The Athletic FC Podcast

With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue.So will this be the most expensive football tournament ever?And if so, who is this World Cup actually for?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Henry BushnellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

After Arsenal slumped to defeat Man City closed the gap at the top of the Premier League with a statement win on Sunday.Defeat to Bournemouth now makes it three losses in four in all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side.So, are Arsenal losing their nerve, again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke

Coming up today, we have a truly special interview. Manchester United legend Patrice Evra in conversation with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton.They cover a huge amount of ground, including his relationship with ‘the boss’ Sir Alex Ferguson, the highs and lows of his Champions League final appearances and his take on whether Michael Carrick should be handed the United job permanently.Host: Adam CraftonGuest: Patrice Evra Executive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Liam Warburton and Grayson Moody 

Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. Can the Citizens keep the pressure on in the title race?Elsewhere Arsenal host Bournemouth, Manchester United face local rivals Leeds, and Roberto De Zerbi begins his Tottenham tenure away to Sunderland. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers

After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role!So - does his performance underline their determination to sign the Argentine?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus and Dermot CorriganProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

Harry Kane’s 49th goal of the season helped Bayern Munich to victory in the Bernabeu.Luis Diaz and Michael Olise played a starring support role.With a front three to be feared - are Vincent Kompany’s side the best in Europe?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Carl Anka & Seb Stafford-BloorProducers: Guy Clarke, Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

After losing 4-0 at the Etihad, Liverpool’s season is at risk of unravelling. With so much uncertainty surrounding the club's hierarchy, are FSG allowing Liverpool to drift? Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Simon Hughes & Matt SlaterProducers: Jay Beale & Nick Thomson

This weekend see's FA Cup quarter-final action as squads return from the international break.Manchester City host Liverpool in a mouthwatering tie, and one that will be Mohammed Salah's final trip to the Etihad Stadium as a Red. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Cerys Jones & Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers

Marc Cucurella has lamented Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca.He joins Enzo Fernandez who earlier this month said he ‘did not understand the decision’. So, are Chelsea’s players now losing faith in the club’s ownership? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Liam Twomey, Chris WeatherspoonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe