The Athletic FC Podcast

Will the independent regulator fix football?

<p>We're joined by UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy to discuss the introduction of an independent football regulator within English football.</p><p>Whether it’s financial mismanagement, questionable ownership, or lack of accountability - football in England has faced some huge challenges in recent years which is why the British government, wants to appoint an independent regulator.</p><p>So why are the Premier League and its member clubs unhappy with the plan and are the concerns of fans really at the heart of all this, as all sides claim?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is also joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater and Phil Hay, lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Lisa Nandy MP, Matt Slater and Phil Hay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Will Bayern dominate the Bundesliga again?

<p>After Bayer Leverkusen’s miraculous title-win last season, this season it seems to be business as usual, with Bayern Munich six points clear of Leverkusen at the top of the table.</p><br><p>So, can anyone stop Bayern reestablishing themselves as the dominant force in the Bundesliga? </p><br><p>And is Vincent Kompany creating a side that are serious contenders for Champions League glory? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jan Åge Fjørtoft &amp; Seb Stafford-Bloor</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Rashford, Gonzalez, Tel: Transfer window analysed

<p>The January transfer window has officially shut.</p><br><p>We saw Marcus Rashford move to Aston Villa on loan, while Manchester City brought in a much-needed midfielder in Nico Gonzalez.</p><br><p>So… which teams were the winners and losers in the window?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Rory Smith and Jacob Tanswell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Has Arsenal's academy revived their title hopes?

<p>Liverpool legend Alan Hansen who famously said "you can't win anything with kids"</p><p>Yet on Sunday Arsenal’s teenagers took centre stage as they dismantled the champions with both Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri getting on the scoresheet.</p><p>So can Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal win anything with kids?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's James McNicholas and Phil Hay to discuss the 5-1 win over Man City. Art De Roche also drops by to discuss the emergence of the likes of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri.</p><p>Meanwhile, The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein also gives his thoughts on the impact the youngsters have had on the club's recruitment plans along with the pressure of their pursuit for a striker.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James McNicholas, Phil Hay, Art De Roche and David Ornstein</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Anatomy of a Transfer

<p>Football fans are desperate for transfer news - and it's often bigger than the sport itself.</p><p>Open twice a year - in January and the summer - the transfer window changes the game.</p><p>But what actually goes on when deals are made?</p><p>Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at training grounds, stadiums and offices to explain the anatomy of a transfer and to breakdown the complex process of what a player goes through when they move from club to club.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Exec Prod: Abi Paterson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview - Arsenal vs Man City

<p>Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday in what some are called the 'stay humble' derby.</p><p>The last time these sides met was back in September's thrilling 2-2 draw, where things boiled over at full time.</p><p>The Athletic's Arsenal writer James McNicholas and Manchester City writer Sam Lee join Tim Spiers and Adam Leventhal to preview Sunday's clash.</p><p>Plus we check in with some of the club podcasts across The Athletic FC and set you up for the key games elsewhere.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: James McNicholas, Sam Lee, Tim Spiers</p><p>Featuring: Simon Hughes, James Maw</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is the new Champions League format better?

<p>On an evening of mayhem across Europe, Man City got the job done and avoided Champions League elimination, beating Club Brugge 3-1 to progress into the knockout phase.</p><p>But is the prospect of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-off something Pep Guardiola's side will relish?</p><p>Elsewhere, with Jhon Duran set to leave for Saudi Arabia and Arsenal interested in Ollie Watkins, could Aston Villa’s front line look a little different in the knockout stages?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's James Horncastle and Phil Hay to reflect on an action-packed final night of the league phase of the revamped Champions League, while Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell joins to discuss the latest around both Duran and Watkins.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: James Horncastle, Phil Hay and Jacob Tanswell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Does the 'Big Six' still exist?

<p>Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are languishing in the bottom half of the table - they sit in 12th and 15th place respectively. </p><br><p>Tough times have fallen on two of the ‘Big Six’ - the traditional heavyweights of English football.</p><br><p>So in terms of both on-pitch and off-pitch matters, does the idea of those aforementioned powerhouse clubs dominating the Premier League still ring true? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Rory Smith, Tim Spiers, Matt Slater</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Where have all the elite strikers gone?

<p>As revealed by David Ornstein on today’s Transfer DealSheet, Aston Villa <em>could</em> be tempted to sell Jhon Duran for around 80 million pounds.</p><br><p>That valuation of the Villa striker got us thinking - what makes a top No.9 in 2025?</p><br><p>And with many teams wanting an elite striker - why is it so hard to find them?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Mark Carey, Phil Hay &amp; David Ornstein</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou &amp; Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Amorim's brutal honesty helping Man United?

<p>A smashed TV, a lack of cash, and more box office quotes from Ruben Amorim who told the media after his side's 1-0 win at Fulham he would prefer to name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench ahead of Marcus Rashford.</p><p>Having made it four wins from five, are Man United showing signs of improvement under Amorim?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley with Charlotte Harpur also dropping by to discuss Amorim's handling of the media and his man-management.</p><p>Plus, with a week left of the January transfer window there's a focus on United's finances and whether they will be able to spend their way back up the Premier League table.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Laurie Whitwell, Mark Critchley and Charlotte Harpur</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview - Man City vs Chelsea

<p>Manchester City host Chelsea at the Etihad on Saturday and with just two points separating the sides this could be a key battle in the race for the top four.</p><p>Pep Guardiola will be looking to get back on track after seeing his side throw away a two goal lead in the Champions League midweek, losing 4-2 to PSG at the Parc des Princes, with issues in midfield an ongoing problem. After already spending more than €140m in the January transfer window, do Manchester City need further additions?</p><p>Following five Premier League games without a victory, Chelsea got back to winning ways on Monday beating Wolves 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, but how does Enzo Maresca get his forwards firing again?</p><p>Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC and look ahead to a fixture that nobody would've predicted being quite so exciting when the season kicked off; Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest.</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Thom Harris</p><p>Featuring: Sam Lee, Simon Johnson, Andy Mitten, Laurie Whitwell, James Pearce, James McNicholas</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How will Trump impact football in the U.S.?

<p>Among the tech billionaires, cabinet nominees and former leaders as Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. president was the most powerful man in football - FIFA president Gianni Infantino….</p><p>So, with both the Club World Cup and World Cup taking place in the USA in the next 18 months. </p><p>What impact will Trump and his policies have on football over the next four years?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton in New York, Felipe Cardenas in Atlanta and Women's Sports Lead, in Burlington, Vermont, Meg Linehan to analyse and debate Trump's role in football, relationship with Infantino as well as assess what his legacy on the sport could be at the end of his time in office.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton, Felipe Cardenas and Meg Linehan</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Iraola: The next supercoach?

<p>Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth produced one of the performances of the season as they demolished Newcastle at the weekend.</p><br><p>They are now seventh in the Premier League and eyeing up European football for next season.</p><br><p>So how much of their success is down to Iraola - and will they be able to keep hold of him for much longer?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jon Mackenzie, Phil Hay, Dermot Corrigan</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Do Chelsea really need more signings?

<p>Last night, Chelsea ended their winless run with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Wolves.</p><br><p>But despite spending more than a billion pounds assembling their squad - are Chelsea still light in certain areas?</p><br><p>And are we to expect a flurry of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge this month?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Liam Twomey, Phil Hay &amp; David Ornstein</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Is Postecoglou to blame for Tottenham's problems?

<p>Tottenham's defeat at Goodison Park on Sunday made it seven defeats in their last nine Premier League games.</p><p>So what is going wrong for Spurs and will Ange Postecoglou be given enough time to turn things around?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jon Mackenzie and Jack Pitt-Brooke, who was at Goodison Park covering the game, to analyse Spurs' run of form, the depth of their injury crisis and whether they can improve things with any additions in the January transfer market.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jon Mackenzie</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ornstein meets Aubameyang: Arteta relationship, Chelsea ‘chaos’ and more

<p> For an exclusive interview, David Ornstein sits down with former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a career marked with chaos, mistakes and glory.</p><p>So coming up you’ll hear about; why Aubameyang wanted to leave Arsenal but stayed, how his relationship with Mikel Arteta broke down, The ‘chaos’ of his time at Chelsea and his harrowing account of the break in that took place at his home.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein &amp; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Haaland's huge contract & can Moyes pile misery on Spurs?

<p>David Ornstein and Manchester City writer Sam Lee join Adam Leventhal to discuss Erling Haaland's new 9 and a half year contract, a story David broke exclusively on The Athletic.  </p><p>The panel reflect on what the deal means for Manchester City's rebuild and whether the contract contains a release clause. </p><p>In the second half Adam is joined by Jacob Whitehead and Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke to preview Everton vs Spurs, two sides in desperate need of a win. </p><p>Ange Postecoglou's side have gone five Premier League games without victory, while Everton have scored just one goal in their last six matches. </p><p>Plus - a huge weekend in the title race, Alexander Isak's importance at Newcastle and what's caused Chelsea's slump in form?</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Sam Lee, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Jacob Whitehead</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Has Arteta made Arsenal too predictable?

<p>After a damaging week with defeat in both Carabao Cup and FA Cup to Newcastle United and Manchester United, Arsenal bounced back on Wednesday night with a 2-1 win in north London derby over Tottenham Hotspur.</p><p>So, how will the victory over Spurs influence Arsenal’s title challenge and do they need strengthening this month if they are to catch Liverpool?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Arsenal writer Jordan Campbell to assess the impact of the win, what could be to come in the transfer market before looking ahead to what it could mean for any possible title challenge.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein and Jordan Campbell</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Have Barcelona solved Olmo saga?

<p>Barcelona president Joan Laporta has taken aim at the club's critics in the wake of the Dani Olmo registration saga.</p><br><p>So why is he so angry, and is the situation even over?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere </p><p>With: Laia Cervelló Herrero, Pol Ballus, Dermot Corrigan</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Zubimendi, Kvaratskhelia, Walker: Ornstein's transfers to watch

<p>Napoli boss Antonio Conte has confirmed superstar winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wants to leave Naples.</p><br><p>So why does he want to depart? </p><br><p>And where is his most likely destination? </p><br><p>We also talk the future of Manchester City's Kyle Walker, plus Arsenal pursuing a deal to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad next summer.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Phil Hay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Why Everton and Moyes went back to the future

<p>After sacking manager Sean Dyche on Thursday, by Saturday Everton have confirmed their decision to bring back David Moyes to replace him.</p><p>So is Moyes the right choice to rebuild Everton and keep them in the Premier League? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland and The Athletic FC newsletter lead writer Phil Hay to discuss and analyse the decision to remove Dyche and bring back Moyes.</p><p>The Athletic's Greg O'Keeffe, having seen Moyes' first reign firsthand, also drops in to give his views on the return of the Scot as well as Italian Football correspondent James Horncastle looking at the role of new owners The Friedkin Group.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Patrick Boyland, Phil Hay, Greg O'Keeffe and James Horncastle</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Who needs the FA Cup most this season?

<p>With the FA Cup is upon us again, we're asking which Premier League side needs the competition most this season?</p><p>Tottenham and Newcastle lead the way on the The Athletic's Import-o-meter, with both sides currently on course to meet in the Carabao Cup final.</p><p>FA Cup holders Manchester United head to the Emirates to face record 14-time winners Arsenal, who since winning the competition in 2020 have not progressed past the fourth round. Does Mikel Arteta <em>need</em> a trophy this season? And how will Ruben Amorim's progress be measured? </p><p>Plus - outside shouts for Bournemouth and Brentford, and has the FA Cup lost its magic?</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Mark Citchley</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lopetegui to Potter: Inside West Ham's crazy week

<p>On Wednesday, after weeks of speculation West Ham finally sacked Julen Lopetegui.</p><p>The Spaniard lasted just eight months - and 22 games in charge of the Hammers, the shortest reign of a permanent manager or head coach in the club's 124-year history</p><p>Joining Ian Irving to analyse the decision to sack Lopetegui and replace him with Graham Potter are The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and West Ham United writer Roshane Thomas.</p><p>Plus, Football Tactics writer Liam Tharme also drops-by to discuss Potter's fit at the London Stadium and look back on his previously successful spell in the Premier League with Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.</p><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>With: David Ornstein, Roshane Thomas and Liam Tharme</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How Nuno has transformed Forest

