Stay ConnectedHosted by Michael Bailey, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and more of The Athletic’s brightest tactics and data department 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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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 (
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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With the World Cup right around the corner, we’re discussing the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.
Plus, we’ll assess how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad.
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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What can we learn from the tactics employed in 2025/26?
Are we too reliant on set pieces (even employing MMA fighters to help!) and how will that shape recruitment this summer?
Plus what makes the ‘perfect ball’ and we look ahead to the Champions League final.
Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox & Liam Tharme
Producer: Si Watts
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