Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

Andy Jones and Gregg Evans join Tony Evans to discuss Rio’s record-breaking performance and where he fits into Liverpool’s long-term plans. Is this the beginning of something special for the 18-year-old?We also debate Florian Wirtz’s encouraging performance, respond to a listener who thinks the German has been receiving too much criticism, and examine Liverpool’s worrying defensive display.Finally, we look ahead to Sunday’s clash with third-placed Brighton at Anfield. Are Liverpool really favourites, and what must Iraola do to stop one of the Premier League’s in-form sides?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony Evans With: Gregg Evans & Andy Jones Producer: Nick Thomson

Andy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to discuss whether Liverpool are doing enough to secure Rio Ngumoha’s future. After his impact off the bench at Brentford and his breakthrough with England, why hasn’t he had more opportunities under Andoni Iraola? We also look back on the 2-1 win at Brentford. Was Liverpool’s victory a case of winning ugly, and is Alexander Isak’s goalscoring form enough to make up for what he offers elsewhere?The panel also discuss Julian Ward’s return as sporting director and with Villarreal coming to Anfield in the Champions League, we preview Tuesday night’s game, including the reunion between Andoni Iraola and Villarreal head coach Iñigo Perez.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson

Andy Jones and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to discuss a chaotic 6-3 win over LASK and what it means for Liverpool’s season.Has Barcola finally arrived after a slow start to life at Anfield? Could his growing partnership with Wirtz be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s attack?We also look at the encouraging performances from Liverpool’s young players, including Lewis Koumas, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, and whether they will feature in the Premier League on Saturday.Brentford away is next — can Iraola’s side build on their European success, or was this just a good night against weaker opposition?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony Evans With: Simon Hughes & Andy Jones Producer: Nick Thomson

Tony Evans is joined by James Pearce and Simon Hughes to discuss a game that failed to live up to the hype and Liverpool’s collapse after the red card.There’s also a bigger question hanging over the fixture: does any of this really mean anything until we know what punishment Manchester City will face? With City sitting at the top of the Premier League and the verdict still looming over the club, what’s the point of it all?Plus, the guys discuss if the Champions League can offer some much-needed relief as Liverpool travel to Austria to face LASK?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson

The Premier League is back! Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to preview the huge Anfield showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City.City are currently top of the Premier League, with Liverpool sitting sixth, but it’s what’s happening off the pitch that makes this fixture particularly intriguing. How will Anfield react to the verdict against City, and will it add another edge to an already huge occasion?We also discuss the huge amounts of money now being spent in English football, whether the financial bubble is close to bursting and just how sustainable the current ownership model really is.Plus, the guys look at what could be a huge weekend for Andoni Iraola, who is still searching for that statement win at Anfield.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comYou can subscribe to our new YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCWe’re also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@walkontafc?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848018562952357/Host: Tony Evans With: Simon Hughes & James Pearce Producer: Nick Thomson

Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to continue the debate around City’s potential punishment and start the build up to the most anticipated match of the season.Attention then turns to how the Reds’ have been getting on during the international break, particularly Florian Wirtz under Jurgen Klopp.The guys finish on Giovanni Leoni’s return from injury and how the future looks bright for Liverpool’s defensive options.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson

James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to assess Liverpool’s start to the season, praise the improvements at the back and ask whether the attack is still searching for its rhythm.Liverpool head into the international break with a win at Bournemouth and three successive Premier League clean sheets — but just how good has Iraola’s start been? The guys give the head coach an early grade and look at what’s happening across the rest of the Premier League.And with three weeks without Liverpool, the lads are each given a non-league club to follow — Bootle FC, South Liverpool FC and Marine AFC — as we go in search of some football during the international break.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Andy JonesProducer: Nick Thomson

James Pearce & Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to look ahead to Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth and ask what we learnt from the youngsters’ impressive display against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.Dominik Szoboszlai produced a stunning strike against Spurs, but should he be playing as a No.10 instead of Florian Wirtz? Alexis Mac Allister has been excellent in recent games, while Trey Nyoni impressed in midweek — so who should make up Liverpool’s midfield three at Bournemouth?The guys also discuss Andoni Iraola’s return to his former club, whether Sunday’s game carries extra significance before the international break, and what Liverpool’s League Cup win means for their squad depth.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comAlso, you can subscribe to our new YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WalkOnTAFCHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce & Simon HughesProducer: Nick Thomson