The Athletic FC Podcast

Are Liverpool running out of steam?

<p>It’s been a disappointing week for Liverpool.</p><br><p>Just days after their Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, came a<strong><em> </em></strong>hammer blow at Wembley.</p><br><p>After an abject display in the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle, we’re asking if Liverpool have run out of steam.</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Simon Hughes, Andy Jones &amp; 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>

Newcastle's trophy drought is over - what next?

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

<p>The first piece of domestic silverware will be contested between Liverpool and Newcastle when they meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.</p><p>Eddie Howe's Newcastle are looking to end a 70 year drought, will the occasion get the better of them as it did in 2023?</p><p>And after being dumped out of the Champions League by PSG midweek, how will Arne Slot's side respond in his first final at Liverpool?</p><p>Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writer Tim Spiers, Newcastle writer Chris Waugh and Liverpool writer Andy Jones to preview Sunday's tie.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Chris Waugh, Andy Jones</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>

Are Atletico Madrid cursed?

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

<p>On Tuesday, Manchester United announced that they intend to build a 100,000-capacity new stadium rather than redevelop their existing Old Trafford home.</p><p>The news came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated the club could run out of money by Christmas without cost-cutting.</p><p>So, with concerns around Manchester United’s finances, how would this development be paid for, and how will it affect their on pitch ambitions?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater and Mark Critchley</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>

Who is Nottingham Forest’s best player?

<p>It’s clear that Nottingham Forest are the real deal this season..</p><p>So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season?</p><p>And is their success down to the system or their raft of standout players?</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller, Ahmed Walid</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Producers: Guy Clarke &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>

Why Europe is vital to Man United's squad overhaul

<p>Not for the first time Manchester United have proven they still have glimpses of class in the team - as shown by Bruno Fernandes in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.</p><p>Despite sitting 14th in the Premier League, the Europa League still offers a backdoor into next season’s Champions League.</p><p>So how crucial is European qualification to Ruben Amorim’s plans for an Old Trafford overhaul?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Phil Hay to discuss the Ruben Amorim 'project' at Old Trafford to date while Mark Critchley also drops in to explain the financial need to secure European qualification to help finance a summer overhaul of the playing squad.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Laurie Whitwell, Phil Hay and Mark Critchley</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 Underground World of Fake Football Shirts

<p>Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.</p><p>But what damage could they be causing you and others?</p><p>Adam Leventhal has spent the last nine months investigating the illicit trade of counterfeits, and uncovered some shocking details along the way.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Mixing: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Abi Paterson</p><p>Featuring footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Culture Force</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 United vs Arsenal

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

Can Newcastle keep hold of Isak?

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

Wirtz, Odegaard, Fernandes: What makes a talisman?

<p>There’s a new wonderkid on the block, and his name is Florian Wirtz. </p><br><p>He has established himself as the man to carry the creative responsibility for Bayer Leverkusen.</p><br><p>But how does he measure up against the world’s best in his position?  </p><br><p>And is there a danger in becoming over-reliant on one player to make things happen?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Phil Hay &amp; Mark Carey</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>

Has Mourinho added to Turkish football's chaos?

<p>No matter where he’s managing, Jose Mourinho simply cannot stay out of the headlines.</p><br><p>His time managing in the Turkish Super Lig has seen more of the same.</p><br><p>So is this ‘typical Jose’? Or is he a victim of the chaos that surrounds him?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Rory Smith &amp; Andy Mitten</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>

Arsenal's new sporting director: Who is in the frame?

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

Who needs European football the most?

<p>With just six points separating Nottingham Forest in 3rd and Aston Villa in 10th, European football is up for grabs in the Premier League.</p><p>Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's football writers Tim Spiers and Nick Miller to discuss which side needs European qualification the most.</p><p>After wins midweek, Manchester City and Chelsea sit 4th and 5th respectively, are any of the chasing pack consistent enough to earn Champions League football?</p><p>With Manchester United and Tottenham languishing in the bottom half of the table, which clubs are eyeing up the Europa and Conference League?</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller</p><p>Featuring: Paul Taylor, Sam Lee, Liam Twomey, Chris Waugh, Jacob Tanswell</p><p>Editor: Nick Thomson</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 big does Man City's rebuild need to be?

