Podcast Summary: The Athletic FC Podcast – The Preview: Arsenal vs Man United
Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Matt Davis Adams
Guests: Stu James, Art Durocher, Alex Boyes
Episode Overview
This episode previews the much-anticipated Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United, analyzing team form, key players, tactical decisions, and the wider implications for both clubs. The hosts also cover Manchester City’s recent struggles, Crystal Palace’s dramatic downturn, and Chelsea’s managerial landscape, while offering betting insights for the weekend. The discussion is packed with expert analysis, memorable moments, predictions, and candid takes.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: The Main Event
Casemiro’s Man United Legacy (04:22)
- Casemiro’s Departure: Casemiro has announced he will leave Man United at season’s end, having joined for £60 million in 2022 at age 30.
- Stu James:
“It was almost impossible for that transfer to be a success... unless he had a really transformative effect on United... which was never going to happen, not just because of him, but because of the mess United have been in.” (04:23)
- Casemiro had strong performances, including being Man of the Match vs City last week.
- He overcame skepticism (“legs gone”) and will leave on a relative high, with his contributions outweighing the negatives.
- United’s failed attempts to sign Declan Rice or Frenkie De Jong are contrasted with the Casemiro deal.
- Art Durocher:
- Casemiro isn’t the only “poster boy” for United’s poor transfer decisions—Anthony’s inflated fee is noted.
- Casemiro's mentorship of Kobbie Mainoo could have long-term benefits.
- Likely destination: Saudi Pro League, reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
United’s Derby Victory and Tactical Dilemmas (07:10)
- Stu James:
“It really did feel like the United of old... They defended really well, epitomized by Martinez and Maguire, who were excellent.” (07:29)
- United’s energy, tactical discipline, and front-foot play were key to beating City.
- The test is now consistency, not just one-off performances.
- Art Durocher:
- United’s aggression vs City worked, but being so open against Arsenal could backfire; Arsenal often punish proactive sides in Europe.
“We’ve seen in the Champions League, when teams have tried to play football, that’s when Arsenal really come alive.” (09:46)
- Carrick’s tactical approach is a key point of intrigue.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Selection Questions
Champions League Boost & Squad Depth (10:58)
- Stu James:
“That win in Milan, it just ticked every box for Arsenal… they have the best squad depth in definitely in England, but probably in Europe.” (11:18)
- Seven changes midweek, yet Arsenal beat Inter 3–1 in Milan to secure top-two group finish.
- Arteta’s depth allows significant rotation without drop-off—“the reserve 11 is top six.”
- Set-piece goals are a huge weapon—Arsenal’s 19th of the season.
Midfield & Attack Conundrums (13:42)
- Art Durocher:
“The big conundrum for Arteta is: how do you get the right attacking options for the right games?” (13:42)
- Selection headaches in attack: Jesus’ link-up play vs Jokers’ presence; Trossard vs Martinelli on the left; Ødegaard vs Havertz as the 10.
- Team selection will be highly tactical and game-specific.
Key Player Debates: Who Starts Up Front? (17:00)
Arsenal’s Attack
- Matt Davis Adams: Cueing the Jesus vs Jokers debate:
“Braces can only ever be bagged.”
- Art Durocher:
“I would say the strongest performer at the minute is Gabriel Jesus... surround him with loads of technical players because that’s the type of football I like to see.” (17:22)
- Stu James:
- Praises Martinelli’s outside-of-the-boot pass assisting Jokers, references Liam Brady; agrees with Jesus as starter for technical variety.
Man United’s Attack
- Stu James:
“Ahmad and Bryan Mbuemo impressed against City... they were a really good attacking trio. So I can't see why you'd move away from that at this moment in time.” (20:18)
- Mbuemo, not a typical no. 9, is excelling centrally; Dorgu on the left wing as a natural left-footer is a welcome throwback.
- Art Durocher:
- Predicts Carrick will continue recasting players’ positions, as he did at Middlesbrough with Chuba Akpom.
