On this week’s show, we’re focused on the second legs of the Champions League semi-finals.

We’ll analyse a tie for the ages - Inter’s 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona. And also PSG’s victory against Arsenal.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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On this week’s show, we analyse the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals.

We’ll discover how PSG’s press nullified Arsenal, and discuss probably the game of the season so far — Barca’s thriller against Inter.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey and Thom Harris

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces.

Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams are the best or worst at them?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

After praise for Marco Rose's RB Leipzig in their Champions League draw with Man City on Wednesday night, host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme explore the many virtues of Red Bull Football...

How is the philosophy defined on and off the pitch, what is the make-up of the quintessential 'RB' player, the coaching tree from Ralf Rangnick down and how effective it has been in the Premier League?

Plus, as the high-octane playing style has taken hold across Europe, has it actually made the game more or less watchable, does it lend itself to knockout tournament football and why managers like Jesse Marsch and Ralph Hasenhuttl can't just be plucked from within the multi-club model and expected to flourish.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

***

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How badly are Arsenal missing Gabriel Jesus, why Pep courted disaster with Bernardo Silva at left-back again, why Chelsea are not missing Aubameyang despite their problems infront of goal and why Kylian Mbappe is the best in the world... Host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and (award-nominated) Liam Tharme reflect on all the midweek Premier League and Champions League action.

The panel discuss best-practice when taking a corner *cough Chelsea*, how to Gabriel Martinelli's form, a quietly impressive display for Spurs' Pape Matar Sarr and why PSG keep making the same old mistakes in Europe.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

***

This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month.

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How is Ten Hag getting the best out of Marcus Rashford? Which London-based club are the worst at shooting in the division and who is the most left-footed? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, to explore what the data tells us about your favourite Premier League team...

Which young goalkeeper has the lowest save percentage, who are the most fouled team, which unlikely Big 6 club needs to 'get it in the mixer' more often and more 'pub ammo' for the PPDA generation!

***

• Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/epl

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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Harry Kane's 267th goal for Spurs in their 1-0 win over Man City last week, put him clear of the great Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer. In this week's bonus offering, host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dissect a truly incredible achievement...

Can we chart his evolution into a more 'complete' player by analysing his shot locations over the years, how many different types of goals can Harry score and at which point (and under which manager) was Kane at his absolute peak?

Plus - if he were to leave Tottenham this summer - which European giant would be the best fit and is he on course for Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 260 goals too?

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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

No signings in January and Anthony Gordon off to Newcastle - so what chance does Sean Dyche have of avoiding Premier League relegation with his new Everton side? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme to explore...

Where can Dyche look to instantly improve them, despite a baptism of fire against league-leaders Arsenal and the small matter of a Merseyside derby? What can we learn from the numbers behind his Burnley team and who in this current Everton squad can benefit most from his arrival?

***

This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month.

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Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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A 'tempo dictator', 'metronome' with a 'youthful exuberance', The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell, to put Chelsea's British transfer record-breaking signing - Enzo Fernandez - under the microscope...

How versatile is he and how well will he adapt to Graham Potter's burgeoning Chelsea team? Plus more on his impressive passing repertoire, whether or not he is the ideal candidate to replace the departed Jorginho and why he's an outlier in more way than one, in terms of British record signings.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

***

This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month.

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Erling Haaland has scored 25 Premier League goals already. Enough to win the Golden Boot in 12 of the last 30 seasons (16 if you he'd be willing to share the award) - but has he made Manchester City better? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to investigate...

How is performing against his expected goals tally and are there any signs that he'll slow down in the second half of the campaign? Are City better as both an attacking & defensive unit with Haaland in the team and how has his arrival impacted his team-mates - most notably Kevin de Bruyne.

Plus, as Pep Guardiola surpassed 500 top-flight league games in management, how are City 'evolving' once again and how the 22-year-old Haaland is already becoming a more complete footballer under his tutelage.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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Having narrowly missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk and with reports suggesting Leandro Trossard could be on his way to the Emirates, host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, to bust some myths about Premier League squad depth and the accusation that Arsenal's squad is still too thin to win the Premier League...

The panel delve into the history books to see how many players it really takes to lift the title, how previous winners have acted in the January transfer market, how cup-runs factor into the equation and if versatility trumps sheer quantity?