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

Rashford & Asensio: Will Villa's gamble pay off?

<p>Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio couldn’t save Aston Villa last night as they lost 4-1 away at Crystal Palace.</p><br><p>The two marquee signings were brought in to boost Unai Emery’s side at the business end of the season.</p><br><p>But are Rashford &amp; Asensio the solution to Villa’s problems right now? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jacob Tanswell &amp; Rory Smith </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>

Is Premier League promotion still the promised land?

<p>Last season marked the first time since 1998 that all three promoted Premier League teams were relegated.</p><br><p>It looks like history may repeat itself this season, after another miserable weekend for Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton.</p><br><p>So will all three go down? </p><br><p>And if so, what does it say about the gap between the Premier League and the Championship?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Stu James &amp; Phil Hay</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>

Is Salah set for the best Premier League season ever?

<p>Liverpool have moved 11 points clear in the Premier League title race with Mohamed Salah leading the way in their 2-0 win over Manchester City.</p><p>His goal and assists are edging him towards records set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.</p><p>Mohamed Salah is one of the Premier League’s Greatest but could he be THE greatest?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay, who was at the Etihad on Sunday for The Athletic as well as Simon Hughes, author of Chasing Salah: The Biography of Mohamed Salah.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Oli Kay 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>

How data and AI is shaping football

<p>Ever thought about how elite football clubs actually go about using data to analyse and recruit players?</p><br><p>Well, The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast has the answers you need.</p><br><p>Paul Power from sports data company, Skillcorner, joins the show to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis.</p><br><p>Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI?</p><br><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power</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>

The Preview - Man City vs Liverpool

<p>Manchester City host Liverpool on Sunday in what could be a decisive game in this season’s title race. </p><p>Pep Guardiola will be hoping to fix Manchester City’s out of possession problems, that contributed to them being dumped out of the Champions League midweek. </p><p>After consecutive draws away from home in the Premier League, can Arne Slot’s side make a statement at a ground they have won just once at in their previous 15 attempts? </p><p>The Athletic’s senior data analyst Mark Carey and data writer Thom Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to preview Sunday’s clash. </p><p>Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere. </p><br><p>Host: Matt Davies-Adams</p><p>With: Mark Carey, Thom Harris</p><p>Featuring: James Pearce, Sam Lee</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>

Can Mbappe reach Ronaldo's levels at Real Madrid?

<p>On a night Man City had no margin for error, Kylian Mbappe took away any hope scoring his first hat-trick at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid.</p><p>With his treble, the Frenchman became just the fourth player to score a Champions League knockout hat-trick for Madrid following in the footsteps of the likes of Ronaldo Nazario, Karim Benzema and of course Cristiano Ronaldo.</p><p>So can Mbappe reach Cristano Ronaldo's levels at Real Madrid?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Real Madrid writer Guillermo Rai and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to analyse the win over Man City and how fair Carlo Ancelotti's side can go in this season's Champions League.</p><p>Plus, French football writer Tom Williams drops by to discuss Mbappe's evolution and his use of speed through his career.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Guillermo Rai, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Tom Williams</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>

Amorim's Man United: growing pains or a deeper crisis?

<p>Defeat at Spurs last weekend left Manchester United in 15th place in the table </p><br><p>Next up they take on a resurgent Everton managed by the first person challenged with bringing back the good times at Old Trafford.</p><br><p>So from David Moyes to Ruben Amorim, United seems to be stuck in a cycle of underperformance. </p><br><p>So what is preventing them from moving forward?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Adam Crafton, Oli Kay, Carl Anka &amp; Charlotte Harpur</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 will PSR shape the summer transfer window?

<p>The Premier League’s financial rules will still be in place for next season despite plans to change them.</p><br><p>Teams like Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle blame these rules for stopping them spending heavily on new players.</p><br><p>So why the delay for the new rules?</p><br><p>And how exactly do they impact clubs and their summer transfer plans?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Matt Slater &amp; Jacob Whitehead</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 Maresca-ball gone flat?

<p>On Friday night Chelsea suffered a fourth defeat in eight Premier League games, going down 3-0 away to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.</p><p>Having slipped from fourth to sixth, frustrations have come to the fore including from star player Cole Palmer.</p><p>So, has Maresca ball gone flat?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Chelsea writer Liam Twomey and senior football writer Oli Kay to analyse Chelsea's recent shortcomings, discuss the form and contributions of Palmer as well as assess whether or not Chelsea are improving under Maresca.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Liam Twomey and Oli Kay</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 - Tottenham vs Man United

<p>The self destruction derby? The banter bout? El Calamitico? </p><p>The Athletic’s Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Tottenham writer Jack Pitt-Brooke join football writer Tim Spiers and host Adam Leventhal to preview Tottenham vs Manchester United. </p><p>With the sides sitting 13th and 14th respectively, who will be holding the crisis baton come Sunday evening? </p><p>Plus we check in with some of the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere. </p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: Carl Anka, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tim Spiers</p><p>Featuring: James McNicholas, James Pearce</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>

Can Liverpool keep their heads ahead of pivotal period?

<p>Goodison Park’s final Merseyside derby delivered with James Tarkowski popping up with the stoppage time equaliser for Everton in their 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders, Liverpool.</p><p>Despite the draw sending Arne Slot's side seven points clear at the top of the Premier League could the draw at Goodson disrupt their title charge?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Stu James and Andy Jones to pick the bones out of the Merseyside derby, the context of the wider title race as well as the run of games to come for Slot's side.</p><p>Arsenal writer James McNicholas also joins to discuss the impact of Kai Havertz's hamstring injury for Arsenal, given Mikel Arteta's side are the closest challengers to land the Premier League title.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Andy Jones, Stu James and James McNicholas</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 will leaving Goodison impact Everton?

<p>Tonight’s Merseyside derby will be the last ever at Goodison Park - and there have been some absolute belters in the past.</p><br><p>So what are Everton losing in moving from Goodison?</p><br><p>And what are the benefits of football clubs switching to a new home? </p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Paddy Boyland, Rory Smith and Adrian Clarke</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>

Has Neymar delivered on the hype?

<p>Last week, Santos fans welcomed back club legend Neymar after 12 years away.</p><br><p>So why is he back in Brazil, why did it go so wrong in Saudi Arabia?</p><br><p>And how hard is it for players to live up to exorbitant price tags?</p><br><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Natalie Gedra and Phil Hay</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>

What now for Tottenham after disastrous week?

<p>In the space of just four days, Tottenham Hotspur have been knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the hands of Liverpool and Aston Villa.</p><p>It means their hopes of ending their 17-year trophy drought now rest solely on the Europa League.</p><p>So where do Spurs and Ange Postecoglou go from here? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter, Phil Hay, while Jay Harris also drops by to react to Ange Postecoglou's post-match press conference having been at Sunday's defeat to Aston Villa.</p><p>Host: Ayo Akinwolere</p><p>With: Jack Pitt-Brooke 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>

Can Newcastle finally end their trophy drought?

<p>The first piece of silverware in 2025 will be contested between Newcastle and Liverpool, when they meet in the Carabao Cup final. </p><p>The Athletic's senior writer George Caulkin joins Tim Spiers and host Adam Leventhal to discuss whether Eddie Howe's side can finally end their 70 year trophy drought.  </p><p>Plus we check in with some of the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the FA Cup fourth round. </p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>With: George Caulkin, Tim Spiers</p><p>Featuring: James McNicholas, James Pearce, Andy Mitten, Simon Johnson</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>