been asked to contribute to a £5million bonus for outgoing chairman Richard Scudamore, we ask whether he has been hard done by. Do people truly understand the nature of the payment or misunderstand it as a present? And does his work at one of the UK’s biggest brands of all time merit that reward? Matt Hughes also has the inside track on proposed plans for top Championship clubs to break away and form a Premier League 2. Could they be overplaying their hand and overestimating their value? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s not quite awards season but with a third of the Premier League season gone, Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Gregor Robertson and Matt Furniss from Opta to review the best and worst performers of the campaign so far.There’s plenty of love for Wolves while we also try to determine what went wrong for Jokanovic at Fulham.It’s been a better season than you think for Hugo Lloris as we look back at the best goalkeepers.Howe and Pochettino are up there with the best managers. But were we expecting more from Lukaku, Keita and Walcott?Plus we welcome the best newcomers and the fact that Isaac Success has been steering clear of the Baileys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd and Oliver Kay after a massive Manchester derby. Events at the Etihad throw up a number of questions. Is Jose Mourinho getting the best out of this United squad? How have they spent so much to look so average? And despite a slender lead at the top of the table, is it inevitable that City will retain the title? After another virtuoso display from David Silva, we ask is he the player of this Premier League season so far? Or are Virgil Van Dijk and Eden Hazard more valuable to their clubs and therefore more deserving? Plus there’s some love shown to David Brooks of Bournemouth. And with international duty around the corner, Jadon Sancho produces another super showing as Dortmund defeat Bayern in the Bundesliga. Just how excited should England fans be about this young talent? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by James Gheerbrant and Paul Hirst ahead of the Manchester derby. While United were securing a famous win in Turin, City were smashing Shakhtar but with the help of a bizarre penalty awarded to Raheem Sterling. With no foul committed, should Sterling have owned up to the referee?And with revelations about City allegedly circumventing financial fair play, what damage is being done to the club’s reputation?Martyn Ziegler calls in after speaking to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about proposed European Super League plans and his insistence that any players to compete in such a league would be banned from international football.Plus after their shock defeat in Belgrade and with some challenging fixtures to come, can Liverpool get through the next few weeks, in their pursuit of domestic and European glory? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Alyson Rudd and Alan Smith in the studio to tackle some thorny issues in the football world. England’s friendly with the USA will now be a farewell appearance for record goal scorer Wayne Rooney. The match will be called The Wayne Rooney Foundation International, with proceeds going to charity. But does Rooney deserve such a tribute and does Rooney’s appearance deprive other players of vital England experience? James McClean and Nemanja Matic made headlines over the weekend due to the lack of a remembrance poppy on their shirt. What’s the significance and why do players continue to be vilified and abused for that choice? As Manchester City make a mockery of Southampton at the Etihad, can Chelsea and Liverpool keep up with what looks to be a relentless title pace from the champions? And with Raheem Sterling starring again, is he worth his reportedly record-breaking contract offer? Plus find out which Premier League manager is like a 16th century doctor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Jonathan Northcroft and James Gheerbrant ahead of another huge weekend of football.How will Liverpool, arguably with their most solid defensive structure since the days of Rafa Benitez, fare against Emery’s speedier, more dynamic Arsenal? And can these teams help us fall in love with the team goal again as opposed to the long-range screamer?Across North London, Mauricio Pochettino has spoken about his worst feeling at Tottenham since becoming manager. With the Real Madrid and Manchester United jobs potentially available in the summer, are we witnessing the end of Pochettino’s love affair with Daniel Levy?Plus with the pitch and the NFL branding playing a prominent role in the Spurs v Man City fixture, did the visuals at Wembley on Monday night damage the Premier League brand?Also on the agenda, the 48 team World Cup could be less than 4 years away. Does increasing the number of teams dilute the quality of the tournament? Or should football be a festival for all?Charlie Scott provides advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a weekend where shocking events off the field have overshadowed football. On Saturday night, after Leicester City’s game with West Ham, Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was among those to lose his life when a helicopter carrying him and 4 others crashed outside the King Power Stadium. Under his stewardship, Leicester despite odds of 5,000 to 1, won the Premier League title in 2016, perhaps the most incredible title victory in the history of English football.Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Henry Winter, Alyson Rudd and Oliver Kay for their reaction. In an age where fans feel disenfranchised from their club, Srivaddhanaprabha was an owner who tried to reverse that trend and connected with the community. The panel reflect on an owner that made good decisions on the pitch too, from hiring the ridiculed Ranieri to investing in unknown gems.In the Premier League, Ross Barkley continues to thrive under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea. Did people forget how good he is? And can Ruben Loftus-Cheek thrive in the same way or is he still at the wrong club this season? And after another impressive display for Bournemouth, the stock of Eddie Howe and Callum Wilson continues to rise. How much longer can Gareth Southgate ignore Wilson before calling him up to the England squad? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are privileged to be joined by Henry Winter and Matthew Syed after a Champions League week that’s thrown up a number of broader talker points.It’s another howler from Hugo Lloris in the Tottenham goal away in Eindhoven. The panel examine the mindset of a modern-day goalkeeper and to what extent they are under-appreciated and over-analysed.Manchester United meekly slip to defeat at home to Juventus. Find out why a line-up full of attacking players doesn’t necessarily mean an attacking line-up with Jose Mourinho at the moment.Plus FIFA have proposals in a place for a Club World Cup featuring 24 teams. Is this another example of owners trying to maximise the club’s assets and another take on the European Super League?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Paul Hirst, Gary Jacob and Bill Edgar after a big weekend of football and ahead of a big week to come. With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford with Juventus, Lucy Holden has been to Turin and his birthplace Madeira to study the devotion to a football icon, in the midst of rape allegations that Ronaldo has denied. After a fiery conclusion to Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United, does Jose Mourinho deserve respect from Blues fans just because he was successful at Stamford Bridge? Newcastle lose their 5th home game in a row and are still winless this season. Does Benitez deserve more blame? Or do Newcastle’s problems as a football club pre-date Mike Ashley? Fulham were the 5th biggest net spenders in Europe in the summer. Yet they lost to Cardiff. Did they really need to go out and buy a whole new squad in the summer? And how much longer will Slavisa Jokanovic be at Craven Cottage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Dickinson and James Gheerbrant as the Premier League returns from the international break with a vengeance. Unbeaten Chelsea host Manchester United as Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge. Are Sarri’s side title contenders? Does Paul Pogba need a less rigid attacking system? Plus Gab has serious sympathy for Mourinho when it comes to his latest punishment from the FA. It was a stunning week for England but will Ross Barkley and Harry Winks continue to get enough minutes at club level? And exactly how many minutes do they even need to be in the England squad? And with Tottenham facing a tough set of fixtures without Dele Alli and Jan Vertonghen – and with Mousa Dembele’s form seemingly nosediving – can Mauricio Pochettino add to his growing reputation in the next couple of months? Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Martyn Ziegler and Alan Smith to discuss the biggest story in international football – the sudden regression of the German national team.Germany have now gone three competitive games without scoring for the first time in their history. After group stage elimination from the World Cup, is it Joachim Low’s fault or is there a systemic failing in German football?After Maurizio Sarri admitted to a friendly exchange on the touchline with Jurgen Klopp during a tight and tense top of the table clash between Chelsea and Liverpool, do managers have to be serious and stern all the time in order to achieve success? And if you smile while you’re losing, does that make you a loser?Plus we discuss Eleven Sports’ decision to ignore the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off blackout on live televised football in the UK and the possible ramifications for the game. And we bring you localised tales of where Roy Keane grew up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Hughes and George Caulkin. And it’s a very difficult podcast for Natalie as Brentford have lost their beloved boss. Dean Smith and John Terry are the new team at the helm at Aston Villa. But given Terry was in the frame for the manager’s job, can he settle for a reduced role at Villa Park? A role that as Matt reveals, might not even be as number 2. The Nations League is back as England prepare to face Croatia on Friday night. How excited should England fans be about Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho? And elsewhere, George talks to us about whether the legacy of Roy Keane’s post-playing career is misunderstood.We also turn our attention to the battle to stay in the Premier League. Are Cardiff and Huddersfield lost causes as many suggest? And is staying up good enough for Newcastle? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are back with Oliver Kay and James Gheerbrant as the Premier League tightens up at the top.The two title favourites draw 0-0 at Anfield with Riyad Mahrez missing a late penalty. Did Manchester City show a solidity in midfield that will serve them well in big games? Or are Liverpool’s front 3 of Salah, Mane and Firmino running out of steam?In Jose Mourinho’s words, he’s been the victim of a manhunting, with reports suggesting he was set to be sacked last weekend. Has the board at Old Trafford prioritised the brand over the football? And what damage is being done to that brand by the chaos on and off the pitch?Arsenal are the form team in the country right now after thrashing Fulham at Craven Cottage. Aaron Ramsey scores a contender for goal of the season but is he worth the franchise player money that the Gunners are apparently unwilling to pay him?Plus Neil Warnock's very high threshold for a red card offence. And it’s a bad week for Bayern but a happy one for Hurst at Ipswich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss a big week in the Champions League, and a bigger weekend to come in the Premier League. Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield as the Premier League’s top two title favourites go head to head. With the Reds losing in Naples, is it the wake-up call Jurgen Klopp needs for a reset on a midfield lacking in creativity? Henry Winter witnesses a Messi masterclass at Wembley, as Barcelona dismantle Tottenham. Messi may be one of the greatest of all time but does he benefit from a better supporting cast than legends of the past? And we ask what has happened to Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris? Is he still among the Premier League’s best shot stoppers? And is it right that he’s been out of the spotlight for so long after his drink-driving charges? Plus Natalie doesn’t want to talk about it – but there’s a managerial vacancy at Villa Park, brought about by bad results and cabbages.Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are back to review more misery for Mourinho at Manchester United. After defeat at West Ham confirms their worst start in 29 years, has he taken United back to square one? And in the wake of in-fighting and increasingly random team selections, we ask if Mourinho is trying to orchestrate his own dismissal so he can leave Old Trafford with some credit in the bank. And what should the succession plan be towards the next manager? Oliver Kay has been to Barcelona and tells us why a bid for Pogba in January is unlikely. And after his sensational equaliser at Stamford Bridge for Liverpool against Chelsea, is Daniel Sturridge now first reserve up front for England? Plus Bill Edgar tells us how much time Cardiff fans are spending watching Sean Morrison hold the ball in his hands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the story that keeps on giving. The bad blood between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho continues to boil at Manchester United. Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer discuss with James Gheerbrant and the man at the heart of the story, Paul Hirst.Was Mourinho’s training ground spat with Pogba pre-meditated to underline his authority not just to the squad but to the watching world? How embarrassing is this for the club to have this internal squabble played out in front of the cameras? Can Pogba ever mesh with Mourinho’s style of football? And who will leave United first?With Chelsea meeting Liverpool in the headline fixture in England this weekend, and with Eden Hazard knocking the Reds out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, we ask whether the Belgian really is the best player in the Premier League.Plus with the news that the FA are set to reward Gareth Southgate with an extended contract and a pay rise, the panel assess his value to England. And if he were on the market, which Premier League club would take him?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Henry Winter and Bill Edgar after another eyebrow-raising Premier League weekend.With Liverpool maintaining their 100% record and Chelsea dropping points for the first time this season, we cast our eye to the top of the table showdown at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Is Sarri-ball getting the best out of N’Golo Kante? And is there a place up for grabs in that Chelsea midfield for Ross Barkley?Wolves continue to impress as they prise a point from Manchester United at Old Trafford. Gab admires their tactical flexibility but still has problems with their business model. Plus is Ruben Neves the best player outside the top 6? And why has Alexis Sanchez been so ineffective since signing for United in January?And Matt Dickinson joins us to discuss the explosive extracts from Kevin Keegan’s autobiography which you can read