The Athletic FC Podcast

December is traditionally sacking season. But things feel a little different this season.So have clubs become more patient? And why?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley. James Horncastle also drops in to chat Como’s Cesc Fabregas - one of football’s most exciting up and coming coaches.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Mark Critchley. James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

Aston Villa failed to win any of their first five league games this season, but have since won nine of the next 10.They’re now third in the table. So can they actually compete with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea for the title this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jacob Tanswell, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton

On Saturday night Mohamed Salah spoke telling reporters the club has thrown him under the bus.Liverpool have responded by dropping him for Tuesday night's Champions League trip to face Inter Milan.So, with his patchy form combined with these comments will the Egyptian King play for Liverpool again?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes, Adam Crafton and Oliver KayExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the team discuss 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 BaileyGuests: Liam Tharme, Michael Cox, Cerys JonesProducer: Mike Stavrou

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week we're looking ahead to the biggest games of MW15.Tim Spiers and Cerys Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the midweek action and preview Wolves vs Manchester United, Bournemouth vs Chelsea, Leeds United vs Liverpool, and Sunderland vs Manchester City.Plus, the leagues most in form team meet the league leaders as Aston Villa host Arsenal and Thomas Frank faces his old side as Spurs take on Brentford.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Tim Spiers & Cerys JonesExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale

Arsenal continue to set the pace in the Premier League, but there was a minor scare at the Emirates as Declan Rice was forced off against Brentford.So, how important is he for Arsenal?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Art De Roche and Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

Tuesday night saw goals galore in the Premier League.Nine at Craven Cottage as Manchester City edged a 5-4 win over Fulham - including Erling Haaland’s 100th.And at St James’ Park - there was a last minute equaliser from Cristian Romero, earning Spurs a point.So why are Newcastle dropping points so often, and why can’t Spurs create chances?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Chris Waugh, Charlie Eccleshare, Dan Kilpatrick, Jordan CampbellExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

It’s now less than a month until the January transfer window opens.Manchester United are in pursuit of a new midfielder, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba among the names being considered.So will they finally fix their midfield in 2026?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Mark Critchley, Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

Chelsea took a point against Arsenal despite, yet again, being down to ten men. So, will their ill-discipline stop them being title contenders?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe