The Athletic FC Podcast
Episode: The Preview — Liverpool vs Man City
Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Matt Davis Adams
Guests: Mark Carey, Jay Harris
Episode Overview
This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosted by Matt Davis Adams with analysts Mark Carey and Jay Harris, delivers an in-depth preview of the highly anticipated Premier League showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City. The panel examines each club’s recent form, tactical trends, key personnel, and the broader championship context. The conversation expands to discuss other top five battles, including the race for Champions League qualification and the shifting prospects for clubs like Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea, and more. Listeners gain expert insights, detailed statistical breakdowns, and predictions for a blockbuster football weekend.
Main Discussion: Liverpool vs. Manchester City
[02:16–13:11]
The Fixture’s Storied History & Context
- Liverpool seek revenge after City won the reverse fixture in November (3-0), and City look for their first league double over Liverpool since 1937.
- Notable flashback: “Maybe you remember that season listener, Matt Busby lining up for Liverpool. The magnificently monikered Wilf Wilde leading City to a 5-0 win at Anfield. Different times, Mark.” — Matt Davis Adams [02:42]
Liverpool’s Recent Bounce-Back
- Liverpool ended a five-game winless run by defeating Newcastle last Saturday.
- Mark Carey: “Quite simply they played against a side who was willing to go a little bit more toe to toe with them… there was more space to go at. Newcastle had a go… But the spaces were there for Liverpool to run into… That hasn’t been something that Liverpool have been able to… in recent weeks.” [03:01]
- Discussion of Liverpool's struggle with “low blocks” and how open games often suit Arne Slot’s side, similarly to their Champions League success against proactive opponents.
City’s Fluctuating Form
- City threw away a two-goal lead at Spurs, now 6 points behind Arsenal.
- Matt highlights a statistical oddity: "Yet to concede a goal in the first half in 2026, but yet to score in the second half." [05:51]
- Mark: “It used to be with Manchester City that second halves were them going through the motions... Now, teams maybe think... that they can have a go and maybe get themselves back into the game.” [06:13]
Spurs vs City: Tactical Lessons
- Jay Harris details how Spurs’ halftime shape changes (to a narrow 4-4-2) stifled Man City's central play, leading to a comeback.
- “I think the benefit of that was it just meant that Man City couldn't play centrally with as much freedom as they did in the first half.” — Jay Harris [07:28]
Man City’s Chasing Position
- Arsenal could be up to 9 points clear before City visit Anfield, putting huge pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side to win.
- Mark: “City just don’t feel like the same winning… I don’t think they are the team that can put together 10 back to back wins now.” [10:06]
- Jay: “You know, you're allowed to say it's Arsenal's to lose and you won't get in trouble, Mark.” [11:40]
Key Players, Tactical Match-ups, and Personnel
[16:15–27:43]
Hugo Ekitike: The Liverpool Striker to Watch
- Jay Harris on Ekitike-Torres comparisons: “They’re both quite graceful, got good acceleration, can both come up with some quite inventive finishes.” [16:29]
- Mark: “I do think the ceiling for Ekitike is arguably higher… Considering his height, I think he's got really strong close control…” [16:56]
- Notable stat: Florian Wirtz and Ekitike have created the most chances for each other at Liverpool this season. [18:55]
Liverpool’s Bundesliga Connections
- Florian Wirtz’s adaptation and link with Ekitike has blossomed after initial struggles; comparison with Xavi Simons at Spurs. [20:59]
Man City’s Attacking Options
- Omar Marmoush: Matt jokes about Marmoush’s name as an exasperated expression, which Mark vows to adopt. [22:13]
- Mark: “I'd be inclined to say more alongside than over Erling Haaland... He's only had three starts... certainly deserving of more minutes. Could be good… to have maybe in the side alongside Haaland, just offer a little bit something different." [22:13]
- Jay: “Ryan Turkey has really sprinkled some stardust on the Premier League this season. ...one of the most fun players to watch." [24:01]
Liverpool’s Defensive Frailties
- Szoboszlai likely to fill in at right-back; City may look to exploit that flank.
