The Athletic FC Podcast

Reuben Pinder, a tactical analyst known for his detailed breakdowns, joins Jon Mackenzie, another expert in tactical insights, to explore Crystal Palace's impressive run. They discuss how manager Glasner’s style and intense mid-block have turned the team into an unbeatable force. The duo dives into set-piece strategies and how they've transformed corners into a key weapon. They also assess squad depth, the impact of European competitions, and the challenges of potentially losing Glasner to a bigger club. Expect candid insights on Palace's bright future!

Roshane Thomas, a football reporter who first reported on Graham Potter's West Ham dismissal, joins long-suffering fan Benji Lanyado to dissect the club's issues. They explore the mishandling of Potter's sacking, the friction with senior players, and whether Potter's style suited West Ham's culture. With Nuno Espírito Santo now at the helm, they discuss his early tactical choices, fan reactions, and the club's long-term identity. Both guests share insights on fan protests and realistic goals, highlighting the urgent need for stability after recent turmoil.

Adam Crafton, a seasoned football writer, and Oli Kay, an insightful football reporter, dive deep into Manchester United's struggles following yet another defeat. They analyze the alarming statistics behind United's away games and low win rate, shedding light on the mounting pressure on coach Ruben Amorim. The duo discusses fan sentiment, the potential for managerial changes, and the impact of recent signings. They question what motivation remains for the season and share insights on the future of the club amid chaos.

Join football journalist Oli Kay and analyst Jacob Whitehead as they dive into the thrilling Newcastle vs Arsenal clash. They discuss Newcastle's recent home dominance and Arsenal's title hopes under pressure. Topics include the struggles of Newcastle's attack, the impact of Anthony Gordon, and the implications of Bukayo Saka's absence for Arsenal. The pair also consider Arteta's cautious tactics and predict outcomes with Kay favoring Arsenal and Whitehead leaning towards a Newcastle victory.

In this engaging discussion, investigative football reporter Adam Crafton shares insights on FIFA's proposal for a 64-team World Cup in 2030. Experienced journalist Phil Hay debates the potential benefits and drawbacks of such expansion, while Conmebol expert Felipe Cárdenas explains South America's motivations behind the proposal. The conversation delves into the political maneuvering, infrastructure challenges, and opposition from UEFA. With excitement building, they ponder if a single expanded tournament could lead to permanent changes in future competitions.

Football writer Tom Williams and journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor dive into Ousmane Dembélé's remarkable transformation into a prolific goalscorer. They discuss his early promise at Rennes, standout season at Dortmund, and struggles at Barcelona. The duo explores the significance of his Ballon d'Or win for PSG and French football, pondering if his award was truly deserved or influenced by team success. They also debate the biases in award voting and the recognition of underappreciated players, including defenders and goalkeepers.

In this discussion, football journalist Jacob Tanswell, known for his insights on Aston Villa, joins analyst Dan Bardell to dissect the club's struggles in the Premier League. They dive into Unai Emery's challenges, assessing whether player laziness or tactical rigidity is to blame. The duo explores the impact of Monchi's impending exit on the power dynamics within the club and highlights the squad's issues, including striker performance and summer transfers. They also consider the future of Emery amidst mounting pressure.

David Ornstein, an experienced football journalist, shares insights on Arsenal's current position in the Premier League and the impact of boardroom changes. Adam Crafton dives into Arteta's cautious midfield strategy and comparisons with top strikers like Haaland. Meanwhile, Matt Slater discusses the influence of American ownership at Arsenal and the implications of Tim Lewis's exit. Together, they analyze the title race, contract dynamics, and even critique Chelsea's goalkeeper situation. A thrilling conversation for any football fan!

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Arsenal vs Manchester City. In what is often dubbed as master vs apprentice, Mikel Arteta is looking to become the first manager to go 5 games in a row unbeaten against Pep Guardiola. Mark Critchley and Nick Miller join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to some of the fixtures elsewhere, including the Merseyside derby and Manchester United vs Chelsea.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Critchley, Nick MillerExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Johnson, Chelsea correspondent with sharp insights from Munich, and Phil Hay, a seasoned football analyst, dissect Chelsea's recent 3-1 loss to Bayern. They explore the impact of the team's lack of Champions League experience on performance. The discussion flows into Chelsea's current transfer strategy, including Nicholas Jackson's potential and loan-to-buy mechanisms, alongside the broader implications of their trading model and ongoing financial pressures. Could these factors reshape Chelsea's fortunes this season?