The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Epizódy

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  Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad 04.09.2026 42min

  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 Manchester United, Nottingham Forest vs Spurs and Newcastle vs Bournemouth - and focus on how the three B’s: Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton, constantly reinvent themselves.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Rob Green, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window? 28.08.2026 45min

  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 vs Ipswich Town & Coventry City vs Hull City, as well as picking out the clubs who have had a quietly good transfer window.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Adrian Clarke, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends 21.08.2026 44min

  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.
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  Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise? 09.06.2026 44min

  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 BaileyGuests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan SharpProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams 04.06.2026 35min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways 28.05.2026 40min

  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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox & Liam TharmeProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League 21.05.2026 36min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Alternative Team of the Season 14.05.2026 40min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence 07.05.2026 33min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Where have all the goalscorers gone? 30.04.2026 44min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius 23.04.2026 31min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years? 16.04.2026 48min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Who has the best attack in Europe? 09.04.2026 34min

  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-AdamsGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield 02.04.2026 38min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The impact of football’s relentless schedule 26.03.2026 36min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe? 19.03.2026 36min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan AlexanderProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires 12.03.2026 48min

  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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Cerys Jones.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game? 05.03.2026 38min

  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 AlexanderGuests: Michael Cox, Mark CareyProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The evolution of wingers, club DNA & tactical fouls 26.02.2026 33min

  It’s mailbag time!On this episode we’ll discuss:Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more!Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle 19.02.2026 38min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.