The Athletic FC Podcast

Is this another false dawn at Man United?

<p>Manchester United's 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday made it four consecutive wins for the first time this season, but what is the significance of that?</p><p>Have Erik Ten Hag's side got a realistic shot at recovering their hopes of securing Champions League qualification, or is this latest run just the latest false dawn at Old Trafford ahead of a summer reset?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Man United writer Laurie Whitwell to discuss what's been behind the recent revival and how long it may be able to go on for.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5267925/2024/02/12/scott-mctominay-man-united-villa-goal/">McTominay’s seven goals have earned Man United 12 points. What does it say about Ten Hag’s side?</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5262721/2024/02/10/erik-ten-hag-man-utd-young-talent/">Manchester United finally have ‘foundation’ to develop young players – Erik ten Hag</a> - The Athletic</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>

Weekend Preview: Can Villa hold off Man United?

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview a bumper weekend of football ahead, including the Premier League as well as title matchups in Germany and Spain, and two international cup finals.</p><p>The Premier League matchweek is headlined by fourth-place Villa welcoming eighth-place Manchester United to Villa Park. Both are chasing Champions League football, and Villa could open up an 11-point gap over the visitors.</p><p>Elsewhere Manchester City welcome Everton hoping to extended their winning run to 10 games in all competitions, and Spurs head to Brighton in another eye-catching fixture.</p><p>Saturday also sees the top two in Spain and Germany face off, with Jon MacKenzie filling us in on all the ramifications of Real Madrid vs Girona and Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich.</p><p>And finally, both the Asian Cup and AFCON tournaments come to an end this weekend - we preview both finals.</p><p>Further reading:</p><p>https://theathletic.com/5243354/2024/02/07/fake-man-united-news-social-media/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Joey D’Urso</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</p><br><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball</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 this been the best AFCON ever?

<p>After four weeks of showcasing what the continent has to offer, the Africa Cup of Nations is down to a final two.</p><p>Hosts Ivory Coast play Nigeria in Sunday’s showpiece final in what has been the most thrilling AFCON in decades.</p><p>But what’s made it so good? Has the on-pitch drama been matched by the eyeballs watching the tournament? </p><p>And what does AFCON need to do off the pitch to match the success on it?</p><p>Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender, and 2012 AFCON runner-up, Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris to discuss and debate what has made AFCON 2023 such a success.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5240403/2024/02/08/amad-diallo-manchester-united-trafficking/">The story of Amad Diallo – and the man accused of trafficking him to Europe</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5231820/2024/02/02/afcon-managers-african-black/">AFCON finally has African managers. But the rest of the world has not caught up</a> - The Athletic</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball</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 Man City might not win the title

<p>Man City look unstoppable… </p><p>Victory over Brentford on Monday was their ninth consecutive win across all competitions…</p><p>Win all their games and Pep Guardiola’s side will be Champions </p><p>But is their fourth Premier League title in a row already set in stone?</p><p>Or are there enough flaws in this City team for the likes of Arsenal &amp; Liverpool to believe?  </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s data expert &amp; Man City fan Thom Harris, Manchester United writer Carl Anka… and representing Tottenham - it’s Charlie Eccleshare.</p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Additional production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Further reading:</p><p>https://theathletic.com/5254392/2024/02/07/manchester-city-premier-league-title-liverpool-arsenal/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball</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 still believe in Project Pochettino?

<p>After a heavy defeat at the weekend, home fans at Stamford Bridge made their feelings clear..</p><p>Less than a year on from the sacking of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table</p><p>So…. after spending so heavily on players over the past 19 months, what exactly is owner Todd Boehly’s plan for Chelsea?</p><p>And where does this leave the Pochettino Project?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Chelsea writer Liam Twomey, who joins us fresh from attending Mauricio Pochettino’s press conference, and in the studio is Commissioning Editor for the Athletic - Dom Fifield. </p><br><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Additional production: Jay Beale</p><p>Executive producer: Adey Moorhead</p><br><p>Further reading:</p><p>https://theathletic.com/5252016/2024/02/06/chelsea-pochettino-eghbali-boehly-thiago/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_</p><p>https://theathletic.com/5250288/2024/02/05/chelsea-pochettino-silva-boehly-clearlake-wolves/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball</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 Arsenal win the Premier League?

