Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!'

With Chris away, Ian is joined by Mail Sport's Craig Hope and Dominic King, to analyse the League Cup final.

Stay tuned to hear debates on:

• Whether Alisson should've started
• If Eddie Howe is the greatest coach of his generation
• What this victory means for Newcastle and whether it means they can keep ahold of their stars...

There's also chat about: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's defence of the Glazers, Jordan Henderson's England revival, and Chris Wilder's text message exchange with Ian...

Presenters: Ian Ladyman, Craig Hope, Dominic King

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' - for our Weekend Preview show.

In this episode, Ian and Chris discuss the upcoming Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Newcastle, analysing the implications of Liverpool's recent Champions League exit and Newcastle's long-standing struggle against them. They delve into tactical approaches, the importance of penalty taking, and the dynamics of player performance, particularly in light of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments about Manchester United's squad.

They also explore the balance between constructive criticism and damaging remarks, the pressures faced by Chelsea and Arsenal, and the potential future of managers in the Premier League. The discussion also touches on the Club World Cup and the responsibilities of journalists, as well as looking ahead to the next World Cup and the significance of the Old Firm Derby.

Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to It’s All Kicking Off!

This week, Ian and Chris dive straight into the chaos, starting with Man City’s complaints about the dry pitch at Forest - again! Chris breaks down what this really means, and we ask: do City even deserve a Champions League spot next season? With the Premier League likely securing five spots, are we rewarding mediocrity?

Meanwhile, Forest’s defence is making waves, and goalkeeper Matz Sels, once fourth choice in January, is proving to be an absolute steal. But over at City, Pep Guardiola seems unfazed about the Club World Cup, happily sending the wives and girlfriends while he plays golf. Are they just tossing it off?

Over at Liverpool, the Darwin Núñez red card drama rages on - was it the right call? Plus, Jurgen Klopp says he’ll be at the title parade if they win the league, but should he stay away and let the players take centre stage?

Arsenal’s season has gone from title challenge to surrender. Just one win in four since that City hammering - why haven’t they even made Liverpool sweat?

And at Manchester United, fans are protesting - but does any of it really matter when the football isn’t up to scratch? Plus, the Bruno Fernandes free-kick controversy: was the wall actually too far back, or was it just classic Bruno bending the rules?

All that and more on this week’s episode of It’s All Kicking Off!

Hosts: Ian Ladyman & Chris Sutton

Producer: Alex Graham

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Welcome to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview show!

We kick off (see what I did there?) by discussing Alisson's heroics versus PSG in the Champions League, with Ian reminding Chris that, earlier in the season, he rated Emi Martinez as the best 'keeper in the Premier League. Surely our resident English Champion has changed his mind since then?

They delve into Liverpool's recent Champions League performance, the struggles of Southampton and their managerial situation, and the mental health challenges faced by former players, highlighted by Jason McAteer's candid revelations. 

There's also chat about the potential for Jose Mourinho to manage in Scotland, Harry Kane's continued success and the -frankly bizarre - decision for the upcoming World Cup 2026 final to have a halftime show!

Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!'

We recorded this episode late on Sunday night to combat the hectic schedules of our two blockbuster presenters, so apologies for any elongated and delirious conversations about dogs and ashes... oh, wait, they do that in the middle of the day anyway.

Lots to get through in this one, as the chaps break down a significant weekend of FA Cup action.

Stay tuned for: why the FA Cup is as exciting this season as it has been for years, whether the foul on Mateta was the worst we've ever seen, if it's fair that Anthony Gordon will miss the EFL Cup final for a foul in the FA Cup, and so much more.

Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our world famous Weekend Preview show.

This episode really does have it all... from the ashes of eighteen dogs in Chris' house, to fingers being bitten off and everything in between.

When the lads finally start talking about football, they kick off the FA Cup weekend by discussing Aston Villa's prospects against Cardiff, as their season reaches a crossroads, and touch on goalkeeper Robin Olsen's controversial refusal to let the mascots play their half time game, as he warmed up for the second half.

They also delve into the substitution of Alejandro Garnacho, which forced the youngster to storm down the tunnel, the pressure on Arsenal's manager, and the relevance of statistics in football.

Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!

We start with good news, as it's a reutrn to the old guard today as Ian is back from his week away. 

The lads start by discussing Liverpool's resurgence and Arsenal's struggles, analysing Mo Salah's crucial role in Liverpool's success, while Arsenal continue to struggle with their makeshift attack.

The conversation also delves into the ongoing controversies surrounding VAR, as Ian says the assistants need to stop 'meddling' and only get involved when they really need to.

The conversation shifts to Bruno Fernandes, asking whether he could be sold, as United try to bring in some much-needed revenue. The duo also examines Rangers' managerial turmoil and the potential for a new appointment, while Wolves' resurgence under their manager is praised. 

Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition.

Mike Keegan is once again stepping in for Ian Ladyman in this episode, as he and Chris preview a jam-packed weekend of football.

We start by analysing Manchester City v Liverpool, with both sides stuttering in their respective midweek games. Could this clash provide some much-needed spark?

They analyse the impact of David Moyes at Everton and discuss the current state of Manchester United under INEOS.

There's also chat about the surprising performances of Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, and Celtic's journey in European football.

Presenters: Mike Keegan and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!'

With Ian away, Chris is joined by Mail Sport's Mike Keegan.

The pair kick us off by focusing on Tottenham's win over Manchester United amidst fan protests over the stewardship of Daniel Levy, as the lads question whether - with numerous players returning - Ange Postecoglou and Spurs could yet finish the season with their heads held high.

Meanwhile we break down another Manchester United defeat, as Ruben Amorim made it 12 defeats in his first 25 games. At what point does the manager start coming under pressure, despite being given somewhat of a managerial hospital pass in his first few months at the club?

They also delve into Manchester City's battering of Newcastle and the ongoing legal challenges they face, the implications of foreign player rules in the league, Mikel Merino's role as Arsenal's makeshift striker, Chelsea's shocking form and Bournemouth's surprising - yet continued - success.

Presenters: Mike Keegan and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition!

In this episode, Ian and Chris start by breaking down one of the most incredible Merseyside Derbies in recent memory, analysing its implications for Liverpool, who are still licking their wounds from the perceived foul on Konate and Salah in the buildup to Tarkowski's equaliser.

The conversation shifts to Arsenal's injury woes and the challenges they face, followed by a discussion on Manchester City's struggles in the Champions League and Premier League.

There's also chat about: Spurs' hopes for the rest of the season, INEOS' fading popularity at Manchester United and John Eustice's imminent Blackburn exit.

Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton

Producer: Henry Williams

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