The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. From Liverpool’s direct attacks to Crystal Palace’s runs in behind - we have you covered. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025.What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week… we’re dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches.Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week… we’ve had SO MANY brilliant, insightful messages that it was about time to got stuck into our second Tactics Mailbag of the season.So today we’re talking…The importance of “Premier League experience” for January signings, when do new managers get “found out”, left-footed central-midfielders and much more!Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactical tidbits that have emerged.From Fulham in a back five to Chelsea leaking goals to yet another weakness in Manchester United.We also look at Arsenal’s Saka-shaped hole, which type of passes Manchester City seem unwilling to play and much more.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the last show of the year, so the perfect time to look back on the tactical highlights of 2024.We’re talking trends, teams, players, standout moments and of course, our tweak of the YEAR!Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and maybe a few others.How do these clubs build their status in the English top flight and climb the table in the years after promotion?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re delving into the world of game state, and how tactics change whether a team is winning, losing or drawing.And… can we come up with what the most dangerous scoreline really is?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League this weekend — and given what these two clubs have been up to recently, there’s plenty to dissect, on the present and what we may get down the road. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In light of Manchester City’s attempts to cope without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and Arsenal’s struggles without their captain Martin Odegaard, we’re asking — how do teams cope without their star players?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Liam Tharme, Thom Harris, Art de RochéProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.