Plus, how a lack of rotation during Liverpool's 63-game season last year contributed to a downturn in results lately, if Graham Potter simply has too many players at Chelsea and how substitution coaches and five subs rules have changed the game.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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

Once described by Jurgen Klopp as 'the architect of their success', why have Liverpool failed to replace Georginio Wijnaldum? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme - for a bonus podcast - to scout for some potential reinforcements from around Europe and in the Premier League...

The panel dive into the data to produce a handful of midfielders the club could look to in the transfer market and revisit how good Wijnaldum actually was in Liverpool's title-winning season of 2019/20.

Plus, how and why Klopp's midfield has evolved into a more 'creative' than 'functional' one and if the centre of the pitch is ultimately to blame for a downturn in results this season?

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Liam Tharme and Mark Carey, to assess what January loanees Joao Felix and Wout Weghorst will bring to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively...

Are Felix's numbers reliable given the system in which Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid play and are we allowed to completely ignore Weghorst's stint at Burnley last season?

The panel also reflect on Chelsea's wider tactical problems, how Graham Potter succeeded at Brighton and whether Weghorst's arrival simply buys United more time to find a marquee striker this summer?

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years.

For example, what do No.8s do differently now and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Building the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2ac7ed 

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme for a closer look at Antonio Conte's Tottenham Hotspur... As second-half comebacks have become almost routine at Spurs, our panel investigate the tactical issues, squad limitations and off-field drama at the heart of the phenomenon.

Plus, Kane and Son's role reversal, an over-reliance on Kulusevski for creativity, problems building out from the back, how good their summer transfer window was in hindsight and which January targets could really help this month.

*For more on Spurs why not check out our twice-weekly Tottenham podcast 'The View From The Lane', available wherever you get you podcasts.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

***

This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month.

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Ali Maxwell is joined by the Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to breakdown the world cup final - one of the most remarkable games of football you'll ever see and a contender for the best final of all-time.

Amidst all the drama and narrative, how was the game actually won and lost? From Messi's calmness in the big moments, to Di Maria's crowning performance, to Mbappe's ultimately forlorn heroics, our panel pore over the detail and analyse every aspect of this unforgettable occasion.

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Host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's tactics writers, Michael Cox and Liam Tharme, dissect the World Cup semi-finals and ponder the big tactical questions facing Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni ahead of Sunday's final...

Is Griezmann a 'complete' footballer, how Thuram's introduction wrestled control back from Morocco and how 'Scaloni roulette' nullified Croatia's midfield.

Plus, the various selection headaches facing both managers - Di Maria, Rabiot, Konate and more. Will Morocco have any regrets about tweaking their shape for France and will Croatia come again after Luka Modric's last World Cup?

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to assess the World Cup final 4...

What tactical lessons might Morocco learn from England's plan for Kylian Mbappe?

Could Argentina's 'ill-discipline' cost them, and Messi, a place in Sunday's final?

Is Griezmann actually leading the race for the Golden Ball?

And how Croatia have improved since the World Cup final in 2018.

Plus, the proper order for a successful World Cup penalty shoot-out and why big inquests in to Brazil and England's World Cup exits are unnecessary.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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

Host Ali Maxwell returns and joins The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to explore the tactical system behind Brazil's beautiful football...

The similarities with both Manchester City and Arsenal, playing two number 10s in an era of none and their philosophical evolution since the 'dark days' of 2010 and 2014. Plus, Casemiro's quality, Raphinha's role as creator-in-chief and if set-pieces are still an Achilles heel?

The panel also discuss what they have in common with fellow quarter-finalists France - and how England should set up against them on Saturday. Why Argentina are such a 'throwback', the 'functional' Netherlands and how much happier everyone in Portugal's attack looked without Ronaldo.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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The Athletic's Mark Carey, Michael Cox and Ahmed Walid pause to reflect on the conclusion of the World Cup group stages... 

The panel discuss the strength of England's last-16 opponents Senegal, as well as Argentina's aggression and Messi in a more classic false-9 role. Whether it's actually fair to judge Australia by their low xG numbers and how else to decide between two teams level at the end of the group stage besides fair play!

Ahmed reckons Morocco's Hakim Ziyech is back to his 'Ajax best' and Michael explains why Belgium's golden generation have already won. Plus, Spain's Achilles heel and how Japanese tinkering almost cost them a place in the knockout stages. 

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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Mark Carey is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Liam Tharme to reflect on the most interesting tactical trends and data insights from the second round of World Cup matches...

A distinct lack of shots from distance, the impact of substitute strikers and why any memorable tournament really needs the big favourites to make it out of the group stage. Plus, 'steering wheel' full-back systems, how Brazil are coping without Neymar and Onana's goal kicks!

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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

Mark Carey hosts in Ali's absence as The Athletic's tactics writers, Michael Cox and Ahmed Walid, reflect on the key takeaways and trends from the opening round of World Cup group games...

How did Japan and Saudi Arabia pull off two historic World Cup upsets and how much of it was down to tactical flexibility and ingenuity. Were Spain actually underrated going into the tournament and how are their front 3 functioning even without a more traditional number 9? Plus, France's many ways to hurt the opposition, Kieran Trippier's importance to England, goalless draws, increased injury time and a bit of a Canada love-in too.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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In part two of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast’s World Cup preview, host Ali Maxwell is once again joined by Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to run through the rest of teams competing at next week’s tournament...

In this episode they cover: Group B (featuring England, Wales and the USA), C (Favourites Argentina), D (Reigning World champions France) and last but not least, Group F (Belgium, Canada and 2018 finalists Croatia).The panel discuss whether England fans are too negative, and why USA supporters have a similarly downbeat view of their own national side.

How far can Canada’s Golden Generation go? And could Canadian striker Jonathan David have an outside chance of scooping the Golden Boot?

Produced by Mike Stavrou

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to breakdown the data and the tactical trends behind every World Cup nation set to compete in Qatar next week...

In this podcast (part 1 of 2) our panel navigate Groups H and E (their own personal favourites) as well as Group G (Brazil's) and Group A (containing Netherlands & Senegal).

Will Cristiano Ronaldo's club drama plague Portugal too, how much can we expect from Uruguay's very old guard and who will shine the brightest from the 'Group of Wonderkids', including Bayern's Jamal Musiala, Barcelona's Pedri and... Sunderland's Jewison Bennette!

Plus, were Cameroon unlucky at AFCON, why Coxy has a soft spot for Netherlands and more.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis

Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

Host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's Michael Cox delve into World Cup data from every tournament since 1998 in an attempt to establish the anatomy of a World Cup-winning team...

How good do you actually have to be to win a World Cup? Is current form actually the best reason to pick a player and how big a role experience plays on the biggest stage of all.

Plus, odd trends involving unlikely stars of the tournament, slow-starters in the group stages, non-goalscoring no.9s, clean sheet records, Didier Deschamps' underrated tactical intelligence and plenty more myth-busting besides.

... Make sure you're subscribed to this feed to ensure you catch our two-part World Cup 2022 preview podcasts next week.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to review the bonkers and the brilliance from the Champions League group stages as 16 teams made it through to the knockout rounds...

Are Man City deserving favourites, how Spalletti's super-slick Napoli continue to impress, Milan's interesting age-profile, leaky Dortmund, patchy Liverpool and so much more.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined, as usual, by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to investigate the stats behind set-pieces and how they have evolved as the influence of data and analytics has grown...

Precisely what constitutes a set-piece goal, how decision-making has been impacted, are out-swinging or in-swinging corners more effective in the Premier League and who are the best and worst exploiters?

Plus, Megan Campbell, of Liverpool Women, and her extraordinary throw-ins, Ben Tozer's threat in League Two, why Michael has been impressed by Fulham this season and which countries possess the biggest World Cup set-piece threats?

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to discuss Karim Benzema's Ballon d'Or win... The numbers behind an incredible year for the Real Madrid striker, comparisons with the legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo, and how his form has forced those who work in football data analytics to reconsider a player's 'peak age'.

Plus, how Mane pipped Salah in the standings, Mbappe the provider, if Courtois had a point, which of the Kopa finalists have the highest ceiling and why Alexia Putellas shouldn't have won the Women's award for a second successive year.

Produced by Adonis Pratsides

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Ali Maxwell is joined by the Athletic's tactical maestros Michael Cox and Mark Carey for an in-depth preview of Sunday's game at Anfield - Liverpool against Manchester City.

Should Klopp start Nunez and is there more to his game than just being a big no.9? How can that porous Liverpool defence stop the likes of Foden, Silva, De Bruyne and of course Haaland from exploiting the space in behind? Is there any way Klopp can play a front four again and try to press the life out of Man City? An intriguing clash awaits and we dig down into the tactics and the data to see how it might play out.

