Excitement is building for the start of Africa Cup of Nations this weekend.

The tournament kicks off this Sunday, 21st December and runs until the final on Sunday, 18th January.

So will hosts and favourites Morocco deliver? Can reigning champions Ivory Coast defend their crown? Will 'fired up' Salah give Egypt the edge? And who are the key players to keep an eye on?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Jay Harris and Simon Hughes to tell you everything you need to know ahead of AFCON 2025.

Plus, former Ghana manager Chris Hughton drops in to give the lowdown on what it’s actually like to manage at AFCON.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Jay Harris, Simon Hughes, Chris Hughton

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Illife

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

Another week of chaos at Manchester United, what’s new?

Bournemouth came from behind three times to draw 4-4 with Ruben Amorim’s side in the game of the season so far at Old Trafford.

Carl Anka and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to chat about Monday night’s dramatic match.

The panel also tackle a ‘hurt’ Bruno Fernandes’ comments, the captain claimed the club 'wanted me to go' in the summer.

Plus, the Athletic’s Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke drops in to chat about the security of Thomas Frank’s position at the club after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on the weekend.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Carl Anka, Adam Crafton,Jack Pitt-Brooke

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

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

Mohamed Salah shone brightly, coming off the bench for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Brighton, grabbing an assist along the way.

Now he heads off to AFCON with Egypt.

So will Salah be back in favour at Anfield when - and if - he returns?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: James Pearce, David Ornstein and Ahmed Walid

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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

Welcome to The Insiders, The Athletic FC’s new show digging into the off-pitch forces shaping the 2026 World Cup. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton unpack a World Cup draw that went from the surreal to the political, including surprise performances, a very prominent Gianni Infantino, and the growing influence of Donald Trump and his inner circle on football’s biggest event.

Then, why this is set to be the most expensive World Cup ever. From the eye-watering cost of tickets and who can actually afford to go, to predictions about what happens next as prices rise and fans are squeezed out.

Hosts: Matt Slater & Adam Crafton

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke & Paul Iliffe

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

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Sunderland vs Newcastle.

After nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with the two sides separated by just one point.

Mark Critchley and Andy Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Chelsea vs Everton, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, and Liverpool vs Brighton, where the Mohammed Salah situation rumbles on.

Host: Matt Davies-Adams

With: Mark Critchley & Andy Jones

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou

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

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reign is in the balance.

They’ve won just two of their last eight - and player power is threatening to undermine him

So, is he on his way out?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Seb Stafford-Bloor

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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

December is traditionally sacking season. But things feel a little different this season.

So have clubs become more patient? And why?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley. James Horncastle also drops in to chat Como’s Cesc Fabregas - one of football’s most exciting up and coming coaches.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Mark Critchley. James Horncastle

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

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

Aston Villa failed to win any of their first five league games this season, but have since won nine of the next 10.

They’re now third in the table. So can they actually compete with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea for the title this season?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Jacob Tanswell, Liam Tharme

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton

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

On Saturday night Mohamed Salah spoke telling reporters the club has thrown him under the bus.

Liverpool have responded by dropping him for Tuesday night's Champions League trip to face Inter Milan.

So, with his patchy form combined with these comments will the Egyptian King play for Liverpool again?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Simon Hughes, Adam Crafton and Oliver Kay

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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

On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the team discuss some of the high profile players to have switched positions in the Premier League recently.

Also - what makes players flexible? And who excels in multiple roles?

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Liam Tharme, Michael Cox, Cerys Jones

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week we're looking ahead to the biggest games of MW15.

Tim Spiers and Cerys Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the midweek action and preview Wolves vs Manchester United, Bournemouth vs Chelsea, Leeds United vs Liverpool, and Sunderland vs Manchester City.

Plus, the leagues most in form team meet the league leaders as Aston Villa host Arsenal and Thomas Frank faces his old side as Spurs take on Brentford.

Host: Matt Davies-Adams

With: Tim Spiers & Cerys Jones

Executive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

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

Arsenal continue to set the pace in the Premier League, but there was a minor scare at the Emirates as Declan Rice was forced off against Brentford.

So, how important is he for Arsenal?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Art De Roche and Carl Anka

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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

Tuesday night saw goals galore in the Premier League.

Nine at Craven Cottage as Manchester City edged a 5-4 win over Fulham - including Erling Haaland’s 100th.

And at St James’ Park - there was a last minute equaliser from Cristian Romero, earning Spurs a point.So why are Newcastle dropping points so often, and why can’t Spurs create chances?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Chris Waugh, Charlie Eccleshare, Dan Kilpatrick, Jordan Campbell

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

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

It’s now less than a month until the January transfer window opens.

Manchester United are in pursuit of a new midfielder, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba among the names being considered.

So will they finally fix their midfield in 2026?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Mark Critchley, Laurie Whitwell

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

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

Chelsea took a point against Arsenal despite, yet again, being down to ten men. 

So, will their ill-discipline stop them being title contenders?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Chelsea vs Arsenal.

Which side will make the bigger statement with a win? Does Enzo Maresca have to start Estevao? Who would the panel have in their side out of Rice and Caicedo?

Mark Critchley and Cerys Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Crystal Palace vs Manchester United, Spurs vs Fulham, and West Ham vs Liverpool.

Host: Matt Davies-Adams

With: Mark Critchley & Cerys Jones

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producer: Jay Beale

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

In the battle of two of Europe’s heavyweights it was Arsenal who came out on top.

So, how much damage does a first defeat of the season do to Vincent Kompany’s Bayern?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Kev Hatchard

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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

Real Madrid are top of La Liga and have won three from four in the Champions League, but there’s always drama around the corner at the Bernabeu.

Vinicius Junior has told the club he doesn’t want to renew his contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains strained.

So… who will end up winning this battle: star player or head coach?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Mario Cortegana, Dermot Corrigan, Jack Lang

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton

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

After six defeats in their last seven Premier League matches, reigning champions Liverpool sit 12th in the league.

Supporters streamed out of Anfield when Nottingham Forest’s third goal went in on Saturday.

So is Arne Slot’s position at risk?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Jon Mackenzie and Oli Kay

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Nick Thomson

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

Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League with Eberechi Eze playing a starring role.

So, how important has their summer business been?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Adam Crafton and James McNicholas

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

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