Copa Independent
Copa Independent is a weekly podcast that covers the 2026 World Cup from every angle: not just the football, but also the politics, history, debates, and nostalgia. Hosted by The Independent, it aims to provide a comprehensive look at the tournament.
Episodes
Liverpool vs Manchester City felt like a freak show
Lawrence Ostlere is joined from Anfield by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly immediately after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool in a match overshadowed by the recent guilty verdict and ongoing appeal, creating a sense of uncertainty and “freakish” unreality around the match, and the Premier League. They discuss the atmosphere at Anfield—frustration more than fury—alongside City fans’ defian
The Premier League is back – but will it ever be the same after City's guilty verdict?
Are Liverpool about to see the real Alexander Isaak? How long can Carrick last at Man Utd? These questions seem a touch mundane after what we've been through in the last two weeks but the Premier League is back! Even though it may never be the same.... Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to preview Liverpool v Man City at Anfield in the first weekend of Premier Leagu
The great Man City sham
Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney for another impromptu episode of Copa Independent to react hours after an independent commission’s verdict on Manchester City was released, which finds the club guilty of almost all Premier League charges and arranging “sham” sponsorships to inflate revenue by more than £830m over nine years, misstating accounts, concealing finances from auditors and re
Could this be the end of Man City as we know them?
In an impromptu episode of Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere and Miguel Delaney react to the news that Manchester City are to be found guilty of almost all Premier League charges stemming from the 2018 football leaks revelations.With the process ongoing and city reiterating their innocence, the pair examine what will come next: a lengthy commission report, a separate sanctions hearing, immediate
The United permacrisis - should it be this difficult?
Permacrisis: a long period of great difficulty, confusion or suffering that seems to have no end.Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly assess Manchester United’s bleak start to the season after a 1-1 draw at Fulham, leaving them on five points from five games. Is Michael Carrick is better at one-off game plans than building a coherent long-term attacking structure? Despite some positi
Has the VAR debate become bigger than football itself?
After Erling Haaland’s controversial winner in the Manchester derby and the inevitable fallout, Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to dissect, eight years on from its rollout at the top level, whether VAR is actually effective in the Premier League. Have ‘refereeing standards’ actually dropped – or just changed? What have we taken from Spain and Italy? And how has th
Why the Premier League's financial might still can't bully Europe's giants in the Champions League
As the Champions League begins once again, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly on the latest episode of Copa Independent to debate the reduced jeopardy in the league phase, the value of finishing in the top eight, and how the format can benefit smaller clubs while packing the calendar. They discuss quirks of the draw and standout fixtures including Manchester City vs PSG
The hard truth behind a CHAOTIC transfer deadline day
So, be honest: could you keep up to speed with all the ins and outs in the end? Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly this week to unpick the frenetic final few hours of the transfer window, as Premier League clubs spent a record £3.48billion over the course of the summer. Manchester City finally got their man in Enzo Fernandez – but is he really worth it? Will Che
Transfer window special: £100m dominoes, Villa’s woes and the incoming deadline day frenzy
The transfer window has been more frenzied than ever this summer, with wild £100m sums being exchanged between Premier League clubs. Who distorted the market, and are clubs over-paying for new recruits?Aston Villa and Newcastle have sold several key players this summer – are the Premier League’s new squad cost ratio (SCR) rules to blame? And with only a few days to go until the deadline, which dea
The Premier League’s new era
In the first episode of the new series, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly to preview the new Premier League season asking if the league is entering a post-Guardiola, post-Salah era defined by managerial churn, fewer global superstars, and greater uncertainty. They discuss Manchester City’s transition under Enzo Maresca amid midfield concerns and Rodri’s possible B
Doing it their way: lessons from the final curtain in New York
In the final episode of Copa Independent, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly reflect on Spain winning a second World Cup and argue the best team won both the final and the tournament, with Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner highlighting Spain’s depth and collective style under Luis De la Fuente. They lament Argentina’s negative, ill-disciplined performance which lacked any shot on goal until the 117th
Spain or Argentina? Yamal or Messi? BIG World Cup final preview
And so to the 104th and final match. It’s the top two in the world rankings, the European and South American champions and the first World Cup match between Spain and Argentina for 60 years. Not bad, right? Kieran Jackson is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly in New Jersey to preview Sunday’s World Cup final. How will Argentina set up in opposition to Spain’s possession-based philosop
England are out - the same story but at a greater expense?
Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Richard Jolly in New Jersey and Miguel Delaney in Atlanta to react to England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.They argue England retreated too early after going 1-0 up, with Thomas Tuchel’s shift to a back five and the defensive substitution of Ezri Konsa for Anthony Gordon ceding midfield control and inviting pressure. Did Tuchel lose his bottle? And did
How Spain dismantled France – plus our England v Argentina predictions
Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Kieran Jackson to discuss Spain’s stunning win over France. Should Didier Deschamps have started with three in midfield? Why did France’s stars play so poorly? And can anyone stop Spain winning a second World Cup?Plus, Miguel is in Atlanta to watch England take on Argentina in a mouth-watering showdown between two World Cup heavyweights. How will th
The best World Cup semi-finals…..ever?
On the latest episode of COPA Independent, Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney in Atlanta and Kieran Jackson to preview the World Cup semi-finals: England v Argentina and Spain v France, a last four featuring the top four ranked teams and four previous winners.England’s win over Norway is assessed through the Miami heat, Jude Bellingham’s form and Golden Boot push, Harry Kane’s fatigue, D
Can anyone stop France? Plus our bold England vs Norway predictions
Lawrence Ostler is joined by Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly and Kieran Jackson to react to France’s 2-0 win over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappé central again to an imperious performance. After looking ahead to Friday's quarter final of Spain vs Belgium, they preview England v Norway in the Miami heat and humidity, debating Tuchel’s selection—especially John Stones and Reece James—how to limit Erling H
Why England’s Mexico triumph is one of their best-ever World Cup wins
In the cauldron of the Azteca Stadium, England got it done. The Three Lions are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico. Against all the odds – altitude, the fans, Mexican momentum, VAR calls – Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame it all to progress to the next stage. And once again, it was the Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane double act. Kieran Jackso
Altitude v attitude: Will England survive Mexico City?
Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney, Kieran Jackson and Jack Rathborn to preview Mexico v England at the Azteca and the impact of Mexico City’s altitude (about 7,200 feet) and heat on England, with Miguel describing a difficult 6K run and Jack comparing altitude effects to endurance sport and team performance. They assess Mexico’s momentum and home support, and Miguel reflects on the Azte
Where does Harry Kane’s talismanic double rank in all-time England World Cup moments?
It was a great escape from England against DR Congo – and it was their captain fantastic Harry Kane who got them out of jail in Atlanta. Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney discuss where Kane’s double ranks in all-time England World Cup moments? Can Djed Spence possibly start again against Mexico after his struggles? And what else does Thomas Tuchel have to think about ahead of an all-time occasion
England’s tricky DR Congo test – and why World Cup’s new order are stunning European giants
On the latest episode of Copa Independent, Kieran Jackson in Santa Clara and Miguel Delaney in Atlanta preview England’s last-32 clash against DR Congo – a team that should not be underestimated. Which way will Thomas Tuchel go with his wingers and full-backs? What and who do the Three Lions need to be wary of? And what lessons can England take from other giant-killings so far in the knockout stag
Why England’s issues are mounting – and who could be the next Scotland manager?
