This week, we’re diving into the world of home and away - discussing the tactical differences between performing in front of your own fans, and taking to the road.

What are the key elements to playing on home turf, and how does it impact what happens on the pitch?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26

Research article: Revising home advantage in sport – home advantage mediation (HAM) model

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

We’re more than halfway through the Premier League season.

So this week, we’ll use our good old friend data to assess the main talking point for all 20 clubs.

Host: Duncan Alexander

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme

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

This week, there’s only one topic in town: Manchester United Football Club.

Ruben Amorim’s gone, so how do they go about replacing him — both in the short, and long term?

And how does any club figure out its managerial appointments, from caretaker and interim bosses to those all-in project managers.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

This week — we’re opening our festive mailbag!

We discuss the Christmas tree formation, teams who should change systems, basketball-style substitutions and more.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

This week — we’re talking the tactics of squad rotation…

Who are the most and least stable Premier League clubs in how they use their players?

And does stability equal success?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

This week — we’re talking about the tactics surrounding player power.

Can stars be given total freedom, or is the collective more important?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

On this episode, we run through 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.

This week — we’re discussing how managers make the jump from a relatively small club, to one of the big guns, and with a particular focus on Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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