The Double Pivot: Soccer analysis, analytics, and commentary

Latest Episodes:

The Champions League draw, the crisis conch and the Premier League relegation battle Dec 15, 2017

Show notes

PSG brought in Neymar and Mbappe for matches against Real Madrid, they just thought it would be a few rounds later. Is Manchester United now the English team in crisis? And the two Mikes break down who they're most concerned about in the relegation zone.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Champions League final 16 are set, so who's the favorite? Dec 08, 2017

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We now know the final 16 teams in the Champions League, but are we any closer to understanding who has the best chance to win it? Sitting at Caley's kitchen table, the two Mikes try to sort through what we've learned from group play. Plus, the results of the Champions League mean the Europa League may actually be pretty exciting this year, so they briefly mention that before closing the majority of the show out with some thoughts on the race between the two Manchester clubs.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Understanding why Burnley don't break expected goals Nov 29, 2017

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Yet again, there are a lot of confused people on the interwebs who can't quite wrap their heads around expected goals. The two Mikes are here to help, and Burnley is the focal point. They tackle topics like how xG and tactics inform each other and what exactly is in that Burnley black magic. Then, they attempt to sort through the logic behind recent managerial appointments in the Premier League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Champions League is boring right now, so let's talk about other things Nov 21, 2017

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International breaks and the second half of Champions League group play are a drag, so the two Mikes turn their attention elsewhere. They review Arsenal's victory over rival Spurs, what it means for both teams going forward and where they fit in the league pecking order. Then, they talk about just how good Manchester City are, how Pep Guardiola's squad currently works, and how remarkable the tactics are in execution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Who's the seventh-best team in the Premier League? Nov 09, 2017

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The two Mikes are on an international break quest to determine who the true 7th-best team in the Premier League might be. The table says it's Burnley, Everton fans believe it is theirs indefinitely, and Southampton is awfully good at being the most annoying candidate of the bunch. Plus, some recalibration after key Bundesliga clashes force our fearless leaders to examine their previous assessments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Spurs rejoice while the two Merseyside clubs are in a panic Oct 25, 2017

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It turns out the two Mikes were wrong about Spurs, but in a surprising way. They discuss how Mauricio Pochettino's club continues to improve in the face of tough expectations before turning their attention north to Liverpool and Everton. Namely, they take a closer look at what's wrong with Jurgen Klopp's Reds than they have before, and walk through all the contradictions and weird decisions that led Everton to sack Ronald Koeman. And who would be Goodman's first choice as his replacement? Giggsy, obviously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Previewing Liverpool vs. Spurs and worrying about Chelsea Oct 20, 2017

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Some key pieces will be missing for both sides at Anfield, so what should we expect? The two Mikes go through the options available to each manager, what the true strengths and weaknesses of each side really are, and why Liverpool's been such a problem for Spurs where other teams have not. Plus, they briefly touch on United, City and especially Chelsea, since Conte’s group is having some issues.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Everything is the worst, but can it be fixed? Oct 12, 2017

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There are bigger problems in the world, but two very depressed Mikes reflect on the utter calamity that crashed with a hollow thud in Trinidad and Tobago and cannot be ignored. What's the USMNT doing wrong? What could it be doing right? Is there a manager out there who makes more sense than others? Will the USSF go that direction, or do something disappointingly predictable? How do you organize the narratives floating around this mess? And if you're tired of thinking about it, they cleanse the palate by previewing Liverpool vs. Manchester United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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How injuries may end up affecting the Premier League title race Oct 04, 2017

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Will Morata's absence destroy the way Chelsea want to play? Will Manchester United be OK without Pogba? Will Liverpool be OK without a defense? The two Mikes take a look at the Top 6, some teams a little more closely than others, and try to sort out how important the next few months will be and whether absences will alter the razor thin margins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking Juventus, Real Madrid and Arsenal with Aaron West Sep 26, 2017

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Juventus made some big changes over the summer, and the team that came out the other end looks different than the one we saw in the Champions League final. Meanwhile, Madridistas are panicking, and Arsenal is either a trash fire or just fine, depending on who you talk to. The two Mikes hash it all out with Copa90's Aaron West. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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