<p>Having moved to within just two points of the top of the Premier League, are Arsenal serious contenders to win this season's Premier League?</p><p>The Gunners saw of Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday in a must-win game for their title hopes as Mikel Arteta's side hope to go one better than last season.</p><p>Join Ayo Akinwolere, James McNicholas and Oli Kay as they analyse Arsenal's win over table-toppers Liverpool before assessing the credibility of their title chances with champions Manchester City also waiting to take advantage with Pep Guardiola's side having games in hand on those above them.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Further reading:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5250562/2024/02/05/arsenal-arteta-rice-martinelli-jorginho-liverpool/">Arsenal bring back chaos football – and their title challenge feels stronger for it</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5111300/2023/12/05/jorginho-arsenal-arteta-interview-premier-league/">Jorginho interview: Arsenal ‘energy’, no-hop penalties, love for Havertz, knowing strengths</a> - The Athletic</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball</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>

Weekend Preview: Will Liverpool end Arsenal’s title challenge?

<p>Michael Bailey sits in for Adam Leventhal for another preview of the weekend ahead! </p><p>Headlining the fixture list is Arsenal vs Liverpool - is it now or never for Arsenal to get back in the title race? </p><p>Elsewhere a downturn in form has seen Everton drift into the relegation zone, but will Champions League-chasing Spurs pile on the misery at Goodison? </p><p>And Manchester United's chaotic season continued midweek with a 4-3 win away to Wolves. Can they back it up this Sunday as they welcome West Ham?</p><p>Host: Michael Bailey</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Nnamdi Onyeagwara</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</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 FFP killed the transfer window?

<p>It's been a low-key transfer window as the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules showed their teeth.</p><p>Saudi spending paused, the “Chelsea loophole” closed and clubs instead left scouring the market for loans or cut-price deals.</p><p>The summer, however, things could ramp up again though clubs will start to work with two deadlines in mind!</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and Joey D'Urso to discuss the impact of financial restrictions on the state of the transfer market and whether or not the paralysis could continue into the summer market.</p><p>James Horncastle, Dermot Corrigan and Seb Stafford-Bloor also drop by to paint the picture across Europe explaining the financial landscape in Italy, Spain and Germany respectively.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Further reading:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5241772/2024/02/01/two-transfer-deadlines/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_">What Europe’s leading clubs will need to do in the summer of two transfer deadlines - The Athletic</a></p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5205988/2024/01/17/psr-premier-league-105m/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_">What is PSR and why do Premier League rules only allow clubs to lose £105m? - The Athletic</a></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 Man United been tough enough with Rashford?

<p>Manchester United say Marcus Rashford has “taken responsibility for his actions” and will be available for selection again after being dropped </p><p>This after we reported Rashford went for a night before reporting ill &amp; missing training the following day</p><p>United says that the disciplinary matter has been dealt with internally and is now closed.</p><p>But given how the likes of Jadon Sancho were dealt with, has Erik ten Hag been tough enough with Rashford? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Mark Critchley &amp; Andy Mitten who writes about United for us &amp; is also editor of fanzine United We Stand.</p><p>Produced by Jay Beale.</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Further Reading:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5238234/2024/01/31/manchester-united-marcus-rashford-tough/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_"><strong>Have Manchester United been tough enough with Marcus Rashford? - The Athletic</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5237563/2024/01/30/marcus-rashford-manchester-united-fans/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_"><strong>Marcus Rashford is testing the patience of fans who fear his talent could be wasted - The Athletic</strong></a></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 Barcelona’s toxicity forced Xavi out

