Football Daily

Steve Crossman is joined by Guillem Balague, James Horncastle, Rafa Honigstein and ESPN's Julien Laurens for this year's Euro Leagues End of Year Special!For the first half of the pod we keep the festive spirits going by looking back on some of the best Scandinavian stories of the year. New head coach of Swedish league winners Mjallby, Karl Marius Aksum, is back on the show! Norway's title winner was Viking FK, winning their first championship since 1991! Their Sporting Director and former Manchester United and Fulham forward, Erik Nevland, joins the pod. And finally, former chairman of Santa Claus FC in Lapland, Finland, Juha Etelainen speaks to the team!Then, in the second half of the Special, we bring you a 'You're Better Than That' Euro Leagues quiz! The teams are tested on their knowledge of european football history, geography, literature and even maths!Timecodes: 02:12 Mjallby Head Coach, Karl Marius Aksum, returns to Euro Leagues 10:00 Viking FK Sporting Director Erik Nevland reflects on their title win 23:47 Former chairman of FC Santa Claus, Juha Etelainen, joins the team 32:28 You're Better Than That quiz

Arsenal increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table following a 4-1 win at home to Aston Villa. Hear from their manager, Mikel Arteta, and from Unai Emery after his Aston Villa side's 11 match winning streak came to an end. Dion Dublin, Ellen White, Statman Dave and Clinton Morrison join Steve Crossman to discuss a busy night of Premier League football and the latest twists at the top and bottom of the Premier League table. More dropped points from Chelsea - hear from their coach Willy Caballero and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola after a 2-2 draw - what's the latest on Antoine Semenyo's future at the club? Plus, hear from Rob Edwards after his first point as Wolves manager following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford to Manchester United. And they discuss the latest transfer rumour - could Brennan Johnson be set for a switch across London from Tottenham to Crystal Palace?TIME CODES:01:10 - Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa 08:20 - Mikel Arteta 12:20 - Unai Emery 14:40 - Willy Caballero 15:50 - Andoni Iraola 18:50 - Manchester United 1-1 Wolves 21:45 - Rob Edwards 22:45 - Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace?

Katie Smith looks back at England’s dramatic Women’s Euros campaign as the team managed injuries, made game-changing substitutions, and fought through extra time and penalty shoot-outs on their way to becoming back-to-back champions. Featuring commentary, interviews and analysis, Katie is joined by Vicki Sparks, Karen Bardsley and Izzy Christiansen who featured throughout 5 Live’s coverage of the tournament in Switzerland earlier this year.TIMECODES: 00:20 - The story of the tournament, as told on BBC Radio 5 Live 05:45 - Katie welcomes, KB, Izzy and Vicki 08:10 - How concerned were the team going into the tournament given the withdrawals and retirements? 13:33 - The Lionesses get off to a tricky start against France. 19:45 - Did England underestimate Sweden? 26:00 - We relive that penalty shootout as England came back to make the semi-finals. 32:45 - The Lionesses meet the dark horses of the tournament, Italy. 38:50 - Vicki talks us through that Michelle Agyemang commentary moment. 44:00 - England's substitutes save the day again and they're in to the final. 47:20 - The rematch everyone was waiting for, England meet Spain again. 51:50 - What legacy has this win created and what's next for the Lionesses?

Rick Edwards, Luke Edwards and Nigel Reo-Coker discuss the weekend’s Premier League action. Spurs got a huge win away from home against Crystal Palace to end the year with a win. In form Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored for Leeds to draw 1-1 against Sunderland and make it six goals in a row. It’s an 11th successive win in all competitions for Villa as they came from behind to beat Chelsea thanks to a double from Ollie Watkins. And as we head into 2026 Luke, Nigel and Rick pick their manager and player of the season so far!TIMECODES:04:25 – Big win for Spurs 08:30 – Thomas Frank & Oliver Glasner 15:05 – Palace in January 18:20 – Sunderland v Leeds 22:00 – Dominic Calvert-Lewin 31:00 – Halftime teaser 33:00 – Aston Villa and Ollie Watkins 41:00 – Raya save 45:10 – Manchester City 48:20 – Liverpool & Wirtz first goal

Wayne Rooney, Kelly Somers and Kae Kurd sit down with Xavi Simons at Tottenham’s training ground for a rare and revealing conversation.Xavi reflects on his journey from child prodigy with 2 million Instagram followers at 12, to international star navigating moves from the Netherlands to Barcelona, PSG, Leipzig and now London. He shares what it was like leaving Barça at 16, walking into a PSG dressing room with Neymar and Mbappé, and why Neymar became a mentor.He opens up about choosing Tottenham, his Premier League ambitions, and the player who’s impressed him most in England. Plus, Wayne recalls Ruud van Nistelrooy’s fiery clashes with Cristiano Ronaldo, his childhood idol Duncan Ferguson, and even the time Barcelona’s goalkeeper drove over his foot.You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, iPlayer, as well as listen on BBC Sounds.

The Commentator's View faces FPL Podcast from BBC Sport in 5 Live's annual football quiz. Will John Murray and Ian Dennis beat Chris Sutton and Statman Dave? Will Ali Bruce-Ball stay impartial as quizmaster? And will they all stay friends?Five rounds: 04:10 Clash of the Commentators 20:25 Articulate 27:35 Guesstimation 38:40 Sutton Death 48:25 Book round

Katie Smith is joined by former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and Brighton midfielder Fran Kirby to look ahead to the busy festive football period.They discuss what it’s like to be a footballer at Christmas time and whether it’s possible to enjoy the holidays while also getting ready for matches.Boxing Day’s only Premier League match this year sees Manchester United host Newcastle, the panel discuss how much Ruben Amorim’s side will miss Bruno Fernandes during his spell out injured.Coventry City look to take another step towards promotion to the top flight when they host Swansea on Boxing Day and Sky Blues fan Katie Stafford discusses what life is like at the moment.The panel also chat about West Ham’s struggles and the WSL headlines going into the winter break.1:00 – Nigel and Fran’s Christmas traditions 2:30 – Player management at Christmas 4:10 – Nigel on players being weighed after Christmas Day 7:30 – Festive training plans 11:00 – How much will Man Utd miss Bruno Fernandes? 17:30 – Opportunity for Kobbie Mainoo 19:30 – Newcastle focus 24:00 – Coventry City fan Katie Stafford 30:30 – Fran Kirby on WSL 35:00 – Nigel on West Ham 37:40 – Nigel and Fran’s Christmas wishes

Steve and Alex Bruce join Aaron Paul & Jobi McAnuff for the 72+ Christmas special. They talk about what Christmas was like in their playing and managerial days. Steve reveals who his most generous chairmen were and how he once turned down the Newcastle job. They have their say on allegations of nepotism, with Alex excluded from the Hull WhatsApp group. And of course, what’s on the menu on Christmas Day?02:55 Steve Bruce on having Christmas off 04:05 What was Sir Alex like at Christmas? 09:00 Alex Bruce used to be ball boy in training 10:55 How does manager Steve do Christmas? 12:55 How does Alex coach over Christmas? 16:35 Steve names his most generous chairmen 23:00 Steve on turning down the Newcastle job 25:40 Alex on life at Ipswich under Roy Keane 28:35 On allegations of nepotism 31:25 Alex nearly signed for LA Galaxy 35:40 Alex excluded from the Hull WhatsApp group 39:15 Steve nearly refused to sign Harry Maguire 41:35 Do they watch football together? 43:25 Gary Pallister used to help Alex on Tomb Raider 45:10 Steve on not getting called up for England 51:45 Steve names his best signing 55:10 What’s for Christmas dinner?5 Live / BBC Sounds Premier League commentaries: Fri 26 Dec EFL Around the Grounds, Sat 27 Dec 1500 Arsenal v Brighton, Sat 27 Dec 1500 Liverpool v Wolves on Sports Extra, Sat 27 Dec 1730 Chelsea v Aston Villa, Sun 28 Dec 1400 Sunderland v Leeds, Sun 28 Dec 1630 Crystal Palace v Tottenham, Mon 29 Dec EFL Around the Grounds, Tue 30 Dec Premier League Around the Grounds, Thu 1 Jan EFL Around the Grounds.

Rob Green and Glenn Murray react as Arsenal become the last team to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over London rivals, Crystal Palace.What can Palace take away from their performance at the Emirates despite defeat? And could this tournament be the catalyst for further success for Arsenal? Rob and Glenn join John Murray, BBC Football Correspondent, and Kelly Cates to dissect the victory for Mikel Arteta's side, and we hear from the Arsenal boss himself.Plus, how have Arne Slot and Thomas Frank reacted to news of a fractured leg for Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, and how does it link to reports around Antoine Semenyo joining Manchester City?Timecodes: 00:10 Reaction from the Emirates to Arsenal v Palace 02:50 Could the League Cup be the springboard for Arsenal success? 06:20 Is there any concern over Arsenal's ability to score from open play? 11:00 Is it too early for talk of Quadruples? 14:25 Reaction from Mikel Arteta 17:10 Alexander Isak ruled out for 'a couple of months' 20:00 Antoine Semenyo set to join City, ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea?Commentaries this week: Saturday 27th — Arsenal v Brighton — 15:00 — 5 Live Saturday 27th — Liverpool v Wolves — 15:00 — Sports Extra Saturday 27th — Chelsea v Aston Villa — 17:30 — 5 Live

