The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

It’s a jam packed show this week as Kate Mason is joined in the studio by tacticos Liam Tharme and Rob Green to discuss all the weekend’s goings on, including a fierce London derby as Chelsea host rivals Spurs.Plus, we’re joined by former Brighton defender Adam Webster to get an inside look at all things football on the south coast. What’s it like to play for Roberto de Zerbi? How do you stop Erling Haaland? And, the question on everyone’s lips - how are Brighton that good?Host: Kate MasonPanelists: Rob Green, Liam Tharme, Adam WebsterExecutive producers: Adam Jones, Max Curwen BingleyProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liam Tharme, The Athletic’s tactics writer and data analyst, joins former England goalkeeper Rob Green for a sharp weekend preview. They examine Coventry’s pragmatic promotion style, Spurs’ improved build-up under De Zerbi and the danger of a banana skin. They also assess Fulham’s scoring woes, Newcastle’s attacking void, Villa’s momentum and Manchester United’s pressing collapse ahead of Leeds.

Liam Tharme, The Athletic’s football tactics writer, joins former England goalkeeper and analyst Rob Green for a tactical look at Liverpool vs Manchester City. They explore Anfield’s psychological pressure, City’s response to Liverpool’s press, and Liverpool’s defensive risks. The discussion also covers United’s identity crisis, Arsenal’s midfield options, Brentford’s set-piece threat, and the crucial concepts of rest defence and counter-pressing.

Duncan Alexander, The Athletic’s data specialist, and Rob Green, former England goalkeeper turned analyst, review the Premier League’s opening five weeks. They explore expected points, shot conversion and Manchester United’s shot volume, then assess Forest’s struggles and Leeds and Everton’s defensive strength. Brighton’s pressing, James Trafford’s impressive start, and Spurs and Chelsea’s disappointing openings also feature.

Liam Tharme, The Athletic’s football tactics and data writer, joins Rob Green, former England and Premier League goalkeeper, to preview Spurs vs Aston Villa. They explore Tottenham’s attacking struggles, set-piece threat and De Zerbi’s challenge, plus Villa’s squad upheaval. The discussion also covers Bournemouth, Chelsea, Hull City and pressing’s rise as football’s central weapon.

Liam Tharme, The Athletic’s tactics writer, joins Rob Green, former England goalkeeper and Chelsea player, to preview Arsenal vs Chelsea. They explore Xabi Alonso’s fluid low-possession setup, Arsenal’s roaming fullbacks and collective goal threat, plus squad rebuilds at Everton, Tottenham and Newcastle. The discussion also reveals how Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton continually reinvent themselves.

Adrian Clarke, former Arsenal midfielder turned pundit, brings frontline tactical instincts. Thom Harris, The Athletic data writer, supplies statistical and formation analysis. They break down Villa's midfield frailties and Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The conversation also covers pressing trends, recruitment wins and which clubs have had quietly effective transfer windows.

Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast as we merge with the Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an analytical lens.This week, we talk tactical trends we expect to take hold this season, while our primary focus is on the big battle at St James’ Park as Newcastle host Liverpool.The panel also touch on champions Arsenal vs Coventry, Man City vs Bournemouth and Fulham vs Chelsea.Host: Kate MasonWith: Rob Green and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joshua Kloke, Toronto-based writer offering local Canadian football context. Ewan Sharp, Canada assistant coach focused on match planning and tactical identity. They discuss tournament prep, opposition analysis, Canada's proactive, fast style, shape and asymmetry, coaching influences and international tactical variety. Excitement builds about squad progress and World Cup matchups.

Liam Tharme, tactics and match analyst who spots team-specific quirks. Conor O'Neill, data-driven squad and league analyst. Michael Cox, veteran tactics writer with historical perspective. They discuss squad balance and role clarity. They highlight rotation, specialist substitutes, and which nations — from Spain and France to Japan, Ecuador and Switzerland — bring the most intriguing tactical setups.