Thomas Tuchel’s England side progressed to the knockout stage as Group L winners after a 2-0 victory over Panama – but are there more questions than answers for the Three Lions ahead of their last-32 clash against DR Congo on Wednesday? Where does Tuchel go next with his unnecessary right-back conundrum? Who out of Rashford, Rogers and Saka took their opportunity from the start? And how much
The new World Cup format is broken
The newly bloated 48-team World Cup format has plenty of problems, but perhaps the biggest of all has shown itself over the past two days, and it was entirely in Fifa’s control. The decision to decide group rankings by head-to-head record instead of goal difference has killed the action in a series of games at the end of this opening stage, with so little on the line and none of the same jeop
What England MUST change against Panama after drab Ghana draw
In our latest episode of Copa Independent, chief football writer Miguel Delaney, on the ground in Boston, and sports editor Jack Rathborn in New York dissect England's underwhelming showing against Ghana. After so much optimism and positivity following the opening Croatia win, what went wrong for Thomas Tuchel's side this time around? What is it about 'second match syndrome' and England at tournam
Messi v Ronaldo? The debate was always absurd
In the latest episode of Copa Independent, Lawrence Ostlere and Miguel Delaney discuss a fascinating Golden Boot race as Lionel Messi scores twice against Austria to move onto five goals, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland also net braces to take their tallies to four.The pair reflect on Messi’s extraordinary longevity and revisit his long-running rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, asking wh
The Tuchel team-talk that fired England to beat Croatia
Football writers Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly and Lawrence Ostlere are in North America to discuss England’s statement 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. Did Thomas Tuchel’s team-talk change the game? Was England’s display the performance of the tournament so far? Are Croatia really any good?The team also assess Cristiano Ronaldo’s woeful performance for Portugal, and run the rule over the first ful
Three superstars, one World Cup: Messi, Mbappé and Haaland shine
Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly look back on day 6 of the World Cup where Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe arrived on stage and set the tournament alight as well as igniting the race for the golden boot. Can Ronaldo and Harry Kane respond today? We also preview England’s first game in the competition against Croatia this evening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com
Germany, Brazil and a tornado at the England camp
In the latest episode of Copa Independent, Miguel Delaney reports from the England camp after emerging from a tornado threat in Kansas City, Lawrence Ostlere reports from Houston after watching Germany dismantle Curacao, and Jack Rathborn tunes in from New Jersey after seeing Brazil held by an impressive Morocco.The guys discuss the latest World Cup results including Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Jap
Why World Cup water break ads are a disaster
The World Cup finally started, with a comfortable win for Mexico, a wretched display from South Africa, a flurry of red cards and even more adverts featuring Christian Pulisic, many of them during the actual game.Chief football writer Miguel Delaney and senior football correspondent Richard Jolly discuss the ever greater commercialisation of the World Cup and the commercials in the new hydration b
Gianni Infantino's World Cup opener: Today I feel... chill
After a controversial and seemingly never-ending build-up, today is finally the day the 23rd Fifa World Cup begins. Tonight, co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Azteca, the most famous stadium in World Cup history. And it was also in Mexico City where Gianni Infantino held his pre-tournament press conference on Wednesday. Three-and-a-half years on from his infamous 'Today I feel...' monologue
The big World Cup preview
The World Cup is nearly here and this week on Copa Independent, the team discuss the tournament favourites, the dark horses and, erm, Scotland, as well as how politics and money have created a World Cup like nothing we’ve ever seen before.Will Carlo Ancelotti deliver a record sixth World Cup for Brazil? Is Spain’s midfield the best at the tournament? How far can England go? And could a side like E
The 10 greatest World Cup players of all time
The World Cup is nearly here, and we’re counting down the best of all time. This week a panel of Independent journalists have voted on their greatest stars.From Pele and Messi to Maradona and Beckenbauer, with a sprinkling of Zidane, Mbappe and Ronaldo in the mix, these are the players who have lit up the “greatest show on earth” over the past 96 years.Independent sports writers Lawrence Ostlere,
Why Tuchel axed England's big names before World Cup
Miguel Delaney and Lawrence Ostlere were at Wembley to see Thomas Tuchel explain his England squad for the 2026 World Cup.They chew over the big-name omissions and why Tuchel didn’t pick Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold – and how Ivan Toney mysteriously returned to the conversation this week. Miguel also discusses his intimate briefing with the England manager. And, under severe
How to win the World Cup
As more big players struggle with injury, and there is now an expectation that set-pieces at the World Cup will be refereed in a completely different way to the Premier League, a few international managers are already adapting plans. Which begs a bigger question: what is the best way to win a World Cup?Are there set approaches? Can you "playbook" it, as Gareth Southgate tried? Do you need an ideol
Weight of the waistcoat: Is England manager really ‘the impossible job’?