<p>After a humiliating defeat on Saturday, Barcelona manager Xavi announced he’d be stepping down from his position at the end of the season. </p><p>So what led Xavi to make this decision when he did? </p><p>And as financial troubles &amp; power struggles continue behind scenes whilst the team struggle on the pitch</p><p>What next for Barcelona? </p><p>Is it time for a cultural reset for the club with perhaps the most famous identity in world football? </p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan and our FC Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus</p><p>Produced by Jay Beale</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Further reading: <a href="https://theathletic.com/5234037/2024/01/29/barcelona-xavi-laporta-stepping-down/?source=audio_podcast_podcastID_144_"><strong>Xavi’s Barcelona resignation: The full story behind his decision to step down in June</strong></a></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 do Liverpool replace Klopp?

<p>On Friday morning the world of football was shaken by news Jurgen Klopp is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.</p><p>After more than eight years in charge the German is to walk away in the summer, leaving the Reds in need of a new management team including a new Sporting Director, manager and first team coaching staff.</p><p>So how do Liverpool go about beginning their search for a successor to their most successful manager of the Premier League era?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool writer James Pearce and German football writer, and author of the Jurgen Klopp biography Bring The Noise, Raphael Honigstein to analyse Klopp's decision to leave and explain where it leaves Liverpool.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</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>

Weekend Preview: Maddison returns and a Black Country derby

<p>Adam Leventhal and co return to preview another bumper FA Cup weekend, featuring 16 matches, including several heavyweight Premier League ties.</p><p>Friday night sees Spurs welcome Man City back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a match in which they boast a remarkable record: five games played, five wins, zero goals conceded. Can Man City snap the streak?</p><p>Also on Friday, Aston Villa head to Stamford Bridge. The Villains may be way ahead in the league, but Chelsea are coming off the back of recent cup success, reaching the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday.</p><p>Elsewhere we have a Black Country Derby, with West Brom hosting Wolves. We catch up with how the home side has fared since Premier League relegation in 2021 and ask whether they can upset the odds come Sunday.</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Luke Bosher</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</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>

Klopp to leave Liverpool at end of season

<p>Liverpool have announced that Jurgen Klopp is stepping down as manager at the end of the season.</p><p>After a hugely successful eight and a half years at the club, Klopp will take a sabbatical.</p><p>So what next for him, and what next for Liverpool?</p><p>The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce reacts to this seismic news.</p><br><p>Host: Iain Macintosh</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>

What went wrong for Kalvin Phillips at Man City?

<p>Just 18 months after completing a £45m move to Manchester City from his boyhood club Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips is heading out on loan to West Ham United.</p><p>So why has the move ended in failure for the England international after flourishing under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road prior to signing for Pep Guardiola.</p><p>And with Euro 2024 on the horizon can David Moyes rejuvenate one of Gareth Southgate's most trusted midfielders?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee, Leeds United writer Phil Hay and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke to discuss.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</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>

Where are all the January transfers?

<p>Into a cup final and not spending a penny in January… Couldn’t be Todd Boehly’s Chelsea could it? </p><p>So, is this another false dawn or is Pochettino's project starting to gather pace? </p><p>And as the Blues struggle to find suitable buyers for players like Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher - would anyone actually notice if someone gently closed the January transfer window now?</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Jay Beale</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>

How Salah's AFCON descended into chaos

<p>As Egypt scraped through to the knockout stages on another night of <em>pure</em> drama at AFCON, Mo Salah was resigned to cheering on his teammates from the stands, with a hamstring injury...</p><p>With Salah returning to Liverpool for treatment - confusion reigns over how it was communicated by his club and country.</p><p>So is his tournament really over? How has Egypt's perception of one of African football's biggest stars changed in recent years and was he put in an impossible position by both Liverpool and the Egyptian FA?</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production: Mike Stavrou</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>

Why Man United took Berrada from Man City

<p>Less than one month on from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Man United being made public, INEOS have already signalled their intentions poaching Omar Berrada from rivals Man City to become their new CEO.</p><p>But who is he? How significant has he been in building City’s dominance and what impact can he have at Old Trafford?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein, reporter Adam Crafton and FC Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus to analyse the appointment.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</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>

Weekend Preview: Will Solanke haunt Liverpool?

