This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League. Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survival and is it now harder than ever to achieve it?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re focusing on Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The evolution of these two sides under the coaching of Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany respectively, got us thinking… do some managers require a team of elite players in order to succeed?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we bring you our first, long-awaited listener mailbag! You’ve been sending in some excellent questions and ideas since we came back for the new season — and now is the time for us to discuss them! So, the topics on today’s agenda include: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10 role and tactical revolutions at smaller clubs.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrouhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5793283/2024/09/26/premier-league-takeaways-five-games/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Michael Cox, a football analysis expert, Mark Carey, a sports analytics authority, and Liam Tharme, a commentator on football data, as they unpack the actual impact of analytics on the game. They debate whether data's influence is overstated while discussing its evolution and cultural significance. The trio examines how analytics shape shooting tactics and decision-making, emphasizing the balance between data and traditional methods. They also highlight successful case studies like Brentford and Brighton, showcasing the necessity of context in data's application.

Mohamed Salah joins Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Ahmed Walid to discuss his remarkable transformation into a creative force in football. They explore how elite players adapt their style as they age, using Salah's shift from winger to central playmaker as a key example. The conversation highlights the importance of tactical evolution and athletic longevity, emphasizing how players like Ronaldo and Messi have also navigated these changes. Together, they shed light on the delicate balance between physical fitness and strategic intelligence in maintaining top performance.

Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad.Matt Davies-Adams and the panel try to find some answers.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time, Michael Cox, a tactical expert, joins Thom Harris, a Premier League writer, and Liam Tharme, an analyst, to dissect the Premier League's opening weekend. They delve into the early misinterpretations of team performances, particularly Aston Villa’s contrasting display. Key highlights include Liverpool's midfield conundrum and the tactical evolution in the league. They also scrutinize strikers Jamie Vardy and Dominic Solanke, exploring their contrasting journeys and future prospects in an ever-evolving football landscape.

It’s part two of our own Premier League preview ahead of the 2024-25 season — where we look at the tactical conundrums facing each team in the English top flight.Last week, our groupings were… title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. If you don’t know who we shoehorned into each of those, then go have a listen back.This week we have… European hopefuls, relegation candidates and the best of the rest.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Michael Cox and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this first episode of the new season, we are previewing the upcoming 2024/2025 Premier League campaign - with a particular focus on the tactical conundrums facing each team.We’ll split this into two parts - covering 10 teams this week and the rest on our next show.This week, we look at the title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Duncan Alexander and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Football analyst Michael Cox discusses the surge of goals in the Premier League this season, exploring reasons like goalkeepers' performance, VAR impact, and players' shooting skills. The podcast delves into set piece goals, tactical shifts, and defensive weaknesses in the league, analyzing exciting matches and managerial styles. Discussions on the significance of scoring the first goal in matches and a farewell to the season with plans for a women's soccer podcast.