Fourteen men have managed the England men’s team since Sir Alf Ramsey won the World Cup in 1966, and none have come close to repeating the feat. Under high expectation, intense scrutiny and crippling pressure, a series of England managers have been hounded, humiliated, abused and, in Sam Allardyce’s case, stung by a ruthless media. No wonder Graham Taylor called it “the impossible job”.In this wee
I saw the Spain down in Africa
We all know the ingredients that make a great World Cup, from moments to atmosphere, and 2010 had them all… but was it really a great tournament? Does that depend on age? And what of its champions? Were Spain boring or was it the opposition? Was this England’s worst World Cup? And would you have done what Luis Suarez did against Ghana? Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly get into a
The great World Cup rip-off
With 2026 set to be by far the most expensive World Cup ever to attend, we investigate how it's got to this - and what it means for the future. This isn't just from being in an expensive United States right now. Fifa have been significant drivers, mostly through ticket prices but also some of the deals struck for the tournament, raising further questions about their leadership of the sport. We als
Born in the USA: 1994's great American World Cup
As the World Cup returns to America, it would not have been possible without the spectacular success of USA 94. That was actually a huge gamble at the time, but more than paid off - in multiple ways. A colourfully open tournament was the consequence of unique factors coming together at once, but also changed the World Cup for the future. A tournament full of soul had an immense commercial legacy -
Will Donald Trump win the 2026 World Cup?
In the last 15 months alone, the build-up to this World Cup has brought more unprecedented developments than any previous tournament in history, above all a host nation bombing a participant through the Iran war. That raises many questions, right up to what influence Donald Trump is going to have on how this World Cup develops. But there's also another: if any other country was responsible, would
The other World Cup England should have won
Since England won the World Cup in 1966, they have not been back to another men’s final, appearing in only two semi-finals in 1990 and 2018 in their closest attempts at repeating the feat. So, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, on the 60th anniversary of that famous Wembley win, should England have won more tournaments with the talent and resources at their disposal? And can Thomas Tuchel finally e
Jules Rimet still dreaming: how the World Cup became the biggest cultural event in history
For the first edition of our weekly Copa Independent podcast, we are looking at the very meaning of the World Cup itself, and the two sides of the biggest cultural event in human history. But why has it got to that level? Why does it feel like nothing else in sport? Has it fulfilled the ideals of its creators? What would Jules Rimet, who envisioned a competition to bring mankind together, think of
Was Liverpool’s Win Due To ‘Drab’ Season?
