This week - we’re asking if defence really wins you titles.

Should you build your team around a solid defence — or a free-flowing attack?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re tackling the defensive midfield position.

How has it evolved, who does it best and why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey 

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions League returned this week with some huge clashes and intriguing results. 

So, at the halfway point of the league phase — how are the favourites shaping up, and who has caught our eye on Europe’s biggest stage?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Ben Green & Steve Hankey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The defending Premier League champions have lost four league matches in a row.

So, where is it going wrong for Arne Slot’s Liverpool — and crucially, how do they fix their issues?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This season there have been zero instances of teams starting with a 4-4-2 in the Premier League. 

In the late 2000s the majority of teams lined up in a 4-4-2 - but since then, that figure has been steadily dropping.

We find out why.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Michael Cox

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iconic former Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans.

With: Jordan Campbell & İlkay Gündoğan

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel’s England team selection for the wins over Wales and Latvia got us thinking about star players and their value.

Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squad by Tuchel, despite their “star status”.

When building a team, what is the priority; star players, or players who fit the system?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Michael Cox

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. 

Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game?

Host: Duncan Alexander 

With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we tackle the Premier League’s promoted clubs – who collectively, so far this season, are flying. 

How are they doing it and more importantly, can they sustain it?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola’s defensive tactics in Manchester City’s Premier League draw at Arsenal last weekend caused quite the stir.Was it a one off? Or has Guardiola’s philosophy been slowly changing in front of our eyes?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.