The Game

Champions League, striking players, dodgy kits and card happy refs. It’s a busy episode.

Martin Samuel and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat agree on the Champions League but definitely do not agree on refs or football finance. Gregor Robertson steps in to referee. In amongst that Hamzah went to Milan to see Liverpool ease past the Rossoneri. Martin barely recognised Villa and City in their ‘new’ shirts.

Lastly, City v Arsenal this weekend, could a City win be ominous for the season? 

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In this week’s EFL extra Gregor Robertson quizzes Hamzah Khalique-Loonat on his visit to St Andrews. Hamzah saw big names Tom Brady, Rob McElhenney and David Beckham pitch side as a fluent Birmingham beat Wrexham.

After the break they look at three rising stars of the EFL: Sunderland’s Chris Rigg, Ollie Arblaster from Sheffield United and Louie Barry on loan at Stockport County  

And for a final bit of glamour, Hamzah is recording the show from Milan airport.  

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It is D day for Manchester City as the hearing into the 115 charges against them begins.

Matt Lawton Joins Gregor Robertson to explain what could happen.  

Tom Allnutt reflects on a big win for Arsenal and asks if Spurs are ‘fun but not serious.’?

Tony Cascarino watched Liverpool struggle and a masterclass from Nuno Espirito Santo.

And Hamzah Khalique-Loonat thinks the new Champions League format is rubbish. 

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The England job is Carsley’s to lose, but are Finland and Ireland really a test?

Gregor Robertson is joined by Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino as they assess England, Kane the looming civil war in the Chelsea boardroom.

Plus, a look ahead to the North London derby, pressure on Ten Hag and what is ‘a legend’ in football? 

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Lee Carsley shocked England fans by playing a left footer on the left, and it worked, for the first half at least. Charlotte Duncker, Tom Allnutt and Alyson Rudd join Tom Clarke to assess the performance against Ireland. What does Tyrick Mitchell have to do to get a call up and has Angel Gomes ever driven a bus?

Plus, a look at Craig Bellamy’s Wales and is it time for Ronaldo to retire?  

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Who would you keep – Casimiro or Ten Hag? Trent, Salah or Van Dijk?

Tony Cascarino, James Gheerbrant and Jonathan Northcroft join Tom Clarke to decide who stays and who goes. Plus a look at the finances at Leicester and Newcastle.

After the break as Lee Carsley takes charge of England, will it be Carls-ball or Carsey-ball ? And the team pick their all-time combined England Ireland teams, which must include at least five Irish players – Irwin or Pearce, Sheedy or Waddle…it’s an easy job for Tony Cascarino. 

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Liverpool, good? United, bad? Or is there more to it? Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and Gregor Robertson to dissect an embarrassing Old Trafford outing for Ten Hag and his players.

Meanwhile Everton try to outdo United in the shame stakes. Salah has Liverpool “squealing” for more than one reason. And are Chelsea actually alright?

The rest of the weekend’s action too.

Did you know, you can watch us now, too. Search for The Game Football Podcast on The Times Youtube channel.

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Chelsea have about 20 players to sell and are still looking to buy. Liverpool have finally entered the market. What could Friday's transfer deadline bring? "Anything could happen", says Paul Hirst. He joins Tom Clarke, Charlotte Duncker and Gregor Robertson to dissect the week's transfer news, look back on the life and career of Sven-Göran Eriksson and preview the weekend's big clash: Nottingham Forest vs Wolves.

Oh and a few words on United vs Liverpool, too.

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