in The Game in The Times on Monday, as he lifts the lid on Newcastle under Mike Ashley’s ownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer react to an eventful midweek in the Champions League as Tottenham taste their third defeat in a row. Are we right to question Mauricio Pochettino’s decisions or does he have too much credit in the bank? Manchester City suffer shock defeat at home to Lyon. Oliver Kay argues they are failing to hit the heights of this time last year. Should Bernardo Silva take centre stage? Liverpool dispose of PSG as Klopp overcomes Tuchel. But as James Gheerbrant suggests, are we predisposed to wanting PSG to fail due to a lack of goodwill towards them? Elsewhere, it’s a pain in the AARs for Cristiano Ronaldo. And Gazidis is a goner, in a high-profile exit from the Emirates. Has he let Stan Kroenke down?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer break down some major talking points after another big Premier League weekend, in the company of Alyson Rudd and Paul Joyce.Liverpool are flying with 5 wins out of 5 after beating Spurs but are they suffering from a lack of selflessness from their strikers? And what does Mauricio Pochettino do about his Kane conundrum?Everton lose to West Ham but have troubles off the pitch as an independent enquiry examines their approach to Marco Silva last season. Is the alleged tapping up a sign of a more aggressive owner in Farhad Moshiri?The panel looks ahead to the Champions League week and reacts to Wilfried Zaha’s pleas for protection from referees. Only Eden Hazard has been fouled more than Zaha in the Premier League in the last 5 years – what can Palace’s star man learn from the Belgian? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League returns, as do Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer in the company of Matt Hughes and Paul Hirst, to look ahead to what promises to be an intriguing weekend. Gary Neville has spoken exclusively to Matt Dickinson for The Times about his former club Manchester United, the need to back Jose Mourinho and a warning for Paul Pogba not to lose the dressing room over his future. The panel debate whether or not Pogba’s intentions are misunderstood.League leaders Liverpool prepare for Poch and a visit to Wembley to take on Tottenham. But as Neville suggests, would Klopp be better off ditching the Champions League in search of Premier League glory? We analyse (pointless) West Ham’s woes. Did they start with the summer transfer window? And where is their next win coming from? Plus the Roy Keane Republic of Ireland saga and Gab and Nat debunk some myths about the new St Mirren manager.Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer is joined by Matt Dickinson and Bill Edgar to discuss the fall-out from England’s Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley. With Joe Gomez preferred to Kyle Walker in a back 3, and Kieran Trippier continuing to excel at wing-back, is there a place in the England team for the title-winning Walker?Plus as Southgate looks to solve the midfield conundrum, after a historical English emphasis on physicality, is there a shift in ambition for young players in this country in terms of the type of player they want to be?On the subject of England and Spain, Peter Crouch spoke to Ben Machell and Hector Bellerin was in conversation with Matthew Syed, two interviews which you can read at thetimes.co.uk. We discuss with the panel the concept of footballers expressing themselves as unique individuals and whether there is too much pressure to conform in football.And as the Women’s Super League kicks off, Rebecca Myers from The Sunday Times joins us to discuss a top tier made up entirely of professional clubs and the ramifications for women’s football in this country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd and George Caulkin to discuss the inaugural UEFA Nations League weekend. But if you’re still unsure about what exactly it is, allow us to answer the questions you were maybe afraid to ask. Is England’s game with Spain in danger of being treated like a World Cup parade where fans pay tribute to the players? And we examine numbers that might point to a decline in Harry Kane’s form but is he just being cautious due to injuries? Plus the panel debate the dilemma facing Declan Rice who may switch allegiances from the Republic if Ireland to England. And the issue of clarification of the handball rule, which began with Willy Boly’s goal for Wolves against Manchester City, continues to enrage.