The Athletic FC Podcast: The Preview – Man City vs Liverpool

Date: November 7, 2025
Host: Matt Davis
Guests: Andy Jones (Liverpool perspective), Jordan Cabell (Man City perspective)

Overview

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast sets the stage for the weekend’s Premier League headline clash: Manchester City vs Liverpool—a modern rivalry with fresh narrative twists this season. Host Matt Davis is joined by Andy Jones and Jordan Cabell, who break down the tactical, mental, and personnel subplots surrounding both teams ahead of this early-season, but impactful showdown. The discussion also explores other key matches from Matchday 11, title race implications, and the storylines shaping the top of the table.

Main Discussion

A New Dynamic in the Rivalry

• Unlike recent past seasons, City and Liverpool are both chasing league leaders Arsenal, rather than making this a de facto title decider.
• Andy Jones [03:26]:
  “Both are chasing down Arsenal… this has frequently felt like a title-deciding fixture, but that’s changed… Liverpool aren’t going in with the same confidence they might have done in previous seasons because of their form and not being quite sure where they are on this journey with all the new changes.”
• Tension is Different: Last year, Liverpool topped the table at this stage. This time around, it’s about avoiding falling further behind Arsenal.

Pressure, Form, and Mindset

• City: Recent improvement after big changes—departure of “really experienced players”, emergence of new faces, tactical evolution.
• Jordan Cabell [04:46]: “I’m sure they’re aware Arsenal is probably the team to beat this season. City aren’t at the level we’re used to, but they’re changing the way they play. There's a lot to be excited about, more subplots and new faces.”
• Liverpool: Recent win over Real Madrid and Aston Villa stabilize the mood, but there are still questions over their identity after summer changes.

Champions League Results and Their Impact

• City: Haaland scores against Dortmund, forming a partnership with Phil Foden.
• Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold returns and shines versus Real Madrid, marking possible stabilization after a rocky spell.
• Andy Jones [06:35]:
  “Getting one over Real Madrid was important to build off the Villa result. The key was the consistency of performances… they’ve gotten back to things that worked last season, though not everything's perfect yet.”

Tactical Innovations and Subplots

• Liverpool Tweaks:
  • Florian Wirtz put in a strong Champions League performance off the left.
  • The midfield trio of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai are in form.
  • The defensive solidity helped by not conceding early.
• Andy Jones [08:09]: “Wirtz has been good in Europe, but still adjusting to the Premier League’s physicality. It’s interesting if Slot continues to use him off the left to maintain midfield balance. It worked versus Real, but will it vs City?”
• City Tweaks:
  • Haaland and Foden’s partnership is crucial, but integrating new wingers like Doku and Cherki adds different attacking dimensions.
  • Jordan Cabell [10:20]: “Foden’s benefiting from Haaland’s magnet-like presence… City can now be blunt force as well as death by a thousand cuts."

Tactics & Selection Quandaries

• Both managers are expected to spring tweaks; mind games over whether to play two tens, use wide players differently, or deploy certain midfielders.
• “Last season at the Etihad, Slot went with two tens and no forward. Will he try it again?” – Andy Jones [12:42]
• Neither side’s lineup—especially in attack—is set in stone; both could throw curveballs.

Notable Moments & Fun Detours

"Put Your Shirt on It" Quiz

• Craig Bellamy is the answer to this week’s shirt mystery—having played both for Liverpool and City.
• Matt jokes: “Am I being really mean to say the thing Bellamy’s most remembered for is whacking John Arne Riise with a golf club?”
  “Maybe a little bit harsh...” – Jordan Cabell [19:21]
• Reflections on Bellamy’s career, his array of clubs, and his unexpected move into international management.

Deep Dives: Key Match Previews

Manchester City vs Liverpool - Backline & Stopping Haaland

• Liverpool’s Defense: The return to form and fitness for Robertson and the emergence of Conor Bradley help settle the defense.
• Andy Jones [21:32]:
  “They [Roberson & Bradley] brought consistency and certainty to the positions. Robertson’s experience brings stability to Van Dijk’s flank.”
• How Do You Stop Haaland?
  • Jordan Cabell [23:41]: “Even sitting deep to deny space doesn’t always work now—if you do, Foden, Doku, Cherki pick holes around your box; press higher and you offer space behind for Haaland. Not sure there’s an answer.”
  • His “incredible” scoring record (98 in 107 Premier League games).

Predictions

• Andy Jones [25:22]: “I think it’ll be 2-2. A point would be a good result for Liverpool and end what was a really big week. But both are already trailing Arsenal—it feels significant.”
• Jordan Cabell [26:22]: “I think City might just edge it, maybe 2-1. Liverpool may control more of the game, but City can decide matches in a way Salah used to, but isn’t doing as much as Haaland right now.”

Around the League: Other Key Fixtures

Arsenal @ Sunderland

• Arsenal’s depth now means absences are less problematic; Merino’s form a highlight.
  • Jordan [31:07]: “Arsenal used to have no bench; now, they’re on autopilot, swapping players and not skipping a beat.”
• Sunderland’s surprisingly strong home start, and Granit Xhaka’s leadership noted.

Spurs vs Man United

• Spurs bounce back in Europe but are still unpredictable at home.
• Both teams struggle with their “identity” and find themselves in the thick of a tightly bunched table.

Crystal Palace vs Brighton

• Adam Wharton’s England call-up celebrated.
• Palace consistent; Brighton anything but—goals expected on both sides.

Rapid-Fire Picks & Anecdotes

• Fun Q&A about first games attended, with Andy recalling being “fuming” as a child due to no commentary at his first match [47:17].
• Typical 3pm fare discussed (“Football heritage!” – Jordan, 48:05).
• Chelsea, Wolves, Brentford, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Bournemouth all analyzed briefly.

Notable Quotes

• On Haaland’s mentality:
  “His record is incredible… he doesn’t care if he touches it five times a game, so long as he scores.” – Jordan Cabell [24:04]
• On managerial transitions:
  “I do like when I see [Craig Bellamy’s] Wales press conferences; it’s like he’s almost on the verge of crying, in a nice way… he wears his heart on his sleeve—refreshing, given how many press conferences are a non-event.” – Jordan Cabell [20:38]

Key Timestamps

• 03:26 – How the rivalry’s dynamic has shifted this year
• 06:35 – Liverpool find form after beating Real Madrid
• 08:09 – Florian Wirtz’s role and Liverpool’s midfield balance
• 10:20 – Haaland-Foden partnership and tactical weapons for City
• 12:42 – Expecting tactical surprises in both lineups
• 23:41 – How/if Liverpool can contain Erling Haaland
• 25:22 – Score & table impact predictions
• 31:07 – Arsenal’s depth and transformation
• 42:48 – Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Adam Wharton’s England call-up
• 47:17 – Memorable first football matches
• 48:05 – “Football heritage” fixtures

Tone & Takeaways

Breezy, expert, with deep insight and humor. The panel is candid about not having all the answers—especially when it comes to tactical surprises, unpredictable league results, and the psychological edge in the Man City-Liverpool clash. The show blends tactical analysis, title-race tension, and lighter moments, offering both diehard fans and casual listeners a substantive yet engaging preview of the weekend.

Summary:
This week’s Athletic FC Podcast delivers deep tactical insight, personality, and laughs ahead of a Premier League weekend defined by the meeting of City and Liverpool—two contenders trying to keep pace with Arsenal. Expect goals, tactical curveballs, and a league table that refuses to take shape.