The Athletic FC Podcast

Tifo's Jon Mackenzie and The Athletic's Nick Miller are alongside Michael Bailey ahead of Sunday's meeting between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield.Fresh from Real Madrid outlining their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold we also hear the thoughts of both Simon Hughes and James Pearce on the future of the England international.Plus, Carl Anka drops in with his take on a disappointing December for Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford having suffered four successive defeats in charge of Man United.As well as focusing on the meeting at Anfield, there's also a look at some of the Premier League's other standout games of the weekend including Arsenal's visit to Brighton, Newcastle United heading to Tottenham and Nuno Espirito Santo returning to Molineux with his in-form Nottingham Forest.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Jon Mackenzie and Nick MillerExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Spiers and Duncan Alexander join Michael Bailey for a Christmas special — reviewing the biggest moments from Boxing Day, as well as looking ahead to the next round of Premier League fixtures.Fulham stunned Chelsea winning at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 45 years, was this a reminder that Enzo Maresca'a side are not yet the finished product?Marco Silva's Fulham face Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth next, are these two sides optimising the fun and unpredictability of the Premier League this season?Liverpool capitalised on Chelsea's slip up, extending their lead at the top of the table — are we witnessing another 2019/20 season?Everything continues to go wrong for Manchester United — suffering their fourth defeat in five Premier League games as captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off — how does Ruben Amorim turn things around with in-form Newcastle United up next?Plus, back to back wins for Wolves and new boss Vitor Pereira, Nottingham Forest's Champions League chase, and how do Arsenal replace the injured Bukayo Saka?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Duncan AlexanderExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a year filled with news, moves and eyebrow raising events in the world of football and we're here to look back at them with our own Christmas countdown.What happened this year, and how have those decisions played out?Here to reminisce and recoil at the year it's editor-in-chief Laura Williamson and senior writer Adam Crafton.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Laura Williamson and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After beating Manchester United midweek in classically chaotic fashion, Tottenham host league leaders Liverpool. With just one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League home games, the panel analyse why Spurs are making things so difficult for themselves. Meanwhile Liverpool have shown a more adaptable side to their game this week, could Ange Postecoglou take a leaf out of Arne Slot’s book? Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere and talk sacking season after Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin were relieved of their duties this week. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Mark CareyExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has tested positive for a banned substance. He has been provisionally suspended. Both club and player have issued statements to make categorically clear that Mudryk has never “knowingly used” any banned substances.So where does this leave Chelsea and the £62m man?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson and senior writer Adam Crafton to discuss the scenario facing the Ukrainian winger.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson and Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s now one win and eight losses in 11 games for Man City after the weekend’s derby defeat to Manchester United.So… what will it take to fix their current situation?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Rory SmithExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, Atletico Madrid made it 11 wins on the bounce with Alexander Sorloth scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Getafe.Having drawn level at the top of La Liga - next up they head to table-toppers Barcelona.So can Diego Simeone’s new-look Atleti sustain their challenge?Ayo Akinwolere is joined from Madrid by The Athletic's La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan as well as Colin Millar to analyse Atleti's red-hot form, their summer investment in the transfer market and whether their title challenge is sustainable ahead of the trip to face Barca.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan and Colin MillarProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sacking season is in full flow. Russell Martin departed Southampton, hours after Gary O’Neil was shown the door at Wolves. Three wins between these teams, 76 goals conceded. It has been coming. Today, we focus on Wolves, who look set to appoint Vitor Pereira.So… just how much relegation danger are they in?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Tim Spiers, Phil Hay and David NovoExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Mike Stavrou and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On December 1, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters unfolded. At the Stade du 3 Avril in Nzerekore, Guinea, a devastating crush led to chaos and, according to officials, the deaths of 56 people. But domestic human rights organisations believe they have verified that at least 135 people lost their lives that day.The Athletic travelled to Nzerekore to visit the stadium, analyse what happened and speak to eyewitnesses and relatives of those involved. They are grieving and searching for the truth.Content Warning: This show contains reporting that some listeners may find upsettingHost: Adam LeventhalProducer: Abi PatersonNews reporting: Channel 4, France News, Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City writer Sam Lee, Manchester writer Mark Citchley and tactics writer Thom Harris join Michael Bailey for a Manchester derby roundtable.With Pep Guardiola's side picking up just one win in their last 10 games, the panel dissect why it's still going wrong and look at whether Sunday's game presents an opportunity to bounce back.Manchester United have lost their last two Premier League games - but after coming from behind to win in Plzeň - are Ruben Amorim's side showing signs of moving in the right direction?Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across The Athletic FC.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Sam Lee, Mark Citchley, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.