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 Mason Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Mike Stavrou, Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Mason Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Mason Guests: Adrian Clarke, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Mason With: Rob Green and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Videographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Bailey Guests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan Sharp Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox & Liam Tharme Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re reviewing a compelling set of Champions League semi-finals. From Arsenal’s defensive solidity, to the most complete side in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With only five players across Europe’s top five leagues on 20 goals or more. Today we’re asking: where have all the goalscorers gone? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years? And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, there’s only one story in town — the Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal. Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor? Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re diving into the world of attacking partnerships. How have roles at the top of the pitch changed over time? And must all attackers be able to defend? Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re discussing midfield combinations. From your creators, to destroyers; how do player roles complement each other? Let’s build a complete midfield! Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re discussing football’s relentless schedule. What impact is it having on players and matches? And… can we measure whether football is actually more intense than it used to be? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re discussing an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties. From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern Munich and Real Madrid really are. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan Alexander Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re discussing whether the appointments of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur have paid off or not. What have they changed at their respective clubs, and are they better off for it? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Cerys Jones. Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re discussing football’s new rules! We’ll talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in countdowns and our own suggestions for new football laws. Host: Duncan Alexander Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s mailbag time! On this episode we’ll discuss: Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more! Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.