Route One

After failing their first two big tests this season, Arsenal really need to pass their third. The only problem is it’s away to Newcastle. George Caulkin previews the game. It’s 17-games-unbeaten Crystal Palace versus seven-wins-in-a-row Liverpool this Saturday. Something’s got to give, and Jim Daly offers his insight on what that might be. We bring you up to speed with last night’s European r...

Ahead of this weekend’s Madrid Derby, we speak to Dermot Corrigan about the impressive start Xabi Alonso has made at Real, and about whether Julian Alvarez’s midweek hat-trick can inspire Atletico to improve against their rivals. We also get Matt Davies-Adams’ perspective on Ange Postecoglou’s start at Nottingham Forest and the emergence of Igor Jesus. We recap the action from last night’s Eu...

An enthralling night of Carabao Cup action left some teams dejected, others depleted, and the lucky ones delighted. We bring you up to speed with exactly which ones are which. We take a closer look at Aberdeen - top of the table this time last year, rock bottom now as JJ Bull joins us to add his insight. We discuss potential plans to expand the World Cup *again* and the Championship play-offs...

Why does everyone get so obsessed with the Ballon d’Or? It’s an individual award in a team sport, it’s not logical to afford it so much importance. It’s like taking the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year seriously. You’re all mad. And what’s going on at Aston Villa? They look absolutely awful this season. Jacob Tanswell is on to explain more. Presenter: Iain Macintosh Audio Producer: Helena...

West Ham really are in trouble now. They’ve lost four of their first five games and the fans are mutinous. Is it all Graham Potter’s fault? Probably not, but it’s hard to see how he can survive now. Vitor Pereira should be fine. The Wolves manager signed a new three year contract shortly before losing 3-1 at home to Leeds. That’s five defeats from five for them now. We’ve got a full round up ...

It’s Friday, you know what that means - we preview the pick of the weekend’s action, and this is one hell of a weekend to preview. Adrian Clarke is with us again to discuss the biggest game of the weekend, Arsenal vs Man City. We take a look at Ruben Amorim’s future in light of the mysterious Indy Kaila’s latest revelations. And we’ll both bring you up to speed with the final night of this w...

Liverpool have done it again. For the fifth time in a row, they’ve beaten an opponent with an extremely late goal. How are they doing this? What does it mean for Everton, who face them on Saturday? Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap is here to assess the situation. What else happened in Europe last night? What else is happening tonight? And why are Wolves giving Vitor Pereira a new deal when ...

It looks like Jose Mourinho is going to be back in European football before anyone expected. He’s reported to be in advanced talks with Benfica. The Athletic’s Nick Miller is here to discuss further. We’ve got a full rundown of all of last night’s football, we’ve got a full preview of all of tonight’s football, what we haven’t got is any faff whatsoever. Listen now. Presenter: Iain Macintosh ...

The Champions League is back! And so we ask Tom Williams to give us his expert opinion on whether or not any team can prize the trophy out of PSG’s grasp? With Spurs starting strongly under Thomas Frank, Jack Pitt Brooke joins to give an assessment of whether the new man will be able to balance domestic and European football better than the old one. We’ll whizz you through the rest of tonight...

Ruben Amorim responded to Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City by insisting that his side are getting better. Has he got a point? We ask football analyst Ted Knutson what he thinks. Rangers definitely aren’t getting better, they’re down in tenth. We speak to Chris Jack from the Rangers Review to ask if there’s anything Russell Martin can do to turn this around. And we’ve got the ...

Club football is back with a bang as underperforming Man City host underperforming Man Utd on Sunday. We check the mood in the camp by chatting to Andy Mitten. Hamburg’s return to the Bundesliga has been a mixed bag so far. Ahead of their daunting trip to the Allianz to face Bayern, we get Seb Stafford-Bloor’s take. We’ll point you in the direction of all the weekend’s best fixtures across th...

The international break was actually quite good this time but we’re naturally pleased it’s over, so we can get back to proper football. Adrian Clarke is with us again to run the rule over Arsenal who face Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest in the early kick-off. And George Rees-Julian offers his take on the first South Coast derby in the league since 2012 as Southampton host Portsmouth. We...

We said that England would find it tough in Serbia. We were wrong. Adrian Clarke drops in to tell us how good they were and what this means for Thomas Tuchel. England scored five, Norway scored ELEVEN and they are very close to booking their place at next summer’s World Cup. Norwegian sportscaster Kasper Wikestad tells us how they got so good, so quickly. We’ve got all the results, all the st...

It’s Nuno Espirito Santo out, and Ange Postecoglou in at Nottingham Forest. Matt Davies-Adams tells us what he makes of it all. After a seventh consecutive defeat against a top 30 nation for the USMNT, we ask Mike Zimmerman what Mauricio Pochettino is getting wrong. We’ll discuss an agreement between Man City and the Premier League, Bayer Leverkusen’s post-Eric ten Hag plan, a La Liga player ...

Welcome to Route One where we are thoroughly leaning into all aspect of the international break as long as we don’t have to watch England. We’ve got all the scores and updates you need to make sense of this chaos. But not before we speak to The Athletic’s Carl Anka about Andre Onana’s departure on loan to Trabzonspor. This was a (nearly) £50m goalkeeper, what went so wrong? Presenter: Iain Ma...

Daniel Levy has fallen, but what's his legacy going to be at Tottenham? Danny Kelly, legendary host of View From The Lane, gives his verdict. London City Lionesses have spent big ahead of their first season in the WSL. How far can they go? We ask Lynsey Hooper of The Offside Rule. And what happened in the internattional games last night? Germany, we are looking in your direction.... Presente...

Have Barcelona reached an early crisis point after Hansi Flick locked his players in the dressing room? Pol Ballus has the answers. Have Lyon put their own crisis behind them with an unbeaten start in Ligue 1. Tom Williams joins us to discuss. Spain followed up their Euros success with a Nations League Final defeat to Portugal. Feargal Brennan brings us up to speed with Luis de la Fuente’s si...

Aston Villa are yet to score let alone win this season. Is it just a blip? Sam Tighe shares his insight on the situation. Sheffield United may have scored, but they’ve lost every game. Is it over for Ruben Selles before it’s really begun? Jimmy Smith talks us through the crisis. We have news of an unusual victory for Nottingham Forest, a moral victory for Fulham, and yet more Lucas Paqueta-re...

Liverpool didn’t quite get everyone they wanted yesterday. Their move for Crystal Palace defender Mark Guehi broke down at the last minute. So will this have any effect on Arne Slot’s side? Are they underclubbed for the season? We speak to Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap. Plus, who won the inaugural Route One Transfer Window Awards? We’re dishing out gongs for the rights and the wrongs. P...

Well, that was fun, wasn’t it? That was like the old fashioned deadline days. Just without the purple sex toys. Liverpool bought everyone they wanted, the Manchester clubs got new goalkeepers, Spurs picked up a new striker, Newcastle replaced an on-strike striker with an on-strike striker and, look, I could go on, but it will be quicker for both of us if you listen to the show. It is jammed fu...

We preview one of the biggest games of the season as Liverpool host Arsenal, Harry Symeou shares his insight. Seb Stafford-Bloor runs the rule over Nico Woltemade as he looks set to become Newcastle’s record signing. It’s Trent Alexander-Arnold out and Elliot Anderson in as Thomas Tuchel names his next England squad - Adrian Clarke assesses the selections. We’ll discuss a double sacking in T...

Grimsby knock Man Utd out of the Carabao Cup and we ask Adam Bate whether this spells the beginning of the end for Ruben Amorim… or the actual end. We get Matt Davies-Adams’ opinion on whether this might prompt Chelsea to hurry through their move for Alejandro Garnacho, particularly as AC Milan agree a deal for Christopher Nkunku. We discuss Rangers’ cataclysmically awful result in Europe ahe...

It looks like Newcastle have started succession planning. They’ve made bids of £50m and £55m for Wolves’ striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. But is he worth that much money? Tim Spiers has seen a lot of him, so we asked him. And how has it got so bad, so quickly for West Ham? We manage to hold a full conversation with Benji Lanyado without saying the words, “I told you this would happen.” And we’ve...

Brace yourself, another disgustingly young footballer has emerged from his chrysalis. Rio Ngumoha scored Liverpool’s winner on Monday night, he’s still only 16 years old. Can he play a major part in Liverpool’s season? Should he play a major part in Liverpool’s season? Neil Atkinson joins us from The Anfield Wrap. Plus, Atletico Madrid have picked up just a single point from their first two La...

He’s fifteen. He’s supposed to be doing his GCSEs. And just the coursework, he shouldn’t be taking exams until next year. Max Dowman is young. But he seems to be really good for Arsenal too. Adrian Clarke was young and good for Arsenal once and he’s seen a few come through the ranks since. How does he rate Dowman and what can be done to look after the boy? Plus we’ve got a full weekend round-u...

Welcome to the weekend! The Bundesliga gets underway tonight, Seb Stafford Bloor has some views about Bayern. Matt Davis Adams leapt into action to react to Nuno’s worrying comments at Forest. And our own Producer Si is commentating on Wrexham this weekend. Can they finally pick up a point against crisis club Sheffield Wednesday? Presenter: Iain Macintosh Producer: Si Watts Writers’ Room: Lola...

Eberechi Eze has secured his dream move. But did Arsenal win him, or did Spurs lose him? Chris I’Anson-Miller and Tim Stillman weigh in on yet another dramatic transfer. French football expert Tom Williams gives us some clarity on the chaos of Marseille… or as much clarity as anyone can give on a madhouse. In less shocking news Javier Mascherano was sent off and Brendan Rodgers is complaining...

There were handbags out on the Toon last night in the latest episode of this summer’s transfer window. George Caulkin fills us in on the Alexander Isak saga. Disaster for Arsenal as Kai Havertz picks up an injury. Adrian Clarke gives us some idea on where Arsenal, Arteta, and the attack might go from here. Rangers played too… We’re sponsored by FotMob now. Click the link below, you won’t reg...

A well oiled machine or Mbappe and Vinicius strolling around? Feargal Brennan tells us what we can expect from Xabi Alonso’s first Real Madrid game. Leeds landed a big blow on Everton last night too, could physicality be the key for the Yorkshiremen this season? Phil Kay lets us know. Also, more good news for Morecombe, and what’s Jesse Lingard up to? Hey! We’re sponsored by FotMob now. Clic...

Well, that was an underwhelming Super Sunday, wasn’t it? Arsenal were off their game and were fortunate to win, Manchester United looked brighter, but couldn’t land a punch. But Andy Mitten found reasons to be cheerful. Marcus Rashford made his debut for Barcelona, Feargal Brennan was watching that for us. And Bayern Munich won the German Super Cup, but Seb Stafford Bloor says there are still ...

With the Premier League opening weekend incredibly including Man Utd vs Arsenal, we check the mood in both camps with Carl Anka and Adrian Clarke. Alex Barker joins us to share his insight on Nottingham Forest’s exciting new striker, Arnaud Kalimuendo. We think we’ve spotted some potential transfer dominoes that will fall as soon as Dango Outtara joins Brentford, plus we have a curious update...

Once is amusing, twice will earn you a polite smile, but after a whole day of “SPURSY!” bantz, we’re very much over it all. Thomas Frank’s side played well. We thought they were going to get flattened and they damn nearly won the thing. We get some perspective from Chris I’Anson Miller. And who’s this Geovanni Leoni kid that Liverpool have bought from Parma? We call on the expertise and glorio...

As Thomas Frank lays the law down with Yves Bissouma, The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke discusses what else we can expect from the new Spurs boss. French football expert Tom Williams explains why PSG are so eager to offload Gianluigi Donnarumma. We round up a highly entertaining night of Carabao Cup games and Champions League qualifiers including a particularly satisfying win for Jose Mourinho....

With Alexander Isak refusing to play for Newcastle again, we ask The Athletic’s George Culkin if there’s any way back. We get Straight Outta Cobham’s Matt Davies-Adams to talk us through Chelsea’s hectic but promising transfer window. Elsewhere, we have news of a developing transfer battle between Arsenal and Tottenham, we look at a possible new winger for Man City, and have a thoroughly dep...

It’s been confirmed: Crystal Palace remain condemned to the Europa Conference League. But is this a blessing in disguise? They beat Man City and won the FA Cup. They beat Liverpool on penalties and won the Community Shield. Why couldn’t they win the Conference League too? What wrong with Liverpool at Wembley? Why didn’t they win as we all expected them to do? And what’s the mood at Bournemout...

It’s not done yet, but it looks like it will be soon. Benjamin Sesko is close to a move to Manchester United. But how good is he really? Seb Stafford Bloor has seen loads of him over the past two years, so he felt like a good person to ask. The EFL Championship starts today, but who’s likely to go up? Adrian Clarke from the excellent What The EFL Podcast is in with his predictions And who’s f...

Is discontent developing at Arsenal? We ask Arsenal Vision’s Tim Stillman whether he’s worried about the new season. We also speak to The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell about Aston Villa’s exciting, new signing, Evann Guessand. There’s a rare bit of news from North America as two bona fide megastars join MLS. And we have news of James Madison’ injury, Scott McTominay’s continued ascent, and a Ben...

With Darwin Nũńez seemingly heading to Al Hilal we ask The Anfield Wrap’s Neil Atkinson to summarise the Uruguayan’s Liverpool stint. Andy Mitten shares his views on whether Ruben Amorim can get Man Utd back to sixth… or even fourth… this season. On the day Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall completes his move to Everton, we have news of the Toffees’ possible next arrival. And we’ll bring you a curious u...

Struggling to understand Bayern Munich’s preparations for the new season, we drafted in The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor to explain it all. With Southampton demanding a whopping £50m for Tyler Dibling, we ask stats expert Ben McAleer whether that fee is justified. We have the latest from Man Utd and Newcastle’s battle for Benjamin Šeșko. Plus, encouraging news for Everton, a positive Sheffi...

Tottenham have had a horrible weekend. Son Heung Min is leaving, James Maddison is injured and remember how they failed to buy Morgan Gibbs-White? Are they seriously short of a creative outlet? We put that question to Chris I’Anson-Miller from The Extra Inch podcast. And we’re back on The Outsider, it’s Spain today with The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan. Can Atletico Madrid challenge Barca and Re...

Liverpool have brought in multiple players, they’re actively hunting down more, most notably Alexander Isak. But will so much change bring its own problems? We ask that very question to Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap. Schalke kick off the Bundesliga 2 season tonight at home to Hertha Berlin, but what on earth are they still doing in the second flight? Seb Stafford Bloor tells us more. An...

Matt Davies-Adams times his Route One presenting debut perfectly as Nottingham Forest sign Dan Ndoye. The Athletic’s James Horncastle also adds his insight. Hammers fan Benji Lanyado has his say on West Ham’s fortunes with Iain conveniently absent today after tipping them for relegation. Analytics FC CEO Alex Stewart explains why Christian Chivu was determined to bring Ange-Yoan Bonny with hi...

James Trafford didn’t do so well in the Premier League with Burnley, so why does Pep Guardiola think he’ll do better this time? We ask goalkeeping expert David Preece what he makes of it. Chelsea have made some big signings and they’ve won two trophies in the last three months. Could they actually win the title. Matt Davies Adams isn’t so sure. And why is everyone so impressed with Everton’s ...

Can Newcastle keep hold of Alexander Isak or is he destined to move to Liverpool? The Athletic’s George Caulkin gives us the lowdown. The Outsiders is back. Tom Williams explains why Marseille might just have a chance at toppling PSG. Maybe. With a fair wind. And a lot of luck. Brentford splashed nearly £20m on Antoni Milambo this summer. But who is he? Analytics FC CEO Alex Stewart gives us ...

Welcome to Route One, we like football, fast with no faff and that’s why the show will never be longer than 15 minutes. In that time, we’ll bring you up to date with the biggest stories of the day, but we’ll also shine a light on some of the stories that other people might have missed. So we’ll open with Lynsey Hooper who was in Switzerland for the Lionesses big win, then we’ll start looking ...

Welcome to Route One! It’s football. Fast. No faff. Give us 15mins, we’ll give you the top stories, we’ll give you great analysis, we’ll give you a few stats and we’ll shine a spotlight on some of the non big six stories that go unnoticed elsewhere. We like world football, we like experts, and we don’t like wasting time. Route One. It’s Football. Fast. No Faff.