Predictions
- Art Durocher: Arsenal 3–1 Man United (23:18)
- Stu James: Arsenal 2–1 Man United (23:24)
Quote:
“It’s a very different game than it would have looked like a few weeks ago, but I still fancy Arsenal.” (Stu, 23:24)
Betfair Insights (24:28)
Alex Boyes:
- Arsenal are strong favourites, 1/2 on to win a fifth straight home league match against United.
- United at 4/1, draw at 5/2, with 0-0 returning 13/1 (given Arsenal’s two consecutive goalless PL draws).
- Bet Builder picks:
- Mbuemo for shot on target (4/6)
- Martinez to get booked
- Shaw to commit 2+ fouls (“up against Saka, he always draws fouls and cards”) (25:28)
Other Premier League Highlights
Manchester City’s Struggles (27:00)
- Stu James:
- Rodri’s red vs Bodo Glimt encapsulates City’s malaise.
“There’s a lot of other things that aren’t clicking at Manchester City, which is strange… I thought they’d go and string together a load of wins, and the polar opposite’s happened.” (29:15)
- Haaland looks exhausted but is unlikely to be rested; City struggling for goals outside big cup games.
- Wolves, once doomed, now look more robust under Rob Edwards.
Newcastle vs Aston Villa: Preview (32:48)
- Stu James:
“Guimarães is absolutely central—Newcastle have yet to win a league game he hasn’t started since his full debut.” (33:28)
- Guimarães’ fitness is vital for Newcastle.
- Memories of infamous Newcastle–Villa fights at St James’s; Steven Taylor’s legendary handball and dive (35:21).
- Villa’s season: Overachieving, but injuries (Kamara, McGinn) could catch up. Emery’s use of the loan market will be tested.
Crystal Palace’s Downward Spiral (41:47)
-
Art Durocher:
- Palace plummeted from FA Cup winners and European contenders to crisis:
“There’s seasons within seasons... Palace were in Champions League places, and now look at the situation they’re in.” (42:14)
- Adam Wharton is their best hope for control vs Chelsea.
-
Stu James:
“Is the Glasner Palace are going to get for the remainder of the season... an angry Glasner, a very emotional Glasner and a guy who knows that he’s done?” (43:27)
- Glasner has said he feels “abandoned”—is his stay sustainable, or should Palace move on immediately?
- The collapse was foretold by Palace beat writers despite their unbeaten run.
Chelsea Managerial Situation (46:29)
-
Art Durocher:
- Squad rotation is key with Europe and a huge match vs Napoli looming:
“There’s probably no better time to play Palace than now.”
- Cole Palmer’s fitness is the chief FPL (fantasy) question.
-
Stu James:
“Rosinha’s a really good talker... but we can’t expect to see Chelsea playing truly how he wants for a little while yet.” (48:19)
- Judging Rosinha is difficult with so many games, so little tactical prep time.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “Braces can only ever be bagged.” – Matt Davis Adams (17:00)
- “It really did feel like the United of old... I’m talking like a long time ago.” – Stu James (07:29)
- “If you imagine United had landed Rice or De Jong instead of Casemiro... absolutely huge contrast.” – Stu James (04:49)
- “You see seasons within seasons... there’s never one team that’s going to have a completely consistent campaign the whole way through.” – Art Durocher (42:14)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Casemiro discussion & United transfer policy – 04:22–07:10
- Arsenal’s Champions League win & squad depth – 10:58–13:31
- Arsenal attack selection debate – 17:00–19:56
- Man United’s new-look attack – 19:56–23:14
- Score predictions – 23:14–23:32
- Betting insights – 24:28–26:49
- Manchester City’s challenges – 27:00–31:06
- Newcastle–Villa preview – 32:48–37:54
- Crystal Palace crisis – 41:47–45:57
- Chelsea, rotation, and new manager – 46:29–50:02
Final Thoughts
The Athletic FC Podcast crew expertly dissects a crucial Premier League weekend, with deep dives into Arsenal and Man United’s tactical identities, the transfer market, and evolving challenges across the top six. Emphasis is placed on squad depth, leadership, and the cyclical, unpredictable nature of football. Both insightful and conversational, the episode is valuable for fans seeking an edge on the upcoming matches or simply enjoying the rich narrative tapestry of this Premier League season.