Arne Slot has settled in nicely at Anfield with his side are top of the Premier League heading into the October international break following their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Despite winning nine of their 10 games under the Dutchman in all competitions, Liverpool are yet to beat anyone in the top half of the Premier League table.

So how serious is Liverpool’s challenge for the title? 

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay and James Pearce to analyse Liverpool's start to the Slot era with La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan also dropping by to discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract uncertainty amid possible interest from Real Madrid.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Oli Kay, James Pearce and Dermot Corrigan

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

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Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.

This week — we’re focusing on Aston Villa vs Manchester United.

After contrasting weeks in Europe, will Sunday's game decide Erik ten Hag's future?

Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Tim Spiers, Nick Miller, Jacob Tanswell, Liam Tharme, Ahmed Walid

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

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Why is it that everytime Arsenal get a set-piece it feels like they’ll score?

Since the start of the 2021/22 season Mikel Arteta's have scored 44 goals from set-pieces with Gabriel responsible for 12 of those.

So, how have set-pieces become so important?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic FC newsletter lead writer Phil Hay, Tactics writer Liam Tharme and former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha to debate the rising importance and focus on set-pieces including the influences of coaches such as Nicolas Jover.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Phil Hay, Liam Tharme and Nedum Onuoha

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

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On Tuesday night PSG lost for first time since Kylian Mbappe left for Real Madrid having started the season seven games unbeaten prior to their visit to London.

They were also without Ousmane Dembele against Arsenal, the player was dropped for disciplinary reasons.

So can PSG succeed without superstars?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Tom Williams, author of Va Va Voom, the modern history of French Football and Pierre-Etienne Minonzio from L'Equipe to discuss PSG's start to the new season, the role of Luis Enrique in their re-styling as well as which young players amongst their ranks could blossom into being their next talisman.

The Athletic's Peter Rutzler also drops in with his view having been at the Emirates while Mike Stavrou also catches up with the travelling PSG supporters.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Tom Williams and Pierre-Etienne Minonzio

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

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Since the start of 2023-24, Cole Palmer has been directly involved in 43 PL goals (28 goals, 15 assists), more than any other player.

So, is Palmer the best player in the Premier League?

And why is he thriving at Chelsea?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Liam Twomey and Phil Hay

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Today we’re focusing on Manchester United after another damaging defeat, this time to Tottenham.

So… what can Erik ten Hag do to turn things around? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Laurie Whitwell, Jay Harris and Phil Hay

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.

This week — we’re focusing on Manchester United vs Spurs at Old Trafford.

With Ange Postecoglou & Erik ten Hag's sides 10th & 11th respectively, Sunday presents a huge opportunity for one to kick start their season.

Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

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In June FIFA’s new Club World Cup launches but do you know where it’s being held, who’s playing in it or what the format actually is?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Adam Crafton to discuss the tournament ahead of it's relaunch in the USA next summer with Felipe Cardenas also popping by to explain what it means for the US to host the competition.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Matt Slater & Adam Crafton

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

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An agreement has been reached for The Friedkin Group to complete a takeover of Everton.

But when will it actually be completed? 

And how is it being paid for? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Matt Slater, Paddy Boyland and James Horncastle 

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Today we’re focusing on West Ham. There was so much excitement over their summer transfer business, but Julen Lopetegui has won just one of his first five league games in charge.

So… have the Hammers got worse under their new manager or is the job just impossible?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Benji Lanyado, Jon Mackenzie

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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