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The Athletic

Hosted 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.

The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast

This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and maybe a few others.

How do these clubs build their status in the English top flight and climb the table in the years after promotion?

Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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The Premier League’s overachievers

This is the last show of the year, so the perfect time to look back on the tactical highlights of 2024.

We’re talking trends, teams, players, standout moments and of course, our tweak of the YEAR!

Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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2024 tactical trends

In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. 

With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactical tidbits that have emerged.
From Fulham in a back five to Chelsea leaking goals to yet another weakness in Manchester United.

We also look at Arsenal’s Saka-shaped hole, which type of passes Manchester City seem unwilling to play and much more.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris.

Producer: Steve Hankey.
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Festive Football Tactical Notebook

This week… we’ve had SO MANY brilliant, insightful messages that it was about time to got stuck into our second Tactics Mailbag of the season.

So today we’re talking…

The importance of “Premier League experience” for January signings, when do new managers get “found out”, left-footed central-midfielders and much more!

Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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Mailbag: PL experience in January and left-footed centre-mids

This week… we’re dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches.

Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. 

Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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Myth-busting pundit cliches

This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025.

What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? 

Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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Tactically interesting teams to watch in 2025

This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. 

From Liverpool’s direct attacks to Crystal Palace’s runs in behind - we have you covered. 

Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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Premier League analysed: A stat for every club

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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Which January signing will have the biggest impact?

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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Building the ideal modern day centre-back

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
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How data and AI is shaping football

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
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Are set pieces more important than ever?

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