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The Game

The Game

Author: The Times

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The thinking fan's football podcast, providing previews and reviews of all the action - every Monday and Thursday. 


Listen to the best of The Times and The Sunday Times journalists as they cover the biggest sport on the planet; from winners to losers, who's in and out on the transfer roundabout, tactical developments, data analysis and the dreaded VAR.


Hosted by Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson alongside special guest appearances, the team bring you the latest on the Premier League and the EFL, as well as a front-row seat to international tournaments including the Champions League, European Championships and World Cups.


We know football isn't life and death. It's much more serious than that.


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

1222 Episodes
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Manchester United suffer one of their most humiliating defeats in years, crashing out of the Carabao Cup on penalties to League Two Grimsby Town - but what does it mean for Ruben Amorim’s future? We also head to St James’ Park with The Times’ Northern sports correspondent Martin Hardy, to unpack Liverpool’s dramatic 3–2 win at Newcastle, and the latest on the Isak saga. Plus, we analyse West Ham’s miserable start under Graham Potter, and what’s going wrong at the London Stadium. Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel break down a chaotic week in English football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
North London’s on top - but can Tottenham’s fast start under Thomas Frank last? Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds showcased their squad depth and a 15-year-old wonderkid, but with this firepower, surely there can be no excuses for Mikel Arteta this season... We also look at Jack Grealish’s dazzling debut in Everton's new home, Chelsea’s mauling of West Ham, and Gregor takes us inside one of the Premier League's newest rivalries dubbed the “El Casico." Alyson Rudd and Peter Rutzler join Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Arsenal swoop in to hijack the Eze deal from Spurs - we break down how Mikel Arteta’s side sealed a £67.5m move for the Crystal Palace star. Plus, the latest on the Alexander Isak saga at Newcastle: will the striker force a move before the transfer window closes? We also bring you reaction to Leeds’ 1–0 win over Everton on Monday night, and take a closer look at the brazen ownership style of Nottingham Forest boss Evangelos Marinakis. Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Only two weeks into the EFL season - but that’s time enough for Tom and Gregor to start reading the runes. Could this finally be the year Stoke City turns things around under Mark Robins? Winger, Million Manhoef and forward, Divin Mubama have both put in star performances, putting the team at the top of the Championship. But they’re not alone: Middlesbrough and West Brom also boast perfect starts, while Birmingham follow close behind. Down in League One, what’s going on with Plymouth? Pre-season, they were showing plenty of promise, but things have not gone to plan so far. Former football league defender Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to assess the first weeks of the EFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maybe the Premier League isn’t a closed shop after all. Before the season started the talk was could any of the promoted teams buck the trend and stay up. Well straight away Sunderland thumped West Ham. Could it be the year the promoted clubs have a chance? Man City looked reinvigorated; Manchester United looked better, Brentford looked worse and are there areas for concern at Arsenal and Liverpool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS

2025-08-1401:01:09

The new season is nearly here! On the eve of the first game who will be fighting for the title, who’ll be the surprise package and who will be scrapping at the bottom? After a season of some surprises will we revert to type this season?Almost a billion pounds has been spent in the transfer market, the Isak affair rumbles on and Arsenal finally have a number nine. Will any of the promoted clubs manage to break the recent trend and avoid relegation? There is a lot of be excited about, and much to look forward to. Jonny Northcroft, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds and BurnleyThe last in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Newcastle – Isak, does he stay, or does he go? The Magpies have had a tumultuous window, struggling to hold on to their star striker while failing to land any reinforcements. Are things going to change in the final weeks of the window? Have any of the three promoted clubs – Sunderland, Burnley or Leeds done enough business to tip the odds in their favour? Sports data suggest it is getting harder for promoted teams to survive? But why is that ?North East reporter Martin Hardy joins Gregor Robertson and sports data journalist George Willoughby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Villa, Forest and WolvesThe third in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Manchester United have spent big up front, will that be enough or do they need a number six as well?Manchester City have their best player back in Rodri. But is their manager rejuvenated or knackered?Nottingham Forest need players, and plenty of them. Expect them to have a busy close to the transfer window. Likewise, Wolves, without signings are they looking at a relegation fight? Villa may have to sell big before they buy big as they’re restricted by financial regulations, will they have enough with the squad they have?Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Charlotte Duncker run the rue over the clubs.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
 Liverpool, Everton, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea. The second in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Liverpool have been very busy big name players in and lots of fringe players out. Will they finally get their man in Isak, is centre half where they are really short?At Everton a new ground awaits but they have struggled to get new players. What do the next few weeks hold?Chelsea have also been busy and they intend to do more…but who? Is injury about to change their  plans?Both Fulham and Bournemouth have been quite quiet in their transfer dealings. Is that by accident or design?Join Tom Clarke, Paul Joyce and Pete Rutzler for the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Championship starts this weekend. To quote Gregor Robertson – “With some teams no one has a Scooby what is going to happen to them.” Big spending Birmingham City and Wrexham join the party, bringing some Hollywood glamour, how will they fare? Ipswich Town start as strong promotion favourites and both Leicester City and Sheffield Utd have fifty million pounds worth of parachute payment to help them on their way.  At the other end it is anyone's guess – the spot light is on Hull, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford…but how will Mark Robins do at Stoke and have Blackburn made the right signings? In the Championship any one of ten or fifteen teams could spring a surprise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham, Brighton, Palace and BrentfordThe Premier League is nearly upon us!In a series of specials, we asses every team in the Premier League. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign?Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then it is open house - how will each team get on next season and why?Arsenal have been busy, but not everyone thinks its good business. It’s a brave new Thomas Frank world at Tottenham, but is he light up front? For Brentford, West Ham and Palace is it tough times ahead and are Brighton the best run club in England?More teams to follow... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s nearly back! Leagues One and Two kick off this weekend. Following two successive relegations Luton are among the favourites in League One alongside the likes of Cardiff, Stockport and Bolton. At the other end could it be a long season for Rotherham, Peterborough or Wimbledon? In League Two Walsall will try to go again while Gillingham and MK Dons have high hopes. Who will be fighting to stay in the football league at the bottom?Fans across the country will be full of hope and expectation but will their hope prove well founded or misplaced? Former football league defender Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to assess the runners riders and also rans.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England are still European Champions! The Lionesses beat Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout. It was revenge over a Spanish team who had beaten them in the World Cup Final two years ago.It is the first major trophy won by England on foreign soil and once again the hero was Chloe Kelly, who this time scored the winning penalty having scored the winning goal in the final three years ago. Manager Sarina Wiegman has now won the last three Euros with two different teams – a remarkable achievement. Former England international Izzy Christiansen joins Kit Shepard and Tom Clarke to get immediate reaction to the result. England – still Champions!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England have done it again, but wow did they leave it late. In the very last second, they scored a dramatic equaliser. Then with only a minute left of extra time they did it again, this time with a rebound penalty. The result was memorable but the performance less so. Can their resilience and winning mentality carry them over the line, or will it take a higher level of performance in the final against either Spain or Germany? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England face Italy in the Euro semi final tomorrow night but Which England will turn up? The team that demolished Wales and dominated the Netherlands; or the team which struggled against France and Sweden? Sarina Wiegman is plagued with injury worries over host of players, notably captain Lea Williamson and full back Lucy Bronze. Kit Shepard and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke to asses England’s chances against the surprise package of the tournament, the Italians. After the break all the latest on the big transfers of the summer. Rashford to Barca; Gyokeres to Arsenal; Ekitike to Liverpool; Mbeumo to Man Utd and Isak to sign a new contract?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England are through to the Semi-finals, just. In a nerve-wracking game where they looked second best for large parts England refused to give in. Individual heroics, force of will and some super subs dragged them level with Sweden. Then came the penalties, high on drama low on quality. But the main thing, England won! What of the ninety minutes, can the shoot out even be analysed and will they have eleven fit players to face Italy in the semi-finals? Former England international Izzy Christiansen and The Times Women’s football reporter Kit Shepard join Tom Clarke to offer some answers.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stop the press Chelsea are champions of the world. Who saw that coming? They didn’t just win; they won in style dominating a PSG team who had previously swept all before them. Chelsea reporter Pete Rutzler was in New York for the game and joins Tom Clarke to discuss Chelsea’s performance.  Was it a Maresca masterclass? Have they created a blueprint of how to beat PSG?Are Chelsea now serious title contenders? Might they even strengthen more before the season starts? Plus, all the latest on the other key signings at Arsenal, Spurs and reaction to Crystal Palace being demoted to the Europa Conference league. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England got a convincing but expected win against Wales. Next up in the quarter finals it’s Sweden. Just how good are the Swedes?Former England International Izzy Christiansen and Times women’s football reporter Kit Shepard join Tom Clarke to assess England’s performance against Wales and look ahead to Sweden.Izzy and Kit both think Sweden will pose a serious threat as an organised physical team with direct fast wingers. Prediction time - will Wiegman change her winning line up to deal with the way Sweden play, which players will prove key and who are favourites?Check your feeds throughout the day as we’ll have a special CLUB WORLD CUP episode later today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Sunday Chelsea take on PSG for the title of World Club Champions! Times report Pete Rutzler will be at the game in New York - what chance does he give Chelsea against the PSG juggernaut?With new signing Joao Pedro making an immediate impact up front, Brazilian signing Willian Estevao looking good and Cole Palmer on form Chelsea certainly pose a threat. After the break a round up of the latest transfer action: Gibbs White, Madueke, Kudos, Henderson and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England put their defeat against France behind them with an emphatic four nil win against the Netherlands. Qualification for the next round is back in their hands.Izzy Christiansen and Kit Shepard react to England’s win. Who stood out, what changes did manager Sarina Wiegman make and is qualification now a formality? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Comments (24)