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview the five remaining fixtures of matchday 21. </p><p>Liverpool head to Bournemouth on Sunday, and will have to cope with the red-hot Dominik Solanke. Can he make the difference against his former club, and could he be in line for a big move in the near future?</p><p>Arsenal host Crystal Palace hoping to get back to winning ways after three straight defeats. Will their winter break have done their misfiring strikers some good? </p><p>Elsewhere, Ivan Toney finally returns to the pitch as Brentford host Nottingham Forest; Sheffield United take on West Ham hoping to ignite their dismal season; and Brighton host Wolves to round out the games.</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Luke Bosher, Jon Mackenzie, Jay Harris</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</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>

Ivan Toney’s return & rehabilitation

<p>After eight months away, after being banned for 232 betting offences, this weekend marks Ivan Toney’s return.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Brentford writer Jay Harris and Senior Football writer Oli Kay to discuss how much the Bees have missed their talisman ahead of the second half of the campaign.</p><p>David Ornstein shares the state of play in the transfer market regarding the striker before co-editor of Beesotted Billy ‘The Bee’ Grant reacts to the continued speculation over Toney future, fuelled in no small part by the player himself.</p><p>Plus, ahead of Euro 2024 this summer, can he do enough to earn himself a spot in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad that will travel to Germany?</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</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>

Is Jose Mourinho still special?

<p>Jose Mourinho’s 'Roman reign' came to an abrupt end yesterday...</p><p>Former captain Danielle de Rossi will now take charge of Roma until the end of the season.</p><p>It’s almost 20 years on from <strong>that</strong> touchline sprint at Old Trafford &amp; <strong>THAT</strong> Chelsea press conference</p><p>... But is he <strong><em>still</em></strong> special? And what next for Jose Mourinho? </p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional production: Guy Clarke &amp; Jay Beale</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>

More FFP charges but what about Man City?

<p>It is close to a year — 49 weeks and counting — since the Premier League handed Manchester City a charge sheet with 115 breaches of its financial rules across NINE different seasons.</p><p>Just yesterday, the Premier League brought charges against both Nottingham Forest - and for the <strong><em>second</em></strong> time this season - Everton... All before the reigning Premier League champions are to even see a hearing begin?</p><p>So, what’s going on? Is <em>PSR (Profitability &amp; Sustainability Rules)</em> really about promoting sustainability, meeting arbitrary deadlines or maybe just maintaining the status quo? And is the Everton ruling to blame for an unusually quiet January transfer window?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</p><p>Additional Production by Jay Beale</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>

Why can’t Newcastle buy success?

<p>There was a sense of inevitability at St. James' Park on Saturday when Kevin De Bruyne entered the arena.</p><p>So why can't Newcastle United, the-so-called “richest club in the world” match Manchester City spending power and have their own selection of superstars to call on from the bench?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh and Mark Critchley to analyse.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Jay Beale</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>

Weekend Preview: Spurs new faces to storm Old Trafford?

<p>Adam Leventhal returns to preview matchweek 16 of the Premier League.</p><p>Five fixtures over the weekend are headlined by Man United vs Tottenham. Will we get a glimpse of new Spurs’ signings Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin, and will they hit the ground running?</p><p>Elsewhere champions Man City travel up to Newcastle. Both teams won comfortably in the FA Cup last week, with City welcoming back Kevin De Bruyne from a 5-month absence. Can he make the difference in the title race?</p><p>The remaining fixtures are a 6-pointer at the bottom between Luton and Burnley, a west-London derby as Fulham go to Chelsea, and second-place Aston Villa visiting Goodison Park.</p><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob Whitehead</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</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>

AFCON Preview: Favourites, outsiders and Onana return

<p>Two years on from Senegal ending their wait for glory, AFCON returns this weekend.</p><p>Does this year's tournament represent Mohamed Salah’s best chance to finally lay claim to being King of the Continent?</p><p>Meanwhile, Andre Onana, one of Africa’s most high profile players, once again sees his international career in jeopardy.</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris, Mark Critchley and Thom Harris.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Jay Beale</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>

What would Henderson's Saudi u-turn cost him?

