Ali Maxwell is joined by the Athletic's tactical maestros Michael Cox and Mark Carey for an in-depth preview of Sunday's game at Anfield - Liverpool against Manchester City.
Should Klopp start Nunez and is there more to his game than just being a big no.9? How can that porous Liverpool defence stop the likes of Foden, Silva, De Bruyne and of course Haaland from exploiting the space in behind? Is there any way Klopp can play a front four again and try to press the life out of Man City? An intriguing clash awaits and we dig down into the tactics and the data to see how it might play out.
Plus there's also a look at the resurgence of no.9s playing for the Premier League's big six clubs - the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Harry Kane, Aubameyang, plus Nunez and Haaland. What impact have they made this season and why have clubs reverted to a focus on proper central strikers?
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Liverpool vs Man City tactical preview

Hosted by Ali Maxwell, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data analytics writers to break down the tactical and technical details behind the biggest footballing stories each week - assessing the latest trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper understanding of the game.

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In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox and Mark Carey join Ali Maxwell to put together an alternative team of the season from the 23/24 Premier League.

Mark and Michael are allowed to choose one player from each of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League to make up their side.

The mathematically minded amongst you will clock that only gives them eleven players, so from one team they get two picks.

This episode really illustrates the truth held within that famous internet aphorism from E.M. Hudson:

“Dudes can literally just sit around and name old sports players and just have the best time.”

Hosted by: Ali Maxwell
With: Michael Cox & Mark Carey 
Produced by: Steve Hankey
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Alternative Team of the Season 2023/24

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss the final stages of this season’s Champions League in men’s football.

Real Madrid came from behind in the dying minutes to knock out Bayern Munich and further cement their pedigree in this competition.

Borussia Dortmund ensured their surprising run this season continued by securing a second consecutive 1-0 win over Paris St Germain to take the semi-final 2-0 on aggregate.

Then, we look ahead to the final on Saturday 1st June at Wembley. 

Can Dortmund shock the football world to claim their second Champions League trophy at Real’s expense?

Hosted by: Ali Maxwell
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Produced by: Steve Hankey
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Champions League semi final review and final preview

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss how Liverpool can ensure a smooth succession from Arne Slot to Jurgen Klopp.

We look at how well suited his style of play and personality are for taking on one of the biggest jobs in club football.

And how well set up Liverpool are as a club to move on from such a legendary manager?

Then, we look to the past to see if we can learn much about the future. 

Can Liverpool learn anything from how Manchester United moved on from Alex Ferguson and how Arsenal handled life after Arsène Wenger?



Host: Ali Maxwell
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Steve Hankey
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How well set up are Liverpool for life after Klopp?

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss which leagues are the most competitive in Europe.

We cast our eyes across Europe’s top five leagues, and then beyond them into the top twenty leagues across the continent, including some second tiers…

What matters most when measuring what makes a competitive league? 

Is it the finance or the depth of talent in each league year on year? Or is it how well spread both of those things are across a division? 

And should looking at how competitive a league is compared to other places influence where clubs scout for players?



HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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What's the most competitive league in Europe?

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League quarter finals; which concluded this week.

First up, Bayern Munich let their experience show by knocking out Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate at the Allianz Arena.

We then head to Manchester as reigning European champions Manchester City failed to retain their crown as they were knocked out on penalties by the perennial Kings of Europe Real Madrid. 

We also assess Paris St Germain progressing against a poorly disciplined Barcelona as well as discussing Borussia Dortmund doubling the German contingent in the semifinals with their win over Atletico Madrid.

And it’s in Germany we remain for the rest of the episode to reflect on the incredible achievement of the Bundesliga’s new champions, Bayer Leverkusen.


HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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Liverpool vs Man City tactical preview

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