<p>Another week, another beaten opponent and another milestone notched for Nottingham Forest. They made history with six wins on the bounce with their 3-0 victory away at Wolves.</p><br><p>So how have Nuno Espirito Santo’s side gone from fighting relegation &amp; PSR last campaign to being one of the very best sides in the Premier League this season?</p><br><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>Guests: <strong> </strong>Paul Taylor, Tim Spiers, Matt Slater, Mark Carey</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p>Video Producer: Liam Warburton</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Rashford, Kolo Muani, Williams: Ornstein's transfers to watch

<p>The January transfer window is officially open!</p><br><p>We take you inside the market to explain the deals being worked on, </p><br><p>We have David Ornstein’s One To Watch, Kolo Muani, plus, ongoing interest from Arsenal and Chelsea in Nico Williams.</p><br><p>And fresh news today from David of a possible loan move for out of favour Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford.</p><br><p>Plus, we hear all about David’s excellent exclusive interview with former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which is available to read on The Athletic right now. </p><br><p>https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6036322/2025/01/07/aubameyang-arsenal-arteta-chelsea-saudi/</p><br><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>Guests: David Ornstein and Phil Hay</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Mike Stavrou</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

How much is Trent distracted by Real Madrid?

<p>Despite a 23-point gap between Liverpool and Manchester United, on Sunday there was nothing to separate them.</p><p>So, how did Man United unsettle Liverpool? </p><p>And with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s poor performance under the microscope, amid transfer interest from Real Madrid, is his contract uncertainty causing a distraction?</p><p>Host: Ian Irving</p><p>With: Adam Crafton and Simon Hughes</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview - Liverpool vs Man Utd

<p>Tifo's Jon Mackenzie and The Athletic's Nick Miller are alongside Michael Bailey ahead of Sunday's meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield.</p><p>Fresh from Real Madrid outlining their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold we also hear the thoughts of both Simon Hughes and James Pearce on the future of the England international.</p><p>Plus, Carl Anka drops in with his take on a disappointing December for Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford having suffered four successive defeats in charge of Man United.</p><p>As well as focusing on the meeting at Anfield, there's also a look at some of the Premier League's other standout games of the weekend including Arsenal's visit to Brighton, Newcastle United heading to Tottenham and Nuno Espirito Santo returning to Molineux with his in-form Nottingham Forest.</p><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Jon Mackenzie and Nick Miller</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Guy Clarke</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview - Premier League Round-Up

<p>Tim Spiers and Duncan Alexander join Michael Bailey for a Christmas special — reviewing the biggest moments from Boxing Day, as well as looking ahead to the next round of Premier League fixtures.</p><p>Fulham stunned Chelsea winning at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years, was this a reminder that Enzo Maresca'a side are not yet the finished product?</p><p>Marco Silva's Fulham face Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth next, are these two sides optimising the fun and unpredictability of the Premier League this season?</p><p>Liverpool capitalised on Chelsea's slip up, extending their lead at the top of the table — are we witnessing another 2019/20 season?</p><p>Everything continues to go wrong for Manchester United — suffering their fourth defeat in five Premier League games as captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off — how does Ruben Amorim turn things around with in-form Newcastle United up next?</p><p>Plus, back to back wins for Wolves and new boss Vitor Pereira, Nottingham Forest's Champions League chase, and how do Arsenal replace the injured Bukayo Saka?</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Duncan Alexander</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

2024 Reviewed: sackings, snubs, and seismic shocks

<p>It's been a year filled with news, moves and eyebrow raising events in the world of football and we're here to look back at them with our own Christmas countdown.</p><p>What happened this year, and how have those decisions played out?</p><p>Here to reminisce and recoil at the year it's editor-in-chief Laura Williamson and senior writer Adam Crafton.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>Guests: Laura Williamson and Adam Crafton</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Preview - Tottenham vs Liverpool

<p>After beating Manchester United midweek in classically chaotic fashion, Tottenham host league leaders Liverpool. </p><p>With just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League home games, the panel analyse why Spurs are making things so difficult for themselves. </p><p>Meanwhile Liverpool have shown a more adaptable side to their game this week, could Ange Postecoglou take a leaf out of Arne Slot’s book? </p><p>Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere and talk sacking season after Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin were relieved of their duties this week. </p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Mark Carey</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Producer: Jay Beale</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>