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are back together in the studio after another Premier League weekend full of surprises. Oliver Kay witnesses the Woodward banner at Turf Moor as we examine the criticism thrown at Manchester United’s chief executive. And with Burnley and West Ham struggling, we look at two sides suffering from the (claret and) blues. After errors from the experienced Cech and the handsome Alisson, the panel debate the merits of goalkeepers playing out from the back with their feet. And does Unai Emery really have faith in Bernd Leno? James Gheerbrant watched Watford terrorize Tottenham at Vicarage Road. Are Watford benefitting from squad depth? And did Pochettino try and be too clever? Is Liverpool hiring a throw-in coach the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard? Or does weaponizing the throw-in make perfect sense? Plus find out why Gab has a hotline to Grant McCann and Natalie is channelling her inner Sepp Blatter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special bonus bite of The Game podcast, Gab Marcotti is in Monaco to give his reaction to the group stage draw of the Champions League. In Group B, Tottenham face not just the might of Messi, but also Coutinho, Dembele and Chucky. Is Group C the group of death? Last year’s finalists Liverpool must overcome PSG, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade. Will it be an easy ride for Manchester City in Group F as they face Shakhtar Donetsk, Lyon and Hoffenheim? And of course all eyes will be on Old Trafford in the group stage when Cristiano Ronaldo returns to his old club with Juventus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer is back in the studio, alongside Alyson Rudd and Bill Edgar on The Game podcast.With The Times reporting that Anthony Martial has been offered a 5 year contract by Manchester United, is this a power-play from Ed Woodward to indicate he and Martial will outlast Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford? And does Mourinho deserve more respect or has he crafted the dullest side in the top 6? Plus hear why Alyson Rudd thinks Zinedine Zidane might not be the right man for United.The panel look ahead to Watford v Spurs on Sunday, two teams with 100% records, two teams who had very quiet summer transfer windows. Does stability breed champions in the Premier League era? Bill Edgar digs into the record books to find out.And The Times’ Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant joins us to look ahead to the first Old Firm match of the season as Celtic host Rangers on Sunday. What effect could this game have on the managerial careers of Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Alyson Rudd break down some complex issues on this Bank Holiday Monday edition of The Game. Arsenal secure their first win under Unai Emery but Mesut Ozil is missing from the squad against West Ham through illness. With rumours of a training ground bust-up denied, are people too quick to rush to judgment on Ozil? With Michael Owen’s revealing interview on BT Sport highlighting the impact that injuries had on his mindset, the panel debate how the clubs and physios working with Owen failed to notice his change in approach. Jonathan Northcroft joins us to try and determine whether Roman Abramovich is ready to sell Chelsea. Plus did Willy Bolly have a moral obligation to admit to handling the ball into the net against Manchester City? And have Wolves offered up the blueprint for how to play against the champions? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Alan Smith and George Caulkin tackle some of the tough issues in football this week, starting with the never-ending dispute between Newcastle fans and their owner, following some Wise words on Mike Ashley. What are fan expectations at football clubs and are they realistic? Matthew Syed is in the studio to discuss his article on Unai Emery and the challenge in inheriting an Arsenal infrastructure dominated by Arsene Wenger. And with several of England’s World Cup stars struggling for game time, we examine the ruthless nature of the Premier League, and ask why aren’t more young English players playing abroad? Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Gary Jacob and Paul Hirst after a Premier League weekend that asks a lot of questions. Manchester United’s defeat at Brighton raises issues over United’s defence. The panel discuss how Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho can’t agree on certain players in the squad and the effect that has on their relationship.We saw 25 minutes of Sarri-ball during a bonkers victory for Chelsea over Arsenal. Will Sarri stick with a system that forces N’Golo Kante to neglect his defensive responsibilities? And on the Arsenal side of things, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a big-name player but is he a big-game player? Plus what does Unai Emery do with the turgid Mesut Ozil?Martyn Ziegler speaks to us about how far we are from VAR in the Premier League and reveals why the 39th game might not be as far away as we think.And even though Natalie Sawyer is on holiday, there are still bragging rights up for grabs. Who was victorious in the first week of match predictions? Gab or Natalie? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and James Gheerbrant take a look at the issues dominating the headlines in football ahead of another big Premier League weekend.Paul Joyce joins us to discuss how Manchester City can adapt to losing player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, side-lined for 3 months through injury. Could Phil Foden fill in?Should Emery lean on Leno for Arsenal in search of a better distributor than Petr Cech? They face Chelsea and superstitious Sarri at Stamford Bridge.Son of an architect Henry Winter discusses the delay in Tottenham’s move to their new stadium. How well set are Spurs for this season as a whole?Plus we'll find out who knows more about Barnsley – Natalie Sawyer or Gab Marcotti?