Plus there's also a look at the resurgence of no.9s playing for the Premier League's big six clubs - the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Harry Kane, Aubameyang, plus Nunez and Haaland. What impact have they made this season and why have clubs reverted to a focus on proper central strikers?

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to explore how and why certain Premier League stars are being deployed in some unusual roles and positions recently... Has Ben White's move to Right-back hurt his World Cup chances, why Ruben Neves' makes sense at centre-back and if Joelinton was always destined to play in midfield?

Plus, a fascinating discussion about whether or not footballers actually have 'natural' positions, why 'all-rounders' are so sought after in the modern game, if a key metric for measuring football IQ actually exists, as well as, some of our favourite examples of players who changed position in history and who our panel think should be next.

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's tactics writers Michael Cox and Ahmed Walid, to preview an intriguing clash of tactical styles as Arsenal and Spurs face off in the first North London Derby of the new Premier League season...

The panel discuss Arsenal's progress since the arrival of players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko and why Conte might elect to start an attacking trio of Kane, Son and Richarlison, despite Kulusevski's impact. Plus, why set pieces have become a massive strength for both teams, how Xhaka's redemption story is going, Kane's suffering for club and country and much more.

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Ali Maxwell is joined by the Athletic's Italian football correspondent James Horncastle and our tactics writer (and Brighton fan) Liam Tharme for a deep dive into the Premier League's newest head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

We look at De Zerbi's journey from the very bottom of Italian football in Serie D right up to his recent successes in Serie A with Sassuolo and his time at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Known for a strong commitment to possession football, we assess which members of this Brighton team will most benefit from his arrival and how his particular style will fit into the Premier League.

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New York Times' Chief Soccer Correspondent Rory Smith joins host Ali Maxwell, The Athletic's Michael Cox & Mark Carey to reflect on football's data revolution... 

While its effect on recruitment has been undeniable, the group discuss if data has actually impacted matters on the pitch. High-defensive lines, VAR, tactical fouls, crossing, goal-kicks and more all under the microscope as the search for a key metric for winning football matches continues...

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In this bonus podcast episode, one of England's Euro 2022 heroes, Keira Walsh, sits down with The Athletic's Michael Cox to analyse her own performance in the final...

Keira talks with fascinating depth and insight about:

• Sarina Wiegman's tactical plans for Germany
• Her technique and early Barcelona influences
• Her relationship with teammates like Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson & Alessia Russo
• The nuances of being a deep-lying playmaker and inspiring the next generation to play in midfield
• The emotions of that historic Wembley final & more.

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This week we’re diving into the world of centre-backs! 

What traits do they need in today’s game, what does a good partnership now look like… and how has the role changed?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to delve into the data and attempt to uncover the modern European stars who most closely resemble some of the biggest footballing icons of the past...

Is Harry Kane actually the most Messi-eque player besides Leo himself? What do Ruben Dias and Fabio Cannavaro have in common? And what position would Luis Figo actually play today?

Plus: immediate reaction to Thomas Tuchel's sacking at Chelsea.

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Brentford correspondent Jay Harris, as well as, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to explore the relationship between 'distance covered' and winning football matches...

Do the best teams, also run the most in the Premier League and is there better data to show 'hard work'. What is the Robert Huth Theory and why Paolo Maldini and Jamie Vardy might both have had something to say to TV pundits in the wake of Brentford 'out-running' Manchester United earlier this month!

Plus, do centre-mids cover more ground than wing-backs, is the Premier League actually the most physically demanding in Europe and how have those demands changed over the last decade or so?

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After 3 Premier League games, just 5 sides currently have 2 points or less... Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's tactics and analytics writers - Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme - to explain the various mistakes a team can make at the start of a new Premier League season... 

Has Liverpool's high-line been exposed one too many times and why Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez can't play next to each other. Wolves are finally shooting-on-site but should they actually shoot less, why Everton are crying out for new signings and why both Leicester and West Ham are victims of their own success.

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to explore some of the interesting quirks they've noticed so far in this new Premier League season... The pros/cons of being able to make five substitutes, three-at-the-back formations winning out across the top flight and the consequences of referees 'letting the game flow more' this year.