- Mark: “Szoboszlai can be the one to come inside a little bit more… But with Mo Salah now back… I don't think that Szoboszlai will be that player just because that's not his game anyway.” [25:54]
- Defensive support from Salah and Gravenberch will be key. [25:54]
Score Predictions
[27:43–28:29]
- Mark Carey: “I think it probably will be 1-1. Both sides scoring.” [27:47]
- Jay Harris: “I'm going to say 2-2. ...Could you argue... that City... have to go for it a tiny bit more?” [28:08]
- Matt: “Pep Guardiola hasn't won at Anfield in front of supporters before. Not much left for him to achieve. Let's see if he can do it on Sunday.” [28:29]
The Champions League Race: Villa, Man United, Chelsea, and More
[31:30–45:16]
Aston Villa: Regression and Injuries
- Mark: “Their midfield has been such a foundation for their success this season... Losing all of those for a bit of time is just unwelcome for Unai Emery…” [32:17]
- Villa’s over-performance, especially with long-range goals, is noted as statistically rare. [35:42]
Manchester United’s Rebound Under Carrick
- “Everyone just sort of has a little bit more freedom, there's a better atmosphere and that obviously feeds onto the pitch... Bruno Fernandes back into the advanced position… square pegs in square holes.” — Mark Carey [36:08]
- Spurs’ continued drama and poor home form detailed by Jay. [38:06]
Chelsea’s Tactical Flexibility and Rossinha’s Persona
- Mark: “He's clearly a real strategist... But I think because he's not a glamorous name, people maybe don't give him as much credit.” [40:10]
- Jay on Rossinha: “I actually quite like that he showed that sort of... controlled aggression, which was done in the right way. ...don’t confuse kindness for weakness.” [42:08, 43:17]
Top Five Predictions
- Jay: “I think Liverpool might miss out… So yeah, Liverpool's my choice.” [44:16]
- Mark: “I think it’s between Chelsea and Liverpool... just a flip of a coin, I’ll go Chelsea.” [44:38]
- Key fixture: “It's Liverpool against Chelsea, by the way, at Anfield match day 36. So that one could be key.” — Matt [45:16]
Premier League Quickfire Previews
[47:38–54:26]
Brentford’s Season Exceeding Expectations
- Jay: “No, I didn’t… Igor Thiago has adapted brilliantly to the Premier League in a way I wasn’t quite expecting...” [48:05]
- Brentford’s seamless managerial transition from Thomas Frank to Keith Andrews praised.
Fulham vs Everton: The Saturday 3pm Special
- Mark’s prediction model: “My statistical simulation suggests it’s going to be a 1-1 draw, this one, which kind of feels about right…” [50:08]
- Fulham’s strong recent run, Everton’s defensive solidity noted.
Crystal Palace vs Brighton: Transfer Window Winners
- Jay: “You might be tempted to say Palace had the better window, but I think... £2m on Pascal Gross means Brighton had the better window.” [51:49]
Leeds vs Forest, Burnley vs West Ham: Relegation Six-Pointers
- Matt’s anxiety over Forest’s lineup. [52:40]
- Burnley's struggles and future style identity dissected by Mark. [53:25]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “City just don’t feel like the same winning… I don’t think they are the team that can put together 10 back to back wins now.” — Mark Carey [10:06]
- “I do think the ceiling for Ekitike is arguably higher…” — Mark Carey [16:56]
- “Don't confuse kindness for weakness.” — Jay Harris quoting Thomas Frank [43:17]
- “No, I didn’t and I’ve got no problem admitting that. Sometimes it's good to admit when you're wrong.” — Jay Harris on Brentford expectations [48:05]
- “My statistical simulation suggests it’s going to be a 1:1 draw, this one, which kind of feels about right…” — Mark Carey [50:08]
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 02:16 — Liverpool’s tactical turnaround vs Newcastle
- 05:51 — Man City’s strange first/second-half goal split in 2026
- 07:28 — How Spurs' tactical switch disrupted Man City
- 10:06–12:57 — Title race analysis: Arsenal’s position and City’s pressure
- 16:15 — The Ekitike–Torres comparison and Liverpool's attacking options
- 18:55 — Wirtz–Ekitike partnership at Liverpool
- 22:13 — The role of Omar Marmoush at Man City
- 25:54 — Szoboszlai at RB, City's potential area to exploit
- 27:43 — Predictions for Liverpool vs City
- 32:17 — Aston Villa’s regression and midfield injuries
- 36:08 — Manchester United’s improvement under Carrick
- 40:10 — Chelsea’s tactical evolution under Rossinha
- 43:17 — "Don't confuse kindness for weakness"
- 44:16–45:16 — Top five, Champions League qualification predictions
- 48:05 — Brentford’s underdog story
- 50:08 — Fulham vs Everton prediction
- 51:49 — Palace vs Brighton transfer window verdict
Tone & Style
The discussion is lively, analytical, and peppered with humor and authentic football jargon, blending data-driven insights and candid opinions. The panel does not shy from hard truths (about underperformance or title race nerves), but always brings it back to the love of the game and shared anticipation for the weekend ahead.
For those who missed the episode, this comprehensive yet snappy summary captures the essence, expert opinions, and tactical subtleties that set The Athletic FC Podcast apart.