The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

4.4 (231)
Sport
Updated weekly

The Athletic's weekly tactical preview of the biggest games across the Premier League and beyond that coming weekend. Take a deep dive into the data and analytics that shape the modern game with The Athletic's data writers Liam Tharme and Mark Carey, supported by the expertise of former England international Rob Green and host Kate Mason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 days ago

Weekend Preview: Leeds vs Man United + Spurs vs Coventry

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

Liverpool vs Man City preview + a guide to 'rest defence'

This week's Tactical Preview focuses on one of the biggest games in Premier League history: Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. The matchup has been given more significance after the news of City's guilty ruling, so how will the players fare on the day and will it alter their tactical approach? Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's tactics writer Liam Tharme to discuss the game at Anfield, plus Manchester United vs Spurs, Arsenal vs Leeds and Brentford's trip to Villa Park. The panel also discuss the concepts of rest defence and counter-pressing; who does it best and why it is so important. Host: Kate Mason Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producers: Mike Stavrou & Liam Warburton ( Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 Oct

Premier League trends, surprises + disappointments so far

The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action. Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to discuss the trends from the opening stages of the campaign; from expected points, to shot conversion. The panel also break down who has surprised and disappointed them, chatting Leeds and Everton's solid defences to Spurs' slow start. Host: Kate Mason Guests: Rob Green, Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18 Sept

Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing

It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London. Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season. Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the season. The panel also break down the importance of pressing in the modern era and how it’s changed over time. Host: Kate Mason Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Mike Stavrou, Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
4 Sept

Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad

Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side. The panel also discuss squad building, with multiple clubs going through big changes in personnel over the summer window. They also look at Everton vs Manchester United, Nottingham Forest vs Spurs and Newcastle vs Bournemouth - and focus on how the three B’s: Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton, constantly reinvent themselves. Host: Kate Mason Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
28 Aug

Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window?

The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week. Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to dissect where the game will be won and lost. They focus on Villa's frailties in beating the press, Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The Athletic's Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell also drops by to give the lowdown on Villa's midfield struggles in the defeat to Brighton. The panel also focus on Chelsea vs Brighton, Man United vs Ipswich Town & Coventry City vs Hull City, as well as picking out the clubs who have had a quietly good transfer window. Host: Kate Mason Guests: Adrian Clarke, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21 Aug

Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends

Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast as we merge with the Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an analytical lens. This week, we talk tactical trends we expect to take hold this season, while our primary focus is on the big battle at St James’ Park as Newcastle host Liverpool. The panel also touch on champions Arsenal vs Coventry, Man City vs Bournemouth and Fulham vs Chelsea. Host: Kate Mason With: Rob Green and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Videographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9 Jun

Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?

We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics. We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more! With a very special guest - assistant coach of the Canada men’s national team, Ewan Sharp. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan Sharp Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trailer

Introducing the Daily Football Briefing

The Athletic has just launched its brand new, daily 10 minute podcast for all those people who are just too busy in the mornings for anything longer. It’s called The Daily Football Briefing and will bring you right up to speed with the biggest stories from the night before and what to expect from the day ahead. Missed a big transfer story? David Ornstein will have you covered. What’s the latest about that club’s takeover saga? Matt Slater will have the latest. What’s Lionel Messi getting up to in MLS? Our American experts will know best. It’s your essential guide to the biggest stories in football - all wrapped up before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee. Follow and subscribe to The Athletic’s Daily Football Briefing for free wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Maxwell

Host
Michael Cox

Host
Robert Green

Guest
Liam Tharme

Guest
Duncan Alexander

Guest
Rob Green

Guest
Thom Harris

Guest
Adrian Clarke

Guest
Jacob Tanswell

Guest
Rob Green

Guest

4.4

out of 5

231 Ratings

Terrible decision

22 Aug

London Educator11

Not a good decision to fold this into a broad football podcast like all the others. Has been very good for a few years, not looking good now.
Good content, shame about all the ads

19/10/2025

Tony Burgess

There’s been some excellent content on this podcast, but the flow is lost with the adverts for irrelevant content from the NYT.
I miss football

15/01/2025

Don’t change footy

What has this world come to ? People get so obsessed with tactics ! Its just so ridiculous people making content out of stupid data and stats . Really makes me angry
If you want a competitive utopia…

29/04/2024

D.Adams02

Great ep lads. Just on something that came up in the latest episode: the Scottish championship might be the best league in Europe for competition. Everything that is said about the English champ about competition and exciting is also true of the Scottish champ, but for the opposite reason. My team, Morton, finished two points off of 2nd and 6 off first. We didn’t even finish in the playoffs… The games might not have an incredible standard, but they’re always exciting, full of scraps and competition. There’s also some of the best awaydays you can get in the country, which only adds to the charm.

The Athletic's weekly tactical preview of the biggest games across the Premier League and beyond that coming weekend. Take a deep dive into the data and analytics that shape the modern game with The Athletic's data writers Liam Tharme and Mark Carey, supported by the expertise of former England international Rob Green and host Kate Mason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.