Non Dairy Canary

Paul Joyce may be a good correspondent, but he's a lousy podcast contributor. This should have been joyous, but listening to it was like pulling teeth.

Apr 28th
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David Cains

only one English team made it to European semi final and zero minutes on it. whereas spend 20 mins on a washed up manchetser united and Chelsea in mid table

May 11th
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Proskuneo

Absolute horseshit episode, presenters barely spoke about Liverpool, this boy has tunnel vision

Mar 10th
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Kristian Matthews

What a prat of a presenter! Says things just to sound controversial

Dec 11th
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ID17406161

Very incite full apart from Hugh. So much hatred out of one biased individual. Had to unsubscribe

Dec 3rd
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Steve C

Gregor is fantastic, full of facts to support opinions. The complete opposite to the host

Nov 12th
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Steve C

Hugh gets more irritating and unnecessarily argumentative by the week. Thinks he's on Sky Sports.....

Nov 1st
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Kiat Huang

Alison Rudd talking the most sense. She's right about the identity - under Southgate we haven't got one. Opponent teams are not afraid of England, though they are wary of individual players. Our attack is world class, our defence is anything but. Southgate, unfortunately, is too soft and listened to the media too much. A top manager that actually wins things, has to be bloody minded and tactically brilliant. Southgate has never won a thing, apart from relegations!

Sep 27th
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Kiat Huang

Rudd made the most sense, overall, with stone very insightful points. One of the blokes (not the host) was right about Southgate deflecting criticism or potentially negative discussion, by referring to the last two tournaments, where England did well on paper (they had fortunate run-ins). Southgate reminds me of a middle-aged trendy teacher who tries to please everyone, but ultimately does not deliver the goods. He has made a huge mistake with tl insisting the team does the BLM knee as a way he and the team can "educate the world". Well it pisses the world off and it pisses most England fans off. Black players are, of anything based on demographics, overrepresented in football, because of their talent etc - racism has not held back development. If you're good enough you'll get a chance. Football is a business where sporting/hiring choices are based on meritocracy. Southgate has lost a lot of goodwill earned from the Euros, because of his insistence this particular political view of his

Jun 15th
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simon thomas

you forgetting benrahma Bowen antonio ?

Dec 6th
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Kiat Huang

A cathartic result for the nation - we *needed* sometime to get beyond the semis of the Euros or the WC. Absolutely nothing wrong with being nationalistic and patriotic, even jingoistic! You can still love football, still be respectful to openents. As much as I've loved football all my life, love of country is stronger. Football is a part of England, not the other way round!

Jul 8th
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Russell Crumbleholme

Is this the Matthew and Mark comments show? Please stop inviting Vs you know you know you know

Feb 22nd
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MARK O'CONNELL

Todays Matt Dickinson "You Know" count... 236

Jan 19th
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MARK O'CONNELL

WTF is wrong with Matt Dickinson??? I can barely get through an episode every time he is on... The man cannot say a sentence without saying "you know" at least 10 times... It's ridiculous. The man is on a platform "communicating" with an audience. Would this man write the same way he speaks? Why doesn't anyone pull him up on it? Is it some form of tourette's? Either sort it out or get shot of him and get someone in that can actually speak. You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know,

Jan 12th
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damian edwards

I don't know who Tom Clarke is, but after listening to this edition of the podcast I know he's a moron.

Aug 14th
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MARK O'CONNELL

You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.You know. You kno

Jun 30th
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MARK O'CONNELL

Jesus Christ!!!! I could not get through this episode due to Matt Dickinson's inability to complete a sentence with the phrase "you know". It's as if he has some bizarre form of tourette's. If you have some time on your hands listen to this & count how many times you hear Matt say "you know". I got to 30 and then lost the will to live. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.

Jun 10th
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Matthew Gotham

Molly Hudson sounds about 15 years old.

Aug 16th
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Steve Wells

they are less accurate in their predictions than Robbie savaged mum or my dead cat

Mar 11th
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Matthew Gotham

Please please PLEASE stop inviting the pompous Matthew Syed on to this podcast

Mar 5th
Reply