The Athletic FC Podcast

This week, The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive 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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouWe’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 feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Research article: Revising home advantage in sport – home advantage mediation (HAM) model

Marcus Rashford has been enjoying his football in Spain.Scoring goals and creating goals - as he did in Champions League on Wednesday night.So will Rashford be able to stay at Barcelona permanently?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 feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

On Saturday Real Madrid players and president Florentino Perez were booed by the fans.Last night they put on a show in the Champions League that seemed to turn the stadium in their favour - but is Perez still under fire?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 feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Guillermo Rai and Dermot CorriganExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson

We’re already halfway through the January transfer window.So what moves should we be looking out for in the final weeks of the window?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton

The Michael Carrick era at Old Trafford started with a win.Carrick himself labelling it “a dream start” after beating Manchester City 2-0 in the Manchester derby.So, are Manchester United back already?!Plus we hear what difference Marc Guehi's signing could have for Man City as well as reflecting on an incredible night in Rabat as Senegal beat Morocco in an drama-filled AFCON Final.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Carl Anka and Oli KayFeaturing: Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is the Manchester derby. Michael Carrick will take charge of his first game back at Manchester United as interim manager while the Manchester City will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after three straight draws.Carl Anka and Alex Barker join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal, Chelsea vs Brentford and Spurs vs West Ham.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Carl Anka & Alex BarkerFeaturing: Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale

The AFCON 2025 final line-up is set: 2021 winners Senegal v hosts MoroccoBut what does defeat in the last four mean for both Nigeria and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

Tottenham are out of both domestic cups and are struggling in the league.So how much longer does Thomas Frank have to turn the ship around?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Danny Kelly & Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton