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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

The Athletic's finest tactics and data writers, including Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, break down the tactical trends and technical details behind the biggest football stories...


Latest episode

  • Underrated Premier League players & formation changes

    28:33|
    This week — we’re opening our festive mailbag!We discuss the Christmas tree formation, teams who should change systems, basketball-style substitutions and more.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

More episodes

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  • Who has the most settled squad in the Premier League?

    28:08|
    This week — we’re talking the tactics of squad rotation…Who are the most and least stable Premier League clubs in how they use their players?And does stability equal success?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou
  • Has Salah actually declined?

    36:15|
    This week — we’re talking about the tactics surrounding player power.Can stars be given total freedom, or is the collective more important?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou
  • Who are the Premier League's most versatile players?

    36:57|
    On this episode, we run through 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
  • Can Spurs and Frank make it work?

    37:32|
    This week — we’re discussing how managers make the jump from a relatively small club, to one of the big guns, and with a particular focus on Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou
  • Have Arsenal built the Premier League’s best ever defence?

    29:28|
    This week - we’re asking if defence really wins you titles.Should you build your team around a solid defence — or a free-flowing attack?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou
  • Why are defensive midfielders scoring so many goals?

    39:15|
    This week, we’re tackling the defensive midfield position.How has it evolved, who does it best and why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox and Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou