The Game

In a special episode, Gab Marcotti welcomes back Rory Smith to The Game podcast, as they pore through some of the biggest issues in football today. While Manchester United look to be filling their managerial vacancy with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, are they in danger of neglecting their structural failings as a club? VAR will be in the Premier League next season but is it battling against a narrative of heroes and villains, the laws of the game and an attitude towards officials that is too demanding?Is the European Super League an inevitability? Or will smaller cross-border leagues from around the continent become a reality sooner? And with Raheem Sterling again on the receiving end in Montenegro, what measures are appropriate to combat racist behaviour in the stands? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Bill Edgar and George Caulkin to discuss the start of the Euro 2020 qualifiers.England face the Czech Republic on Friday night as they get their campaign underway, but where does newly qualified Declan Rice fit into Gareth Southgate's setup? What will Southgate's setup be? And how did Callum Hudson-Odoi get into the squad despite not starting a league match ever?As we grapple with those questions, Newcastle constantly grapple with Rafa Benitez, but how did Rafa get his latest bout of RSI? It's more entertaining than it sounds, promise!Plus we discuss Messi and Ronaldo, just how do they keep on going after 30 when everyone else couldn't?And as ever on a Thursday, we have Bill Edgar's teaser Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst to dissect club football before the last international break of the season. Wolves knock out Manchester United to progress to the FA Cup semi-finals. How does Nuno do it? Can we call it a shock? Do United need this break more than anyone? And have neighbours City been getting the luck of the draw this season? Liverpool are back on top of the Premier League. Did the win at Fulham show that the Reds are nervous or that they have nerves of steel? We debate whether 48 teams is right for the World Cup. And if so, is it right for Qatar, a nation with a smaller population than East Anglia, who arguably needed a co-host to begin with? Plus Preston, Messi and a seething Siewert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With 4 English teams making it through to the last 8 of the Champions League, Gab Marcotti, Natalie Sawyer, James Gheerbrant and Oli Kay run the rule over the contenders for Europe’s top title. After Liverpool’s comfortable win in Munich, there’s praise for the maturity of the Reds as well as the Mane man who has kept them on track in the last few months. We can’t rule out Barca or Juve but could Man City become dependent on Phil Foden before they know it? We look ahead to a tantalising tie at Molineux as Manchester United come to town in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Can Wolves upset the big boys again and win their first FA Cup since 1960? And with Eric Dier tweeting out his view on the Brexit debate, we discuss the rarity that is footballers expressing a political opinion and the possible implications of that. Charlie Scott provides advice ahead of a depleted 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 of incomprehensible refereeing decisions and inexcusable fan behaviour. Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Matt Dickinson and Alan Smith to analyse it all. After individual pitch invaders at Hibernian, Arsenal and most shockingly Birmingham where Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is punched, the panel discuss what can be done to better ensure player safety, as well as the perils of punishing clubs for the actions of individuals. Arsenal beat Manchester United to leapfrog them into 4th place. What are the chances of Champions League qualification for the Gunners? And should more people be dissing David De Gea for his role in the first goal? It’s as you were in the title race. Would Champions League progression against Bayern be a good or bad thing for Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League? And how important is Raheem Sterling to Manchester City? Plus Darren Moore, equal pay in the USA and after a bad weekend for the officials, who is the Huddersfield of referees? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a monumental week in Europe, Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Henry Winter and Alan Smith to examine the fall-out from a shocking Tuesday and Wednesday.Manchester United overcome a two-goal deficit with the help of VAR on a famous night in Paris and are through to the last eight of the Champions League. There’s praise for Solskjaer, Smalling and Rashford (are English players good at penalties now?). But as for PSG, did they bottle it? Or are they the victims of karma?The holders Real Madrid were eliminated spectacularly by a young vibrant Ajax. Was Real’s downfall down to ageing and arrogance? Plus we discuss Gareth Bale’s struggles in front of the most demanding fans in the world.And in a landmark week for England’s women with victory in the SheBelieves Cup, Molly Hudson discusses the potential impact of Phil Neville’s first silverware as a manager in a World Cup year.Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide 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.

After a derbylicious weekend, Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are in the company of Alyson Rudd, Matthew Syed and Paul Joyce with plenty to discuss. Liverpool are held by Everton and lose the leadership of the Premier League. Is the pressure building on Jurgen Klopp and his players or are they suffering from a lack of depth? The North London derby was packed full of incident but also ended all square. Find out which Tottenham player is NOT a horse, as we ask has the return of Kane stopped Son from shining? Alyson watched a man of the match display from the villainous Kepa for Chelsea at Craven Cottage and we appraise the start of the Scott Parker era at Fulham. Also on the agenda - will VAR rid football of controversy? Is there any room for a chess radio phone-in? And what are Stockport County up to these days? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a full midweek fixture list, Gab Marcotti, Natalie Sawyer and Gary Jacob look ahead to a weekend packed full of derbies. Chelsea sweep aside Spurs despite the controversy surrounding the many statements of Kepa. Is Harry Kane’s frustration at Stamford Bridge, coupled with Mauricio Pochettino’s frustration at Turf Moor, indicative of a larger frustration? Arsenal are next in the North London derby. The Gunners are in form but is Unai Emery in emergency mode? Then follows the Merseyside derby on Sunday as we make the case for Alexander-Arnold and Robertson being the best pair of full-backs in the league. And how long do we give Marco Silva before we judge the job he’s doing at Everton? Brendan Rodgers leaves Celtic for Leicester but should he have been allowed to? Plus in a move we saw coming, Fulham part company with Claudio Ranieri, after he fails to make a good defence. Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide 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.

After a huge Sunday of football happenings, Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst to try and make sense of it all. Where else to start but with the Arrizabalaga saga? Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri tries to substitute his keeper Kepa in the League Cup final, who then refuses to come off. Was he disrespecting his manager? Would it have been a tactical masterstroke if Sarri had brought on former City goalkeeper Willy Caballero? And to what extent does this demonstrate the chaos at Chelsea? Manchester City were winners of the trophy. Is the quadruple on for Pep Guardiola this season? Or will the number of games catch up with an injury hit squad? A limp Liverpool display does see them return to the top of the Premier League as they draw 0-0 at Old Trafford. But will Jurgen Klopp be stressed about Salah, after another uninspiring performance from his star man? Claude Puel was dismissed as Leicester manager on Sunday morning. The rumoured replacement is one Brendan Rodgers. Is it right that he’s a figure of ridicule or is he misunderstood? Elsewhere, why Barcelona are more Messi-dependent than ever before. And Chicharito steals a tiara. Figuratively speaking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Oli Kay, Bill Edgar and George Caulkin ahead of a huge weekend of football. Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to face bitter rivals Manchester United who are seeking to dent their title bid. But should Liverpool be worried about their fabled front three looking a bit off colour?Manchester City then look to retain the Carabao Cup against Chelsea and under-pressure Maurizio Sarri. Is a mid-season change of manager likely at Stamford Bridge? Or do Chelsea lack strong enough personalities in the dressing room to affect change? And while we want to like VAR, City’s game at Schalke in the Champions League made it difficult.Also George lifts the lid on Newcastle’s Spanish training camp and whether Almiron has lifted the mood amongst the Magpies. Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide 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 look ahead to another week of Champions League action in the company of Alan Smith and James Gheerbrant. With the top two in the Premier League both in action, will Liverpool prioritise the Premier League in favour of the Champions League? And will Manchester City do the opposite? Does this season represent a changing of the guard in Europe? Plus what happened when James met Joshua Kimmich? The holders Real Madrid continue to be something of a circus. Sergio Ramos is sent off again, they lose at home to Girona and Gareth Bale is accused of snubbing his team-mates in favour of golf.   Elsewhere we show some love to Pukki & Piatek, marvel at Swansea speedster Daniel James and delve deep into the Declan Rice nationality debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Natalie Sawyer and Bill Edgar discuss two big Champions League nights with a man who was at Old Trafford and Wembley – Henry Winter.Tottenham dismantle Dortmund as the panel discuss how Mauricio Pochettino just gets better and better tactically, hence the staggering success of the Vertonghen gamble. And how are Tottenham unaffected by the variety of issues surrounding the club?The previous night saw PSG outclass Manchester United at Old Trafford. Should we be expecting United to be able to match the might of PSG? Or did Solskjaer get his tactical approach wrong?Plus there’s roundabouts in Swindon, some love for Solihull Moors and one of Bill’s best quizzes.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Oli Kay and James Gheerbrant after a seismic Sunday where Man City hit Chelsea for six.After 3 defeats in 4 games, with plenty of goals shipped in the process, Maurizio Sarri can’t seem to get a response from his players. Is his management of the media making this situation worse and should he be projecting more positivity? Did City go easy on Chelsea? And do the changes Pep made to his starting line-up highlight how much confidence and control he has in his squad?The Champions League is back as Tottenham get ready to host Borussia Dortmund. Oli has been to meet Jadon Sancho and is impressed by him on and off the pitch. Spurs continue to impress with their will to win but is a dip in form just around the corner?As Manchester United prepare to face a depleted PSG, we ask…could Solskjaer win the Champions League again? And is he getting enough credit for the resurgence of Paul Pogba into one of Europe’s best? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Henry Winter, Martyn Ziegler and Bill Edgar as the title race takes another twist. 7 days ago Liverpool missed the chance to go 7 points clear of Manchester City. Now the teams are separated by goal difference. Has Liverpool’s hiccup been coming? Will City’s experience prove telling? Or will Liverpool’s lack of games in comparison to City prove crucial? Plus can Maurizio Sarri inflict defeat on the champions for the second time this season? The Times report that Arsene Wenger could be back in football within a month. Will we see him return to club management or taking on an international role? And does the director of football role suit him at all? 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 Hughes and Paul Hirst after a good weekend for the Manchester clubs. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sensational performance as interim manager at Old Trafford makes the possibility of him not being given the job permanently more and more improbable. After another victory over Leicester, would the appointment of anybody other than Ole cause uproar? And could anybody have done what Solskjaer has done? Pep proves to be unpredictable again at the Etihad, fielding Fernandinho at centre-half. Is this another example of Guardiola’s tactical flexibility or a more long-term solution? Plus what next for Emery’s Arsenal? There were emotional scenes at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, at Cardiff’s first home game since the disappearance of record signing Emiliano Sala. We discuss what the transfer of Sala has revealed about the inner workings of football and ask why are there so many people involved in these deals? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A full midweek Premier League programme and a transfer deadline – what a feast for Natalie Sawyer, Gab Marcotti, Oli Kay, James Gheerbrant and George Caulkin. Liverpool miss the chance to go 7 points clear but do extend their lead to 5 points at the top of the Premier League. Did the Reds show weakness and has it been coming? And are we being too harsh on Manchester City given the points total they are on course to reach? Maurizio Sarri was shamed by his players once again as Chelsea were humiliated 4-0 at Bournemouth. Do Chelsea players lose interest? Or is Sarri playing too many of them too often? Elsewhere we’ve got the low-down on Newcastle’s new boy and we close the curtain on the Fellaini era. Paddy von Behr 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.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Paul Joyce, Alan Smith and former Chelsea winger and award-winning author Paul Canoville after FA Cup 4th round weekend.Millwall shock Everton but events off the pitch overshadow that achievement, with racist chants heard in the stands. What can be done to counteract this behaviour?On the pitch, the pressure ramps up on Marco Silva with many questioning Everton’s character. And there’s further embarrassment for West Ham who are dumped out of the cup by League One AFC Wimbledon. There are scathing words for Pellegrini’s preparation and that amateur Arnautovic video.Plus find out why it’s beyond idiotic to criticise Mauricio Pochettino. And there’s the story of when Gab Marcotti met Cactus Jack somewhere private. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer host an author special this Thursday on The Game podcast.Joshua Robinson, co-author of The Club: How the English Premier League Became the Wildest, Richest, Most Disruptive Force in Sports, joins us alongside The Times chief sports reporter Martyn Ziegler, to discuss the global juggernaut that is England’s top tier.We delve into the knowledge of Joshua and his co-author Jonathan Clegg, who have spoken to executives and owners past and present about their emotional and financial investment. Hear about the last Chelsea team-talk pre-Abramovich and Randy Lerner’s tattoo. Plus branding, Brexit and Brentford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Matt Dickinson and Alan Smith after an impactful weekend in the Premier League. Arsenal beat Chelsea emphatically at the Emirates, causing Blues boss Maurizio Sarri to publicly question his players’ motivation ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Spurs. Is it a gamble worth taking? Has Sarri neglected other members of his squad for too long? Or is the system failing and are Kante and Hazard being misused? Speaking of Spurs, they come from behind to win at Fulham, despite Dele Alli adding to a growing injury list. Is the lack of summer signings about to come back to haunt them? And are the Cottagers doomed to the drop? And it’s another win for Manchester United and another goal for Marcus Rashford. Is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer right to predict he could become the best striker in the Premier League?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Henry Winter and Bill Edgar on a week that has everyone in the world of football talking.Arsenal take on Chelsea in a pivotal clash in the Champions League chase but it’s been a turbulent week off the pitch for the Gunners. It appears Ivan Gazidis has left Arsenal in a huge mess, as head of recruitment Sven Mislintat looks set to be the next man out the door.Did Arsenal gamble too much on Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil a year ago? And will we see Ozil in action this weekend? Does the World Cup winner respect Unai Emery’s credentials? Plus will Sarri get his way with the addition of Gonzalo Higuain at Stamford Bridge?Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admits that he has sent representatives undercover to watch every Championship team train this season. Is he to be admired or punished? And did the masses and the media get manipulated by Bielsa into discussing how meticulous he is instead of the morality of spying?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 back with Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst in tow to talk the major issues of the weekendOle Gunnar Solskjaer’s perfect start as Manchester United manager continues, with victory over Tottenham, as he becomes the first United manager to win his first 6 games in charge. Is Solskjaer more than a just a man who puts smiles on faces and did Wembley showcase his tactical acumen as a coach? From a Tottenham standpoint, with no Son and potentially no Kane, where does Mauricio Pochettino go from here?With Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admitting to sending a staff member to the Derby training ground undercover, we ask if spying is an accepted part of elite sport.Off the back of Warnock’s words on Brexit and Rio’s rant on Newcastle, what do the panel make of the amount of attention that these opinions attracted?Also on a packed podcast, Martin O’Neill returns to Nottingham Forest, plus the hilarious and embarrassing position that Unai Emery finds himself in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by James Gheerbrant and Oli Kay ahead of a big Premier League weekend and following a footballing week that provided plenty of talking points on and off the pitch.Tottenham host Manchester United on Sunday. With the Red Devils rampant under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the panel discuss how the Norwegian has built his team around Paul Pogba. And with a further delay on their new stadium, should Spurs be allowed to stay at Wembley for the rest of the season?A couple of Welshmen are on the move – Nathan Jones has left Luton to become the new Stoke manager. Is he the real deal and are we seeing a trend in clubs steering clear of the tried and tested names?Plus Aaron Ramsey moves closer to a summer move to Juventus, which the panel deem a gamble for the Old Lady. Are Arsenal counting the cost of their decision to spend big on Mesut Ozil’s new contract a year ago?Also up for discussion, the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Did VAR get it right at Wembley and was Manchester City’s 9-0 win over Burton an act of disrespect?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 reunited in the studio and are joined by Matt Dickinson and James Gheerbrant after FA Cup 3rd round weekend. Newport knock out Leicester in the most magical moment of the weekend but why do Premier League clubs, particularly those in mid-table, insist on resting star players when there’s a trophy up for grabs? Should we respect a coach’s right to manage their squad? Should these clubs be more honest with the supporters about what their ambitions actually are and whether league position is more important? We look ahead to the Carabao Cup semi-finals as Tottenham take on Chelsea. How much longer will Callum Hudson-Odoi be a Blue? And there’s the curious case of Alvaro Morata. Scoring but seemingly unhappy. Also on the agenda, Chesterfield’s crooked spire. And Roy Hodgson’s aversion to Netflix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer brings you The Game podcast slightly later than usual – to take in the biggest game of the season so far with Henry Winter, Alyson Rudd and Alan Smith. Champions Manchester City inflict a first Premier League defeat of the season on league leaders Liverpool at the Etihad, closing the gap at the top to 4 points. Does Jurgen Klopp take encouragement from the level of performance it took from City to beat them? Pep Guardiola’s men show their guts and intensity, a performance typified by the ‘dog of war’ Bernardo Silva. Will City’s experience prove crucial in this title race? Speaking of Silva, Marco is struggling across Merseyside right now as Everton have won just 1 of their last 8. Does the Portuguese coach remain a mystery to us in English football? And Maurizio Sarri has suggested he would like a new striker at Chelsea in January. Meanwhile Christian Pulisic has been signed from Borussia Dortmund, apparently without too much input from the Chelsea manager. Are there cynical reasons behind the signing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the final podcast of 2018, Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer bring you a one-off special, as the great writers at The Times give us their ideas for changing the game of football forever. What measures and rule changes would we bring in to improve the sport we love? Full-time buzzers? Physios in play? The ball never out of play? Hear from Henry Winter, Alyson Rudd, Oli Kay and many more. Also on the agenda, VAR, the Super League…and mascots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a Boxing Day full of goals and surprises, Natalie Sawyer is back alongside Alyson Rudd, Alan Smith and Paul Hirst to digest it all. Manchester City had lost 2 out of 61 Premier League games and have now lost 3 of their last 4 after defeat to Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Are they simply missing the fatherly Fernandinho? And with Liverpool now 7 points clear of the champions, are the Reds only set to improve under Jurgen Klopp? As for the Foxes, it’s been an incredible Christmas but does Claude Puel’s persona count against him? And does he have the power or is it the players? Burnley are battered on Boxing Day 5-1 by Everton. Have they lost sense of who they are and how do they turn things around? And is Sean Dyche’s job safe no matter what? Plus with Tottenham making it 11 goals in 2 games and with this season on course to be the highest scoring season in Premier League history, we ask whether the disparity between the haves and the have-nots is the contributing factor. And outside of Liverpool, is any team actually defending well? 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.

It’s Christmas Eve but Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are hard at work bringing you The Game podcast from The Times with Henry Winter and Gary Jacob.It’s time to critique an incredible Crystal Palace performance at the Etihad as they beat the champions Manchester City. It’s a result that sends Liverpool 4 points clear at the top of the table but Henry Winter is quick to highlight the humility of Jurgen Klopp’s squad. Including perhaps the most important player in the league, Virgil Van Dijk.Tottenham thrash Everton 6-2 but how big will the January transfer window be in terms of providing a clue as to Mauricio Pochettino’s future? And how big is the window for the top 4 hopes of Chelsea and Arsenal?Manchester United put 5 past Cardiff in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first game in charge. Can United be accused of cheating Jose Mourinho or are they just a group of very good players? And has Solskjaer been given the remit to show off some of the lesser seen stars?Plus we look at Mike Dean’s flamboyant behaviour, Neil Warnock’s hair and Ralph Hasenhüttl in Rocky II. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special episode, Alyson Rudd sits down at Sky Sports with the voice of football - Martin Tyler.We talk about Martin's days as a non-league striker at Wealdstone, his beginnings in broadcasting and the mechanics and workings of his commentary career. Whether he's stressed in Seville or lauding Rickie Lambert, this is the story of an iconic figure within the game we love as we discuss what makes Tyler tick. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd, Oliver Kay and James Gheerbrant to discuss the biggest football story of the season, that being the sacking of Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager.In the eyes of the panel, there’s no conspiracy theory here. Mourinho was given money and support and didn’t deliver the major silverware the club expected. How much damage has been done to his reputation? Where now for one of the game’s most decorated managers? Has the modern manager and modern player left him behind?Former Fulham defender Brede Hangeland speaks to us about the man who will be caretaker at Old Trafford until the end of the season, his former Norway team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Hangeland tells us he’s never seen one man so influenced by one person as Solskjaer is by Sir Alex Ferguson.As Tottenham win 2-0 at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, we look at this from the Spurs perspective. Is Mauricio Pochettino to Old Trafford really a no-brainer of a decision? And could Daniel Levy bleed United dry?Paddy von Behr 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.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are in the company of Oliver Kay and Matt Hughes, the morning after Liverpool sweep aside Manchester United at Anfield. Even if United persist with Jose Mourinho until the end of the season, the panel agree that United need to be putting the groundwork in right now to secure his summer replacement. As for Liverpool, they remain unbeaten and top of the league. Does Klopp get enough credit for the work he’s done with the squad?Southampton feel the Hasenhüttl effect to win at St Mary’s for the first time this season and end the Gunners 22-game unbeaten run. Find out why Arsenal’s Bernd Leno is indicative of German goalkeepers. Plus we have live Champions League draw reaction in the studio as the last 16 match-ups are revealed. Klopp renews an old rivalry, it gets worse for United and Tottenham’s tie is an architect’s dream. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by George Caulkin, Paul Joyce and Bill Edgar ahead of another seismic Saturday and Sunday in the Premier League.League leaders Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp’s men embracing control over chaos this season. Klopp appears to have cracked it when it comes to the goalkeeper, defence and attack. But will the rotation in midfield be what costs the Reds this season. And as Mourinho renews old rivalries on Merseyside, would Liverpool fans actually want him to leave Old Trafford?All four English clubs progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League but were we impressed by how they performed? And does their patchy form show what a struggle it is to juggle European football with chasing Manchester City this season?And as Newcastle head to Huddersfield in a relegation six-pointer on Saturday, George Caulkin talks to us about proposed takeovers, fan boycotts and why January will be so crucial to Rafa Benitez’s future.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 Alyson Rudd, Henry Winter and Matthew Syed to discuss a weighty issue in the world of football.Raheem Sterling was allegedly the victim of racist abuse during Manchester City’s defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.On Sunday, Sterling took to social media and said that newspapers fuel racism when it comes to young black players. The panel discuss whether incidents like the one at Stamford Bridge stem from sub-consciously negative coverage of young black players. And does that create a climate from which a more extreme form of racism can flourish in grounds around the country?On the field, with Liverpool overtaking City into top spot, do we have a proper title race on our hands? Has hat-trick hero Mo Salah just put the fear of God into Premier League defences? And how will the Reds fare against Napoli in their Champions League decider?Plus with Cardiff making 4 home wins out of 5 and climbing to 14th, were we all too quick to write the Bluebirds and Neil Warnock off? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Paul Hirst and Bill Edgar to discuss the headlines in the world of football.Arsenal make it 20 games unbeaten as they draw 2-2 at Old Trafford. We discuss Manchester United’s tactical approach. They lump it and the panel don’t like it. Plus with the fourth most expensive signing in United ‘s history – Fred – yet again not even making the bench, does this demonstrate Mourinho’s lack of faith in their transfer policy?The big game of the Premier League weekend sees Chelsea host league leaders Manchester City. With Sergio Aguero injured and Gabriel Jesus having not scored a league goal for 4 months, will Pep Guardiola decide not to field a recognised striker at Stamford Bridge?And we examine the latest managerial addition to the Premier League – the new Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhüttl. Does he have the right group of players to carry out his intense pressing strategy? And will man-management issues from the past rear their head at St Mary’s?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.

What a weekend in the Premier League and with a full set of midweek fixtures to come, Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar to digest all the action.The panel praise Unai Emery for his role in Arsenal’s North London derby win over Tottenham and the improvement in the players he has inherited. But was Pochettino too passive? And is something brewing between Emery and the absent Mesut Ozil?Liverpool managed to stay 2 points behind Manchester City in the title race, courtesy of a 96th minute winner from Divock Origi in bizarre circumstances. But does the league table lie? Have Liverpool been lucky this season? And what has happened to Wednesday’s opponents Burnley?After reports that Jose Mourinho branded Paul Pogba a ‘virus’ in a furious dressing room bust-up. Oliver Kay concludes the pair are incompatible and have both handled the situation dreadfully. Is Mourinho more of a virus than Pogba?And the manager’s chair at St Mary’s is available after Southampton sack Mark Hughes. Find out why that chair isn’t the launching pad it used to be for ambitious coaches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Henry Winter and Gary Jacob ahead of a huge weekend of Premier League action.Tottenham have beaten Chelsea and Inter Milan this week and the panel praise Pochettino for not playing the percentages. Next up is the North London derby. The battle between Ozil and Eriksen could be crucial but how much longer will those players be at their respective clubs?Looking ahead to the Merseyside derby, and with Liverpool losing away in the Champions League again, do they lack a dominant figure in midfield? And can Sigurdsson seize control on Sunday for Everton? Plus it’s another week of Mourinho behaving erratically. No Pogba, Lukaku or Sanchez selected for the Champions League clash with Young Boys. Should United have done their research before signing Sanchez? Should Mourinho have been more careful in his reaction to Rashford? And is he fuelling the negativity around the club?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.

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.