Rory Smith, a noted football journalist, joins Tom Williams, an expert on French football, along with former pro Adrian Clarke and Aston Villa reporter Jacob Tanswell. They dive deep into the recent Champions League chaos, discussing Man City and PSG's progression. The panel highlights the upcoming crucial match between Arsenal and Man City, and Bournemouth's clash with Liverpool. Jacob reveals transfer buzz around Aston Villa's key players, while the conversation also touches on young talents and tactical insights shaping the weekend ahead.

Jacob Tanswell, a journalist reporting from Bruges, shares insights on Aston Villa's struggles during a disappointing match. He highlights tactical issues that marked the worst performance of Unai Emery's era. Liverpool shines with a 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, thanks to Luis Diaz's hat-trick, while Manchester City suffers their third consecutive defeat, raising questions about their counter-attack vulnerability. The conversation touches on Arsenal's recent losses and their upcoming challenge against Chelsea, setting the stage for intense Premier League action.

Matt Slater, Dan Sheldon and Jacob Tanswell dissect Southampton's relegation from the Premier League, focusing on the club's data-driven approach and its impact. They discuss the role of Rasmus Ankersen, the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl, and the club's bold youthful transfer policy. The decline of Southampton FC, challenges in ownership and management, and the need for cohesion are also analyzed.

Join James Horncastle, a sharp football reporter, Phil Hay, the lead writer for Athletic FC, and Jacob Tanswell, Aston Villa's correspondent, as they dive into the revamped Champions League format. They debate its pros and cons, including its revenue potential and its effect on fan engagement. Highlights include Manchester City's thrilling win, the challenges posed by giants like Real Madrid, and Aston Villa's transfer talks around players like Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins. Get insights into the implications of newfound dynamics in European football!

Jacob Tanswell, Aston Villa correspondent for The Athletic, shares insights on the club's surprising success in the Champions League and its toll on their Premier League form. Tom Harris, a data writer, analyzes the statistical impact of this juggling act. They discuss the challenges of balancing multiple competitions, the emergence of star players like Morgan Rodgers, and manager Unai Emery's tactical evolution. With player performance fluctuating and fixture congestion looming, can Villa maintain their momentum without becoming victims of their own success?