The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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This week's Tactical Preview focuses on one of the biggest games in Premier League history: Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

The matchup has been given more significance after the news of City's guilty ruling, so how will the players fare on the day and will it alter their tactical approach?

Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's tactics writer Liam Tharme to discuss the game at Anfield, plus Manchester United vs Spurs, Arsenal vs Leeds and Brentford's trip to Villa Park.

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The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action.

Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to discuss the trends from the opening stages of the campaign; from expected points, to shot conversion.

The panel also break down who has surprised and disappointed them, chatting Leeds and Everton's solid defences to Spurs' slow start.

Host: Kate Mason

Guests: Rob Green, Duncan Alexander

Executive Producer: Adam Jones

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It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.

Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season.

Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the season.

The panel also break down the importance of pressing in the modern era and how it’s cha...

Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side.

The panel also discuss squad building, with multiple clubs going through big changes in personnel over the summer window.

They also look at Everton vs Manc...

The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.

Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to dissect where the game will be won and lost. They focus on Villa's frailties in beating the press, Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The Athletic's Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell also drops by to give the lowdown on Villa's midfield struggles in the defeat to Brighton.

The panel also focus on Chelsea vs Brighton, Man United...

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.

Hos...

We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics.

We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more!

With a very special guest - assistant coach of the Canada men’s national team, Ewan Sharp.

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan Sharp

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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With the World Cup right around the corner, we’re discussing the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.

Plus, we’ll assess how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad.

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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What can we learn from the tactics employed in 2025/26?

Are we too reliant on set pieces (even employing MMA fighters to help!) and how will that shape recruitment this summer?

Plus what makes the ‘perfect ball’ and we look ahead to the Champions League final.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox & Liam Tharme

Producer: Si Watts

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Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 trophy-laden years.

So how did he change the landscape of Premier League tactics? 

And what comes next for Man City?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom Harris

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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It’s that time of the year, already — our very special alternative Premier League Team of the Season.

Who has impressed us from the sides in the bottom half of the table?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts

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This week, we’re reviewing a compelling set of Champions League semi-finals.

From Arsenal’s defensive solidity, to the most complete side in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain. 

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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With only five players across Europe’s top five leagues on 20 goals or more.

Today we’re asking: where have all the goalscorers gone?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts

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Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. 

So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?

And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey 

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week, there’s only one story in town — the Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.

Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor?

Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts

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This week, we’re diving into the world of attacking partnerships.

How have roles at the top of the pitch changed over time?

And must all attackers be able to defend?

Host: Matt Davies-Adams

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou 

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This week, we’re discussing midfield combinations.

From your creators, to destroyers; how do player roles complement each other?

Let’s build a complete midfield!

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou 

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This week, we’re discussing football’s relentless schedule.

What impact is it having on players and matches?

And… can we measure whether football is actually more intense than it used to be?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou 

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This week, we’re discussing an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.

From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern Munich and Real Madrid really are.

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan Alexander

Producer: Mike Stavrou 

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In this episode, we’re discussing whether the appointments of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur have paid off or not.

What have they changed at their respective clubs, and are they better off for it?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Cerys Jones.

Producer: Steve Hankey.

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This week, we’re discussing football’s new rules!

We’ll talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in countdowns and our own suggestions for new football laws.

Host: Duncan Alexander

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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It’s mailbag time!

On this episode we’ll discuss:

Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more!

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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It’s February — and we have real jeopardy in both the Premier League title race and relegation battle.

So this week, we’ll discuss the tactics we have seen, and will see from the teams at the top and bottom of the table. 

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week — we’re talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week — we’re diving into the world of weather. 

How do the elements impact what happens on the pitch? 

From the rainy, cold and windy nights at Stoke.

To the scorching heat of the 1994 World Cup in the U.S.

We’ll discuss it all.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Conor O'Neill

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Arsenal are top of the Premier League, but only seventh for open play xG.

So is that a Mikel Arteta issue - or a league-wide one?

Host: Duncan Alexander

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid

Producer: Mike Stavrou

We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedb...

This week, we’re diving into the world of home and away - discussing the tactical differences between performing in front of your own fans, and taking to the road.

What are the key elements to playing on home turf, and how does it impact what happens on the pitch?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Thre...

We’re more than halfway through the Premier League season. 

So this week, we’ll use our good old friend data to assess the main talking point for all 20 clubs.

Host: Duncan Alexander

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme

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This week, there’s only one topic in town: Manchester United Football Club.

Ruben Amorim’s gone, so how do they go about replacing him — both in the short, and long term?

And how does any club figure out its managerial appointments, from caretaker and interim bosses to those all-in project managers.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week — we’re opening our festive mailbag!

We discuss the Christmas tree formation, teams who should change systems, basketball-style substitutions and more.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week — we’re talking the tactics of squad rotation…

Who are the most and least stable Premier League clubs in how they use their players?

And does stability equal success?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week — we’re talking about the tactics surrounding player power.

Can stars be given total freedom, or is the collective more important?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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On this episode, we run through some of the high profile players to have switched positions in the Premier League recently.

Also - what makes players flexible? And who excels in multiple roles?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Liam Tharme, Michael Cox, Cerys Jones

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week — we’re discussing how managers make the jump from a relatively small club, to one of the big guns, and with a particular focus on Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week - we’re asking if defence really wins you titles.

Should you build your team around a solid defence — or a free-flowing attack?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week, we’re tackling the defensive midfield position.

How has it evolved, who does it best and why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey 

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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The Champions League returned this week with some huge clashes and intriguing results. 

So, at the halfway point of the league phase — how are the favourites shaping up, and who has caught our eye on Europe’s biggest stage?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Ben Green & Steve Hankey

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The defending Premier League champions have lost four league matches in a row.

So, where is it going wrong for Arne Slot’s Liverpool — and crucially, how do they fix their issues?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This season there have been zero instances of teams starting with a 4-4-2 in the Premier League. 

In the late 2000s the majority of teams lined up in a 4-4-2 - but since then, that figure has been steadily dropping.

We find out why.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Michael Cox

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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