The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

It’s a big one this weekend as Arsenal travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. This comes following an all time classic upset after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by fourth tier side Fleetwood Town.

Kate Mason is joined in the studio by Rob Green and tactics writer Liam Tharme to preview all the action at Anfield - a game so good they cleared the whole day for it - as well as break down the trending tactics of the season so far.

Plus, we ask ourselves the question, can you actually fix Manchester United?

Host: Kate Mason

Panelists: Rob Green, Liam Tharme

Executive Producers: Adam Jones, Max Curwen Bingley

Producer: Mike Stavrou, Jay Beale

Videographer: Liam Warburton

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It’s a jam packed show this week as Kate Mason is joined in the studio by tacticos Liam Tharme and Rob Green to discuss all the weekend’s goings on, including a fierce London derby as Chelsea host rivals Spurs.

Plus, we’re joined by former Brighton defender Adam Webster to get an inside look at all things football on the south coast. What’s it like to play for Roberto de Zerbi? How do you stop Erling Haaland? And, the question on everyone’s lips - how are Brighton that good?

Host: Kate Mason

Panelists: Rob Green, Liam Tharme, Adam Webster

Executive producers: Adam Jones, Max Curwen Bingley

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Videographer: Liam Warburton

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This week's Tactical Preview focuses on one of the biggest games in Premier League history: Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

The matchup has been given more significance after the news of City's guilty ruling, so how will the players fare on the day and will it alter their tactical approach?

Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's tactics writer Liam Tharme to discuss the game at Anfield, plus Manchester United vs Spurs, Arsenal vs Leeds and Brentford's trip to Villa Park.

The panel also discuss the concepts of rest defence and counter-pressing; who does it best and why it is so important.

Host: Kate Mason

Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme

Executive Producer: Adam Jones

Producers: Mike Stavrou & Liam Warburton (

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The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action.

Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to discuss the trends from the opening stages of the campaign; from expected points, to shot conversion.

The panel also break down who has surprised and disappointed them, chatting Leeds and Everton's solid defences to Spurs' slow start.

Host: Kate Mason

Guests: Rob Green, Duncan Alexander

Executive Producer: Adam Jones

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Xavi Bird

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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