The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season.Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the season.The panel also break down the importance of pressing in the modern era and how it’s changed over time.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Rob Green, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Lara Sinclair

Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side.The panel also discuss squad building, with multiple clubs going through big changes in personnel over the summer window.They also look at Everton vs Manchester United, Nottingham Forest vs Spurs and Newcastle vs Bournemouth - and focus on how the three B’s: Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton, constantly reinvent themselves.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Rob Green, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton

The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to dissect where the game will be won and lost. They focus on Villa's frailties in beating the press, Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The Athletic's Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell also drops by to give the lowdown on Villa's midfield struggles in the defeat to Brighton.The panel also focus on Chelsea vs Brighton, Man United vs Ipswich Town & Coventry City vs Hull City, as well as picking out the clubs who have had a quietly good transfer window.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Adrian Clarke, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton

Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast as we merge with the Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an analytical lens.This week, we talk tactical trends we expect to take hold this season, while our primary focus is on the big battle at St James’ Park as Newcastle host Liverpool.The panel also touch on champions Arsenal vs Coventry, Man City vs Bournemouth and Fulham vs Chelsea.Host: Kate MasonWith: Rob Green and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Lara Sinclair

We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics.We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more!With a very special guest - assistant coach of the Canada men’s national team, Ewan Sharp.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan SharpProducer: Mike Stavrou

With the World Cup right around the corner, we’re discussing the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.Plus, we’ll assess how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

What can we learn from the tactics employed in 2025/26?Are we too reliant on set pieces (even employing MMA fighters to help!) and how will that shape recruitment this summer?Plus what makes the ‘perfect ball’ and we look ahead to the Champions League final.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox & Liam TharmeProducer: Si Watts

Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 trophy-laden years.So how did he change the landscape of Premier League tactics? And what comes next for Man City?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou

It’s that time of the year, already — our very special alternative Premier League Team of the Season.Who has impressed us from the sides in the bottom half of the table?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts