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The Athletic FC Podcast
Is the Premier League’s dominance a problem?
This summer, Premier League clubs set a new record for spending in a single transfer window at over £3bn, that’s more than La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga combined.
On episode two of The Future of Football, we discuss whether the strength of Premier League and the widening gap between the English game and the other top European leagues is an issue.
Host Adam Leventhal is joined by Matt Slater and James Horncastle to discuss the future of the English top flight and its competitors.We also hear from two experts from accounting firm Deloitte: head of sport Tim Bridge and Tim Lunn, who is director of media rights.
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Matt Slater & James Horncastle
Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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Will Salah play for Liverpool again?
35:46|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
Who are the Premier League's most versatile players?
36:53|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
The Preview: MW15
44:43|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
Is Declan Rice the Premier League's best midfielder?
36:56|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
Are Spurs fans losing faith in Frank?
44:49|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
Man United's midfield wishlist for 2026
40:06|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
Will Chelsea's lack of discipline cost them?
35:59|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
The Preview: Chelsea vs Arsenal
36:59|Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Chelsea vs Arsenal. Which side will make the bigger statement with a win? Does Enzo Maresca have to start Estevao? Who would the panel have in their side out of Rice and Caicedo? Mark Critchley and Cerys Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Crystal Palace vs Manchester United, Spurs vs Fulham, and West Ham vs Liverpool. Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Critchley & Cerys JonesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Jay Beale
Why Bayern are still Arsenal's main European rivals
43:39|In the battle of two of Europe’s heavyweights it was Arsenal who came out on top.So, how much damage does a first defeat of the season do to Vincent Kompany’s Bayern?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Kev HatchardExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe