The Premier League’s new era

The Premier League’s new era

Author: The Independent August 19, 2026 Duration: 52:02

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 Barcelona move, Liverpool’s unfinished rebuild under Andoni Iraola without a clear Salah replacement, and Manchester United’s issues under Michael Carrick with a thin midfield and a heavier schedule. Arsenal are framed as the main known quantity and title favourites, with debate over Arteta’s intensity, attacking evolution, and recruitment. They assess Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi, the impact of no European football for some clubs, relegation candidates, and give top-five and relegation predictions.


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Every Wednesday, the conversation starts fresh. The Indy Football Podcast gathers The Independent's football journalists, led by host Luke Brown, to break down the latest from the Premier League, Champions League, and all the stories shaping the game. This isn't just a recap; it's a forward-looking discussion designed to equip you for the weekend's fixtures and the biggest European nights. What sets this podcast apart is its access. Alongside the regular panel, you'll hear from a rotating cast of insiders-former players, agents, and coaches-who bring a unique perspective from within the sport's inner circles. The analysis is sharp, the previews are detailed, and the tone is like listening in on a knowledgeable debate among friends who live and breathe football. Tune in each week for a thoughtful, comprehensive take on everything that matters, delivered with the authority and clarity you'd expect from The Independent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Copa Independent
Podcast Episodes
Can anyone stop France? Plus our bold England vs Norway predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
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 quart…
Altitude v attitude: Will England survive Mexico City? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:23
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 descri…
The new World Cup format is broken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:34
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 h…
What England MUST change against Panama after drab Ghana draw [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
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 o…
Messi v Ronaldo? The debate was always absurd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:03
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 H…
The Tuchel team-talk that fired England to beat Croatia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:33
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…