Join Miguel Delaney and Adam Clery in the 2nd episode of a new podcast; State of Play.Also, while you're here, follow Adam's brand new YouTube channel right here: www.youtube.com/@TheAdamCleryFootballChannel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing: State of Play
*Cough cough* Is this thing on?The Independent is resurrecting this channel with a new show; State of Play.Join Adam Clery and Miguel Delaney for a brand new podcast about the politics of the Premier League, the controversies of the modern game and, well, the state of play.This is a pilot episode, so please do get in touch to tell us what you thought!Also, while you're here, follow Adam's brand ne
Maradona
Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss Diego Maradona, who sadly passed away on Wednesday morning in his native Argentina.One of the great players in the history of the game Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 as well as, and even more impressively in many ways, two Scudettos with Napoli in the eighties and early nineties. Subscribe to th
Pep stays at Manchester City
The gang are back to discuss Pep Guardiola's two-year contract extension at Manchester City. Vithushan Ehantharajah is this week joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to chat about the recent international break, the dramatic Euro 2020 play-offs as well as what to expect when the Premier League returns this weekend.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on
United's best performance
There were wins for all four English teams in the Champions League with none more impressive than Manchester United’s statement win over RB Leipzig at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. So, was that United's best ever performance? Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss that game and more. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy
A sour end to the international break
Another international break in the books, but don’t worry, only 25 more days until the next one.England beat Wales and Belgium but then succumbed to Denmark, with Harry Maguire and Reece James, after the final whistle, seeing red.Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Melissa Reddy and Jack De Menezes to discuss England and preview the upcoming Premier League fixtures, as well as talk about Proj
The 41 goal weekend
One of the wildest weekends in Premier League history is in the books. 3-0, 4-0, 6-1 and 7-2... and West Ham winning another football match. Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delany, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss the goals and what led to them. The team also talk transfers after the closure of the window on Monday. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.
City meltdown, transfer sagas and clash of the titans preview
Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Mark Critchley and Jack Rathborn discuss City's disastrous defeat to Leicester at the Etihad at the weekend, and preview Guardiola's upcoming personal clash with Bielsa when they face Leeds.Mark shares what he's heard from the United camp on the potential signing of Jadon Sancho from Dortmund and the team also look ahead to the coming games.Subscribe to this ser
Sizing up the 20/21 season
Liverpool are winning, Manchester United are not and Kepa Arrizabalaga is making massive mistakes. That can only mean one thing - the new Premier League season is well and truly underway. Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Melissa Reddy, Jack Rathborn and Mark Critchley to discuss the opening weekend of games. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football o
Return of the Premier League
After the strangest conclusion to a season in history, we have had the strangest - and shortest - offseason. Just a matter of weeks after the 2019/20 Premier League campaign wrapped up, the English top flight is set to return once again with Fulham and Arsenal kicking things off for 2020/21 this weekend. Host Vithushan Ehantharajah was joined by Miguel Delany, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley for
Who will be champions of Europe?
It’s been a frenetic fortnight as Europe’s premier club competitions frantically try and reach a conclusion like never before.We’ve seen thrills, spills, drama and three English clubs knocked out.Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by chief football writer Miguel Delaney and northern football correspondent Mark Critchley to discuss the Europa and Champions League games that have been and gone, a
The return of European football
The weirdest European football season in history is back underway with the Champions League and Europa League competitions returning this week after their coronavirus-enforced hiatus.Manchester United are already safely through to the next knockout round after seeing off the mighty LASK on Wednesday evening with Wolves, Rangers, Manchester City and Chelsea all hoping to follow them over the coming
Premier League season review
The longest Premier League season in history has finally drawn to a close.Liverpool are champions at last, while Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea—despite Leicester’s incredible start to the campaign—will join them in next season’s Champions League.Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss the highlights from this standout season, from VAR, to pla
Liverpool get their trophy and bedlam in the Championship
This week, Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss a jaw-dropping night in the Championship.And with Liverpool getting their hands on the Premier League trophy for the first time in 30 years, Melissa has all the details from Anfield.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to d
Man City win appeal over Champions League ban
A decision to ban Manchester City from Champions League football has been overturned.Uefa ruled that the club had breached Financial Fair Play regulations and banned them from European football for two years. But after an appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) sided with the City and overturned the Uefa decision.Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney, Melissa Reddy and Mark C
What's going on at Wigan?
