The Athletic FC Podcast

Welcome to The Insiders, The Athletic FC’s new show digging into the off-pitch forces shaping the 2026 World Cup. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton unpack a World Cup draw that went from the surreal to the political, including surprise performances, a very prominent Gianni Infantino, and the growing influence of Donald Trump and his inner circle on football’s biggest event.Then, why this is set to be the most expensive World Cup ever. From the eye-watering cost of tickets and who can actually afford to go, to predictions about what happens next as prices rise and fans are squeezed out.Hosts: Matt Slater & Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke & Paul Iliffe

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Sunderland vs Newcastle.After nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with the two sides separated by just one point.Mark Critchley and Andy Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Chelsea vs Everton, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, and Liverpool vs Brighton, where the Mohammed Salah situation rumbles on.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Critchley & Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reign is in the balance.They’ve won just two of their last eight - and player power is threatening to undermine himSo, is he on his way out?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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