Plus, how the Haaland v Nunez debate is shaping up after just two weeks, if the deepening crisis at Old Trafford is showing any signs of letting up, Brighton's most unlikely wing-backs and if a free-kick is suitable punishment for tactical fouling?

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The Athletic's giant tactical minds, Michael Cox and John Muller, join host Ali Maxwell to carefully deconstruct their work on how we might redefine modern player roles and why Burnley's relegation last season signals the end of the long-ball in the Premier League... 

The panel reflect on the long-ball's 'glory years' and debate whether it will ever make a return to the Premier League in the future? 

Then, John reveals how he developed 18 new player roles, using data to better understand what role box crasher Phil Foden, Progressor Joao Cancel or Unlocker Mason Mount really play in their respective teams.

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Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and pod-debutant - newly appointed tactics writer - Liam Tharme, to put all three newly promoted sides under the microscope ahead of a new Premier League season... 

How will Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic follow up his record-breaking 43-goal season in the top flight and fill the void left by Fabio Carvalho? 

Can Scott Parker's Bournemouth afford to shift to a back-three without defensive reinforcements, plus, Billing 'the unicorn' and Lloyd Kelly for England (too soon?)

And despite not being promoted automatically, is Forest's style actually the most conducive to starving off relegation in their first season back in the big time?

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The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey, join host Ali Maxwell, to dissect two captivating semi-finals and assess the German threat to England's chances of lifting the European Championship trophy...

Who's been the player of the tournament regardless of what happens in Sunday's finale, what are Germany's strengths besides Alexandra Popp, how should we reflect on France's tournament and why Michael has totally given up any hope of Alessia Russo starting the match.

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The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to preview the semi-finals, with England facing their toughest opponents to date - Sweden and their set pieces. How exactly did Sarina Wiegman turn the tide against Spain and could Michael's player of the tournament so far - Kosovare Asllani - cause big problems for Millie Bright and the English defence on Tuesday night...

Plus, the panel discuss why the current xG model may not be fit for Women's football, why Belgium have paid the price for not investing in the women's game, why Arsenal's Stina Blackstenius is due a goal, how the French lifted their QF Euros curse and more.

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The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to preview England's Women's Euros Quarter-Final against Spain... How best to get the ball to Lauren Hemp, why Alessia Russo should start over Ellen White and if England's defence will receive its first proper test?

Plus, a review of some of the standout performers of the tournament so far, how Germany have impressed, why Norway fell short, if Miedema can shock an unconvincing French defence and if you can pick a 'dark horse' this deep into the competition!

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The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on England's amazing 8-0 hammering of previously fancied Norway, looking at the stand-out performance of hat-trick hero Beth Mead but also heaping praise on the likes of Lauren Hemp, Ellen White and Keira Walsh

Plus, the panel look at the rest of the tournament so far with an eye on whether France's performance in thrashing Italy 5-1 still keeps them as the team to beat, and there's analysis of Holland's 1-1 draw with Sweden

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This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and beyond.

We go for some obvious ones — but we’ll also talk about moves you may have missed! 

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael Cox

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on England's nervy win on opening night at Old Trafford... Millie Bright's passing range and a selection headache for head coach Sarina Wiegman...

Plus, the panel assess England's major threats; whether Group B can actually be described as a 'Group of Death', if Sweden will finally get over the line in a major tournament, if Spain can adapt to missing Alexia Putellas & Jenni Hermoso, Marie-Antoinette Katoto's unbelievable numbers and Viv Miedema's legend.

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The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to preview an all-star Champions League final as Liverpool prepare to face Real Madrid on Saturday... What can Klopp learn from Real's performances in Europe this season, how might they adjust tactically in Thiago's absence, and what has a thrilling, but ultimately draining, Premier League title race done for their chances?

Plus, why Ancelotti could deploy Camavinga from the start, Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Vinicius Jr and a mind-blowing statistic about Spanish teams in European finals.

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The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to explore the shortlist for this season's Premier League Manager of the Season... How the award should be judged, who else deserved a nomination and should we be able to use underlying metrics to make a better case for some of them.

Is Thomas Frank the best pound-for-pound boss (literally ££), should Eddie Howe even be eligible and has David Moyes become a victim of his recent success? Plus, whether or not it's still too soon to judge Vieira at Palace, if Klopp's incredible cup runs count, does a 'new manager bounce' actually exist and what the numbers can tell us about Antonio Conte and Mikel Arteta's respective progress.

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