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Dickinson and Oliver Kay after the opening weekend of the Premier League season. And it’s clear the rest of the division should be very worried by Manchester City after their comprehensive victory at the Emirates. There’s no new broom at Arsenal who don’t look any different under Unai Emery. Paul Pogba’s cryptic comments about his manager open up a can of worms at Old Trafford. Are Manchester United and Mourinho acting a bit rich over their most expensive signing? And who’s more important to the club? Also on the agenda – have English clubs backed themselves into a corner with the early closure of the transfer window? Plus Kante, Keita and a chronic lack of VAR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Game is back for the new Premier League season and it's double trouble. Gab Marcotti is joined by new co-host Natalie Sawyer. We’ll be bringing you a half-hour show every Monday and from next week a new preview show every Thursday.Alyson Rudd and Matt Hughes join us in the studio to discuss the major talking points ahead of the big kick-off. Are Liverpool the team to provide a title challenge to Manchester City? Are Manchester United bored of Mourinho? And which new signing is a poor man’s Neymar?Elsewhere, Gab is looking forward to seeing some Sarri-ball while Natalie is fearing Fulham as a force this season. And is it a case of Cardiff and Huddersfield PLUS ONE in the battle to beat the drop? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 32 days and 64 games, it is France who take home the World Cup after a pulsating 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow. For our final episode, Natalie Sawyer is joined by Oliver Kay and Matt Hughes to analyse the final. What next for Kylian Mbappe, a player with the world at his feet? And will Paul Pogba be allowed to replicate that level of performance under Mourinho at Manchester United? With Croatia feeling hard done by with VAR after Perisic was penalised for handball, are slow motion replays misleading to match referees? And have we seen the advent of the VAR handball? Plus The Times chief sports writer Matt Dickinson helps us review the best bits of a sensational World Cup in Russia. Can anything top Michy Batshuayi smashing the ball into his own face? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer presents the penultimate podcast of this World Cup. England are well beaten by Belgium in a slightly sobering third place play-off. Matt Dickinson joins us from St Petersburg to assess exactly where England are in the footballing pyramid right now and where upgrades need to be made. Should Ruben Loftus-Cheek have played more during this tournament? And did Harry Kane play well this summer?Football may not have come home but Alyson Rudd has. She’s in the studio to preview the World Cup Final along with Henry Winter. It’s France versus Croatia. Deschamps versus Dalic. But is the match-up in Moscow made for Mbappe or Modric? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s World Cup adventure ends at the penultimate hurdle as Croatia come from behind to defeat the Three Lions in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Moscow after extra-time.Natalie Sawyer watches the game in the company of Matthew Syed, Tony Cascarino and Martyn Ziegler. Jonathan Northcroft is at the Luzhniki Stadium to heap praise on the world-class Kieran Trippier and the magnificent Mario Mandzukic.There’s tributes paid to the planning of the FA and Gareth Southgate in setting England up for future success while uniting football fans across the nation – but also some questions raised about Southgate’s substitutions.Plus Gab Marcotti joins us to put Croatia’s achievement into context as they reach their first ever World Cup final, led by Luka Modric. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer brings you The Game World Cup Daily with less than 24 hours to go until England take on Croatia for a place in the World Cup Final.Henry Winter joins us from Moscow to preview England’s biggest game in almost three decades, paying credit to Pippa Grange for the run to the last four. Plus we hear how Baddiel & Skinner’s Three Lions represents the antithesis to the mindset of the squad under Gareth Southgate.Student of Croatian football and politics, Dario Brentin gives us his insight into the controversy and corruption that has coloured the attitude of some Croatians towards their national team. Follow him @DarioBrentin on Twitter.Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar deconstruct France’s progression to their third World Cup final as a dominant defensive display sees Didier Deschamps’ men to a 1-0 victory over Belgium’s golden generation.Plus Natalie speaks to Adam Sage, who The Times asked to watch France v Belgium in France…and Belgium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup in Russia continues to give and give to England fans. The Three Lions are through to the last 4 for the first time since 1990 after seeing off Sweden in Samara by 2 goals to nil.Natalie Sawyer, Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar assess how this unexpected rise to the top table of international football occurred under Gareth Southgate. There’s praise for Pickford and debate on whether Raheem Sterling is judged too harshly by his critics.Gab Marcotti watches Croatia progress on penalties by knocking out hosts Russia in Sochi. He gives his insight into England’s semi-final opponents, concluding Croatia can keep the ball forever. But will they be exhausted after another gruelling battle through extra-time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Southgate’s side see off Sweden in Samara and soar to the semi-finals? Natalie Sawyer is joined by Henry Winter and Alan Smith to analyse England’s chances in the World Cup quarter-final, as well as examining how the public have learned to fall in love with the national team again. Belgium best the bookies’ boys Brazil as Roberto Martinez looks to add World Cup glory to his FA Cup triumph with Wigan, thanks to the brilliance of De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. They will face France in the last 4. Oliver Kay watches the French grind out a quarter-final win over Uruguay in Nizhny Novgorod, as Didier Deschamps’s team prove they can win a match in many different ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another historic night in Russia. At the World Cup where seemingly anything can happen, England win a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time ever, knocking out Colombia at the last 16 stage. Pickford’s saves keep England in the tournament, the selfless Kane continues to score and Dier displays his confidence with the winning spot-kick. Natalie Sawyer is joined by Matt Hughes and Oli Kay in Moscow to dissect a performance where England showed edge and resolve to progress to the last 8 – a performance that answers some big questions for Gareth Southgate – and look ahead to how far this team can go. Alyson Rudd watches one of the worst games of the World Cup so far in St Petersburg but is ideally placed to assess England’s next opponents after ‘the passion killers’ Sweden see off Switzerland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time. England take on Colombia in the round of 16 in Moscow with the winner facing an appetising route to a return to the Russian capital in just over a week and a half. Natalie Sawyer brings you a comprehensive preview. Henry Winter discusses the patriotism at play in the England squad and the opportunity to end their embarrassing record in the knock-out stages. Colombian football expert Simon Edwards tells us what Tuesday night’s game means for Pekerman and his players, plus why they have the best centre-halves in the competition to deal with England’s set-piece threat.Former goalkeeper David Preece has been studying the technique of the penalty takers and stoppers at the World Cup and gives his advice to Jordan Pickford, should the inevitable shootout occur. Alyson Rudd watches the real deal in Brazil and is full of praise for their defensive structure but full of scorn for Neymar’s ludicrous amateur dramatics. And Bill Edgar reviews Belgium’s sensational 3-2 win against Japan, a fightback forged by Fellaini. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer looks back at the second day of last 16 ties at the World Cup. Two matches, two 1-1 draws, two penalty shootouts and a whole lot of drama.Hosts Russia overturn the rankings and shock the world by beating former champions Spain in Moscow. Jonathan Northcroft debates how Spain manager Fernando Hierro was found out, while paying tribute as Andres Iniesta bows out of the international stage.Matt Dickinson and Bill Edgar discuss whether or not England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is too short, Bobby Moore’s bracelet in Bogota and why Matt isn’t a waistcoat guy.Plus Croatia progress to the quarter-finals after outlasting Denmark as the panel examine England’s half of the draw and how it could lead to a brand new World Cup finalist.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award-winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet for just £1 a week for your first 8 weeks. Search The Times Digital for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The knockout stage of the World Cup in Russia begins with a bang. Natalie Sawyer reviews the progression of Uruguay and France to the last 8. A stunning display from 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe blows Argentina away. Alyson Rudd joins us from Kazan and is privileged to have witnessed one of the great World Cup games. Giles Smith is in the studio to mourn the loss of Diego Maradona from our TV screens and ponder the pointlessness of beer showers at a VAR tournament. Oli Kay gives his reaction to a pulsating Uruguayan victory over Portugal as the handsome Edinson Cavani comes into form at the right time. And we debate the importance of Alli and Henderson to England ahead of their clash with Colombia on Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After all the speculation over England's Group G decider with Belgium, two reserve sides face off in Kaliningrad with Gareth Southgate's side losing 1-0 and surrendering top spot. But does finishing 2nd offer an easier route to the World Cup final? Or did defeat damage morale as England's squad players blew their chance of a regular starting berth?Natalie Sawyer is joined by Jonathan Northcroft and Alan Smith to assess England's chances of progressing in this tournament while wondering if Belgium are the real deal this time.Plus Oliver Kay watches England's next opponents Colombia knock out Senegal in Samara. And he feels the Three Lions have nothing to fear.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the third World Cup in a row, the holders are knocked out at the group stage. Defeat for Germany against South Korea spelled the end of their reign as world champions and raised major questions over the attitude and atmosphere behind the scenes.Alyson Rudd reports from Kazan on the demise of the Germans and tells us why this tournament could be called the ‘under the radar cup.’Studio guest Matthew Syed is mystified and left bereft by Germany’s elimination and tries to make sense of their regression.Matt Dickinson previews England’s group decider with Belgium in Kaliningrad with questions still remaining over either side’s motivation to top Group G.And Oliver Kay has a front row seat to The Neymar Show, also known as Brazil’s victory over Serbia in Moscow.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the score at 1-1 against the Super Eagles in St Petersburg, Argentina were 4 minutes away from being eliminated from the World Cup. But a Marcos Rojo volley spared Jorge Sampaoli’s blushes and knocked Nigeria out.Natalie Sawyer is joined by Martyn Ziegler and Bill Edgar to review another disjointed Argentine performance that sets up a last 16 tie with France. And should Messi’s men progress, a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is possible in the quarter-finals.Martyn has also been examining every VAR review at the tournament and with England and Belgium separated by just yellow cards, could the drawing of lots decide Group G on Thursday?Plus Gab Marcotti witnesses a French team featuring a lost Lemar and a ghastly Griezmann. And he runs the rule over a Denmark side that will face Croatia in the next round on Sunday.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain lose and then regain top spot in Group B as VAR allows a disallowed Iago Aspas equaliser while simultaneously awarding Iran a penalty to push Portugal down into second place. Natalie Sawyer reviews a crazy couple of minutes in Kaliningrad and Saransk. She’s joined by Henry Winter, who wants VAR to clamp down on Portuguese play-acting, Alex Kay-Jelski who would like Argentina to stay in Russia and Alyson Rudd who admires Uruguay’s intelligent thuggery. Plus we bring you an update from the England camp ahead of the clash with Belgium and the conclusion to Mo Salah’s miserable month. For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes,@OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After pummelling Panama in record-breaking fashion, England’s attention now turns to the knock-out stages of the World Cup. But with a game to come against Group G rivals Belgium, Natalie Sawyer asks Paul Joyce and Matt Hughes whether Gareth Southgate’s side should seek to finish 2nd and navigate a potentially easier path to the final.Harry Kane is England’s hat-trick hero and the top scorer in Russia but have we seen Tottenham’s Harry Kane at this tournament yet? Oliver Kay suggests maybe not.And Alyson Rudd reports from Group H where Colombia eliminate Poland to keep their hopes of a last 16 date (potentially with England) alive as the Colombians turn Kazan into a sea of yellow.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sensational finish in Sochi as a 95th minute winner from Toni Kroos keeps Germany’s World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Sweden.Natalie Sawyer is joined by Matt Dickinson for his verdict on Saturday night’s drama and to preview England’s lunch date with Panama, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks to make a place in Gareth Southgate’s team his own.Martyn Ziegler witnesses the highest scoring game of the World Cup so far as England’s Group G rivals Belgium hammer Tunisia 5-2 in Moscow.Times photographer Jack Hill has been to Syria and back. He joins us to discuss his 24-hour trip in a train carriage with England fans.And Giles Smith has been watching football on TV and pays homage to Martin O’Neill while also telling us why Carles Puyol has already been sent home.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer reports on another historic day at the World Cup as Neymar sees a penalty given, then rescinded by VAR. Gab Marcotti discusses the world’s most expensive player and what’s going on inside his head after Brazil’s late victory over Costa Rica.Alan Smith dissects a combustible clash in Kaliningrad as Switzerland’s Kosovan contingent complete a remarkable turnaround against Serbia. Plus why Ahmed Musa has been Argentina’s best player.Paul Joyce gives us an insight into the England camp as Gareth Southgate criticises the leak of the team sheet against Panama. Should the media be more supportive of the England team? And Tom Clarke gives us a tactical breakdown of what the Three Lions can expect from their opponents on Sunday.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.