The Athletic FC Podcast

With 12 Premier League games to play, the top three are separated by just two points, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal all still firmly in contention to be crowned champions in May.So are we set for the most nail-biting climax in Premier League history, or will March's clashes at the top of the table prove decisive?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Arsenal writer James McNicholas as well as Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to assess and analyse each of the side in the race to win the title.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool? The Premier League’s title race analysed - The AthleticThree-team Premier League title races are rare – enjoy this while you can - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last night, Manchester City moved a step closer to another treble, thanks to the formidable Erling Haaland.If City do win the lot - again - could he start to think about a fresh challenge? There’s always been a suspicion that Haaland will one day join Real Madrid.But is a move now less likely with the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe?Or is Madrid the only realistic next destination for Haaland… if anywhere at all? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Man City correspondent Sam Lee, data writer Thom Harris, plus La Liga correspondent Dermot Corrigan.Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why has Everton’s 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules been reduced to six points? How will the decision impact sides around them locked in a relegation battle? What might it say about Everton's upcoming second case? And what about outstanding charges for Nottingham Forest… and the 115 for Manchester City?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Matt Slater and Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland.Produced by Mike StavrouAdditional production: Jay BealeExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Liverpool's 10th League Cup success manager Jurgen Klopp described it as the most special achievement of his career, given the reliance he had to put in a number of academy graduates.Youngsters Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jayden Danns and Jarrell Quansah were all used from the bench along with full-back Conor Bradley.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Liverpool reporter James Pearce to analyse the Reds' bold youth policy through academy coaching and recruitment before looking ahead to what could prove to be a decisive summer at Anfield.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:The Liverpool kids who won the cup – with some help from Virgil van Dijk - The AthleticJurgen Klopp’s Liverpool farewell tour skips, screams and grins on way to ‘most special trophy’ - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal and co return to preview the weekend of top-flight football ahead, with not only Premier League points but also domestic silverware on the line. Liverpool and Chelsea go head-to-head at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the Carabao Cup, but who would the trophy be more important for, Mauricio Pochettino at the start of his Chelsea career, or Jurgen Klopp at the end of his time at Liverpool? Meanwhile on Saturday, Arsenal host Newcastle and Man City travel to Bournemouth, both hoping to close the gap to Liverpool at the top of the table.And the weekend will also give us our first glimpse of Oliver Glasner, new in the dugout at Crystal Palace. We explore what fans can expect from the Austrian tactically. Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Luke BosherProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oliver Glasner has been chosen as the man to re-energise Crystal Palace after a barren run of just two wins from 16 in all competitions.The Europa League-winning coach replaces Roy Hodgson, who stepped down as manager on Monday.So, who is Glasner… and why have Palace chosen him? And just how big is the rebuilding job on his hands?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and Dom Fifield.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bayern Munich and head coach Thomas Tuchel will part ways at the end of the season.Why has the announcement come now and what does it tell us?Why isn’t Tuchel leaving immediately?And will Bayern be able to compete with Liverpool to make Xabi Alonso their new manager in the summer?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein and Nick Miller.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week Kylian Mbappe told Paris Saint Germain of his decision to leave the club at the end of the season with Real Madrid the expected destination but as their superstar departs, what next for PSG?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by French football writer and broadcaster Tom Williams and The Athletic's Carl Anka to analyse what comes next for Mbappe as well as the direction the French champions head in next.The panel assess what options will be open to PSG in the transfer market with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Frenkie De Jong and Rafael Leao all being linked with Luis Enrique's side following Mbappe's decision.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:Who should PSG sign to replace Kylian Mbappe? - The AthleticKylian Mbappe is leaving, so what next for Paris Saint-Germain? - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man United want Dan Ashworth to be their new sporting director.He has been placed on gardening leave after informing Newcastle of his desire to leave the club.But Newcastle want a huge fee of 20 MILLION pounds to release Ashworth from his contract.So how will this tussle between the two clubs play out as both teams chase Champions League football next season.And why is Ashworth so sought after? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Newcastle correspondent Chris Waugh.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Bailey and co breakdown matchweek 25 of the Premier League.The headline clash is Saturday's late game between Manchester City and Chelsea. The last meeting was a 4-4 classic, but can Chelsea take anything away this time?Elsewhere Luton host in-form Manchester United, who are going for their 5th win in a row, while Arsenal and Liverpool travel to Burnley and Brentford respectively hoping to keep pace at the top. Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller, JJ BullProducer: John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.