<p>Last summer, the list of high-profile players leaving some of Europe’s biggest clubs to join the Saudi Pro League seemed to get longer by the day…</p><p>What started with a multi-million-pound pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2022 soon expanded to include the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and of course, Jordan Henderson.</p><p>Well, now it seems Henderson wants out - and to return to the Premier League.</p><p>But it may not be that easy and <strong><em>could</em></strong> come at a significant cost... So what would an exit from the Saudi Pro League cost Henderson?</p><p>Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Sarah Shephard &amp; Oliver Kay.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides &amp; Jay Beale</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>

Will Werner be a success at Spurs?

<p>So Tottenham have agreed a loan deal for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.</p><p>A player who  - it’s fair to say - was a disappointment at Chelsea.</p><p>But if the German international fits the profile and style Spurs are looking for..</p><p>Can Ange Postecoglou be the one to unlock Werner’s potential? </p><p>Host Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jack-Pitt Brooke, Liam Twomey who as one of our Chelsea writers was there to witness Werner’s time at Stamford Bridge and European writer Seb Stafford-Bloor who is based in Germany.</p><p>Produced by Mike Stavrou.</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>

Why can't Arsenal score goals?

<p>Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home yesterday by Liverpool in the FA Cup. That was despite creating a number of good chances and having relative ‘control’ of the game throughout...</p><p>Something Gunners' fans haven’t seen since… well, the West Ham game last week! So, how worrying is this pattern for Arteta?</p><p>And what’s their way out - Is it through coaching? Or in the January transfer window? </p><p>Host Adam Leventhal is joined by former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke and The Athletic's James McNicholas to discuss.</p><br><p>Produced by Adonis Pratsides</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>

Weekend Preview: Can Sunderland add to Newcastle’s misery?

<p>The Weekend Preview returns for 2024 with an FA Cup special.</p><p>Headlining the show is the first Tyne-and-Wear derby since 2016, as a wounded Newcastle head to their local rivals Sunderland.</p><p>Meanwhile, the highest-profile clash sees fourth-place Arsenal welcome table-topping Liverpool on Sunday. Arsenal are in poor form, but how much will Liverpool miss Mo Salah, who’s just left for AFCON?</p><p>Another all-Premier League tie is Brentford vs Wolves, which Jon Mackenzie is off to attend. With Brentford only a couple of places outside the relegation zone, could a cup win re-ignite their season?</p><p>And finally, we whip out the crystal ball and offer some predictions for the year ahead, covering winners, losers, new trends and best players.</p><br><p>Host: Adam Leventhal</p><p>Guests: Nick Miller, Jon Mackenzie, Tim Spiers</p><p>Producer: John Rogers</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 Real Madrid finally get Mbappe?

<p>Victory last night means Real Madrid have reached the halfway stage of La Liga as league leaders on goal difference.</p><p>But in terms of stability, resources and recruitment they look miles ahead of everyone else in Spain - and most clubs across Europe. </p><p>So with the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti secured, overseeing a clutch of talented youngsters in their redeveloped iconic stadium what, if anything, do they need to do to improve? Apart from adding Kylian Mbappe...</p><p>Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan and Junior Spain Editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to discuss Madrid's season so far as well as analyse the ongoing chase to sign Mbappe.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Jay Beale</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>

Man United’s January plans & Sancho’s future

<p>Now that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United has finally been confirmed, how will this impact the club’s January window?</p><p>Even if players are sold, is spending even possible given FFP concerns? And is Jadon Sancho set to follow Donny van de Beek out the door at Old Trafford?</p><p>Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</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>