The Athletic FC Podcast

In June FIFA’s new Club World Cup launches but do you know where it’s being held, who’s playing in it or what the format actually is?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton to discuss the tournament ahead of it's relaunch in the USA next summer with Felipe Cardenas also popping by to explain what it means for the US to host the competition.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater & Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An agreement has been reached for The Friedkin Group to complete a takeover of Everton.But when will it actually be completed? And how is it being paid for? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Paddy Boyland and James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on West Ham. There was so much excitement over their summer transfer business, but Julen Lopetegui has won just one of his first five league games in charge.So… have the Hammers got worse under their new manager or is the job just impossible?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Benji Lanyado, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday, champions Manchester City and challengers Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad in which both sides had to come from behind.Despite trailing to Erling Haaland's early goal, Mikel Arteta's side were only denied a win in the depths of added time with John Stones equalising for Pep Guardiola's side.So have Arsenal moved closer to dethroning Man City, despite not beating them?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Man City writer Sam Lee and Arsenal writer James McNicholas, who were both watching on to discuss the fallout from a game which involved plenty of drama both on-and-off the pitch.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on 1st vs 2nd as Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium.Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Tim Spiers, Jon MackenzieExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on Aston Villa - looking at their season so far and what was a hectic summer transfer window..So how is Unai Emery’s side managing the demands of both Champions League and Premier League football? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Thom Harris who was there to witness Villa’s return to action in the Champions League this week & also broadcaster Dan Bardell who is very much a Villa fan too.Producer: Nick ThomsonExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on Real Madrid and their super star players - The Galacticos.So how does Carlo Ancelotti manage the talent and the egos to deliver on the pitch?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Ramón CalderónExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re focusing on Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules after the long-awaited hearing started earlier this week.So how might all this play out for City?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After victory in the North London derby, is Arsenal's leaner squad capable of keeping pace with Manchester City across both the Premier League and the Champions League?Also, David Ornstein will bring us all the details of manager Mikel Arteta’s new contract And what does defeat to Arsenal say about how far Ange Postecoglou are behind their local rivals.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein and newsletter lead writer, Phil HayHost: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.This week — we’re focusing on the North London derby as Spurs host Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jon Mackenzie, Nick MillerExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.