The Athletic FC Podcast

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?

Colin Millar, a tactical expert on Real Madrid, and Guillermo Rai, a dedicated correspondent, discuss the contrasting paths of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr after Madrid's recent victory in the Champions League. They dive into Mbappe's emerging leadership role and his scoring prowess while Vinicius finds himself benched. The podcast also explores Vinicius' contract situation, the impact of recent injuries, and Real Madrid's future transfer strategies, all while addressing ongoing disputes over officiating in football.

Football reporters Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tom Williams, and Tomás Hill López-Menchero discuss the thrilling return of the Champions League. They delve into PSG's evolution into a formidable squad and the challenges they may face from rival teams. The conversation navigates through the recent changes in the tournament's structure and the balance of power among clubs. Additionally, they highlight emerging teams like Union Saint-Gillois and the rise of Bodo Glimt, providing insights into the unpredictability and excitement of the upcoming matches.

David Ornstein, a football correspondent for The Athletic, and Adam Crafton, a football writer covering Manchester United, dive into the impact of Erling Haaland’s scoring on Manchester City's ambitions this season. They dissect his remarkable goal tally, especially in the recent Manchester derby. The discussion also highlights the emotional atmosphere surrounding the club after a beloved figure's passing, while contrasting the struggling dynamics faced by Manchester United. The importance of mental health support and strategic recruitment in football also emerges as key themes.