Melissa Reddy is joined by Miguel Delaney and Mark Critchley to discuss the Wigan FC debacle. Also, Miguel talks about the how he stirred the pot this week with his comments on Carlo Ancelotti and Everton. The Manchester clubs and the relegation battle are also on the table for discussion. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to dat
The long awaited champions
The Indy Football Podcast returns to discuss Liverpool's first Premier League title, the building blocks towards league trophy number 19 and what challenges they face from Manchester City and Chelsea going forward.FA Cup domination from the traditional clubs is also on the menu and we and take a look at the relegation battle.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Footbal
Dimitar Berbatov LIVE
Ahead of the return of the Premier League the Indy Football Podcast gang got together for a special live episode.Host Vithushan Ehantharajah was joined by special guest Dimitar Berbatov and the Indy's sports team to discuss the return of football after the coronavirus break.For early access to live podcasts and events like this one, as well as loads of exclusive content, subscribe to Independent P
Return of the pod
Along with the rest of the sporting world, we've taken a short break recently. But now, we're back, and we're returning with style.Luke Brown and Vithushan Ehantharajah discuss the return of the podcast and a very special live episode which is planned for Monday evening.For more information on that click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-indy-football-podcast-live-in-association-with-betfai
Liverpool's U-turn and Tottenham's doggedness
Luke Brown is joined by Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss Liverpool's remarkable U-turn on their controversial decision to place some non-playing staff on furlough during the coronavirus pandemic. Should Liverpool be praised? Or pilloried? And what do the team make of Tottenham Hotspur's grim determination to push ahead with their own plans to furlough staff? All of that and more. Hosted
The Premier League World Cup
Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Melissa Reddy, Mark Critchley and Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss the latest news on football’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.Miguel explains how the Premier League are considering a World Cup style ‘TV bonanza’ finish to the season, plus the team consider whether it is fair for Tottenham Hotspur - one of the richest clubs in the world - to fur
Coronavirus news and Premier League latest
Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Vithushan Ehantharajah, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss how football has responded to the coronavirus pandemic.They reveal the latest behind-closed-doors discussions and how players are maintaining their fitness during this unprecedented period. They also debate whether clubs are doing enough to help their local communities through this crisis. H
Coronavirus and football
Luke Brown is joined by Ben Burrows, Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on football. They discuss the rapidly changing domestic and continental calendar, the threat the virus poses to non-league clubs and how The Independent plans to cover football when there isn’t any football on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tottenham: Where did it all go wrong?
Luke Brown is joined by Ben Burrows and Tony Evans to dissect Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League exit at the hands of RB Leipzig. They discuss speculation that manager José Mourinho was confronted by a group of senior players after the match in Germany and examine chairman Daniel Levy's role in the crisis. Is Tottenham's season already over? And have they missed out on the chance to join the Eur
Who will be relegated from the Premier League?
Ben Burrows is joined by Miguel Delaney, Vithushan Ehantharajah and Jack Rathborn to discuss the battle to avoid relegation.Can Aston Villa use their Carabao Cup final performance to kick on and beat the drop in the in the Premier League? Are Watford out of trouble after so sensationally beating the unbeatable Liverpool? Is Norwich’s football too good for them to go down? And does Andy Robertson h
The not the Big Six special
Luke Brown is joined by Ben Burrows and Jack Rathborn to examine the seasons of some of the clubs outside the Premier League’s Big Six. There is praise for Sheffield United and Leicester City, both of whom are flying high and could be playing in the Champions League next season. And what about the European aspirations of Wolves, who could be dark horses to win the Europa League? But it’s not all p
How football became broken beyond repair
Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Vithushan Ehantharajah and Ben Burrows to discuss the future of club football. The team discuss Miguel’s special report on the state of the game and examine how a growing financial disparity has destroyed the sport’s inherent unpredictability. They ask what – if anything – can be done and respond to some listener feedback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv
What next for Pep Guardiola and Man City?
Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Ben Burrows and Jack Rathborn to talk all things Manchester City. How much can we read into their recent defeat at Tottenham Hotspur? What next for Pep Guardiola? And do they have a chance of winning the Champions League this season? All that and a quick bit of Neymar chat, too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Talking transfers 2
Luke Brown is joined by Sports Editor Ben Burrows, columnist Tony Evans and reporter Jack Rathborn to discuss the January transfer window. What can Manchester United expect from Bruno Fernandes? Are Giovani Lo Celso, Steven Bergwijn and Gedson Fernandes good enough to replace Christian Eriksen? And who are the window’s biggest winners and losers. Plus, Tony takes aim at the thugs who attacked Ed W
How good is Liverpool being good?
Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Ben Burrows to discuss the future of the domestic game. Should we fear Liverpool’s dominance? Are superclubs good for football? And does the sport still represent the communities that need it the most? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Premier League new manager health check
Host Luke Brown is joined by Sports Editor of The Independent Ben Burrows and football writer Lawrence Ostlere to assess the fortunes of the Premier League clubs to have changed managers this season Watford, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Watford (again), Everton and West Ham. There is also time for some transfer news and the team attempt to work out exactly who Gedson Fernandes is. Hosted on A
Talking transfers
Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Ben Burrows to talk January transfers. Why do Manchester United keep insisting they do not want to sign anyone? Will Jose Mourinho and Daniel Levy clash at Tottenham? And how on earth do Liverpool improve on what they already have? All that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jadon Sancho latest and Bayern Munich’s struggles
Luke Brown, Miguel Delaney and Tony Evans travel to Munich for a German football themed special.They discuss Miguel’s recent story that Borussia Dortmund are open to selling England international Jadon Sancho this January, as well as Bayern Munich’s struggles in the Bundesliga as well as recent trend of young English footballers heading to the continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for
What next for Arsenal and Amazon Prime
Luke Brown is joined by Vithushan Ehantharajah, Lawrence Ostlere and Jack Rathborn to discuss the fallout at the Emirates after the club sacked manager Unai Emery. Was it the correct decision? And who should replace him? The team also discuss this week’s Premier League results as well as reviewing Amazon Prime’s coverage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who's the next to go in the Premier League sack race?
Luke Brown is joined by Tony Evans, Ben Burrows and Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss the Premier League's four most vulnerable managers. Unai Emery. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Marco Silva. Manuel Pellegrini. Who is next for the chop? And do any of them have a chance of turning things around? Plus some Jose Mourinho chat and Tony bursts a blood vessel ranting about VAR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
Mourinho replaces Pochettino at Tottenham – special episode
Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Jack Rathborn to discuss the sensational news that Jose Mourinho is replacing Mauricio Pochettino as Tottenham Hotspur manager. Is Mourinho really the right man for the job? Does Daniel Levy know what he has let himself in for? And what does Pochettino do next? Miguel also compares Spurs to Malaga, for some reason. All that and more! Host
Sterling vs Gomez – who you backing?
Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Lawrence Ostlere and new signing Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss the great canteen clash of November 2019. Should England supporters be worried that Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez clashed while on international duty? Did Gareth Southgate handle the situation correctly? And who would really win in a fight between the pair. All that and more! Hosted on A
How much football is too much football?
Host Luke Brown is joined by Tony Evans and Lawrence Ostlere to ask: how much football is too much football? They talk Liverpool's crazily congested fixture list, the Fifa Club World Cup and the future of England's domestic cup competitions. Tony then goes on a very uncharacteristic rant, this time about rugby union. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lads, it’s Manchester United
Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Lawrence Ostlere and Mark Critchley to talk all things Manchester United. Was their draw with Liverpool really their best performance of the season? Has everybody been too hard on poor Ole Gunnar Solskaer? And how about Ed Woodward? All that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The 100 greatest players of the 21st century
Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Ben Burrows to discuss ‘The Independent Century’: our week-long countdown of the 100 greatest players of the 21st century. The team talk Messi vs Ronaldo, the greatest English player of the last twenty years and is Zidane overrated? Includes the immortal Tony line: “Everybody involved in compiling this list should be shot. Including myself.” H
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