Ben Haines, Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Emma Sanders host a Christmas special! The team do a mid season review and revisit predictions made at the start of the season and whether they expect much to change. Emma gives an insight into what recruitment we could see in the January transfer market, plus a look at the WSL2 with play-off spots up for grabs. Bristol City manager Charlotte Healy and Newcastle boss Tanya Oxtoby join the pod and share how they are working to get promoted to the WSL. Tanya also shares how important pigs in blanket are to her team! And who will be crowned the Women’s Football Weekly friends quiz champion?Timecodes: 01:30 Predictions from start of the season 05:50 Spurs the surprise 07:30 Liverpool and West Ham in danger 15:35 Transfers in Jan 21:25 Bristol City’s Charlotte Healy 29:00 Newcastle boss Tanya Oxtoby   37:30 Friends festive quiz!

How has Unai Emery masterminded Aston Villa's rise? Will United and Liverpool compete for Semenyo? And who are Africa's new superpower, how is Mo Salah viewed in his home continent and why has a major change been made to the African Cup of Nations?Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Pat Nevin join Mark Chapman to discuss and debate the big questions of the week on the Monday Night Club.Guillem Balague, author of 'The Rise of the Villans: Inside Unai Emery's Aston Villa Revolution', joins the panel to provide insight into Emery's excellent work at Villa Park.The group then consider the other side of Sunday's 2-1 victory over Manchester United, who have lost talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes to injury. How can they replace him, and might it force the Reds into a transfer battle with bitter rivals Liverpool? Arne Slot's title holders are waiting for further news on Alexander Isak, with reports suggesting their record-breaking signing has suffered a leg break.African football journalist Maher Mezahi joins us from AFCON to explain a major change to the competition, how Morocco and Senegal are competing to be the continental superpower and how Mo Salah is viewed by those in his home nation and continent after controversy at Liverpool.Plus, what is Pep Guardiola's Christmas diet for his Man City players, and how does it compare to Chris and Pat's from back in the day?Timecodes: 00:12 Villa's 10-match winning streak, with Guillem Balague (Euro Leagues) explaining how Emery turned this season around 23:10 Do United and Liverpool really need to buy to replace Bruno Fernandes and Alexander Isak? 32:50 Hearts are top of the Scottish Premiership at Christmas, so what will they do in January? 39:20 AFCON — Are Morocco the new African superpower? 45:00 AFCON — How much pressure is on Salah to succeed with Egypt, and how has the controversy with Arne Slot been viewed in Africa? 47:40 AFCON — Have FIFA driven changes to the tournament schedule, from every 2 years to every 4 years? 50:30 Pep Guardiola's 'hidden' Christmas message to Man City's playersCommentaries coming up this week: Tuesday 23rd — Arsenal v Crystal Palace — 20:00 — 5 Live Saturday 27th — Arsenal v Brighton — 15:00 — 5 Live Saturday 27th — Liverpool v Wolves — 15:00 — Sports Extra Saturday 27th — Chelsea v Aston Villa — 17:30 — 5 Live

Ben Haines, Luke Edwards and Clinton Morrison discuss the weekend’s Premier League action. After Morgan Rogers scored another brace for Aston Villa in their 2-1 win over Manchester United, is he one of the most in-form players in the league right now? And how fearful should Manchester United fans be after Bruno Fernandes left the field at half time due to injury? In the weekend’s other matches, they discuss whether Arsenal’s lack of convincing wins should be concerning, and one of the games of the season – Newcastle v Chelsea. Should there have been a penalty? Plus, what does Alexander Isak’s injury mean for Liverpool, and how concerning is Tottenham’s discipline? And at the bottom of the table, is there any way back for Rob Edwards’ Wolves?TIME CODES:02:25 – Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers 10:55 – Manchester United 17:05 – Arsenal 28:20 – Newcastle v Chelsea 40:30 – Tottenham v Liverpool 48:50 – Manchester City and Erling Haaland 52:00 – Relegation Picture

Sunderland defender Dan Ballard speaks to BBC Sport's Betty Glover about the Wear-Tyne derby win, promotion and the impact Granit Xhaka has had on the Black Cats. They discuss how everyone has adapted so well to the Premier League and his teams aim for the rest of the season. They also get into his ability to step up in big games and how he's improved himself since last season.

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball discuss what it’s like being a commentator at Christmas. They look ahead to the festive schedule, Ian aims to stretch his lead in Clash of the Commentators, there are more unintended pub and film names, and which commentary phrases will end up in our Great Glossary? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk00:40 What is Christmas like for commentators? 03:25 Is it right to play at 8pm on Boxing Day? 05:10 John gets wet at Newcastle 07:40 Christmas commentary bingo 12:30 John’s special treatment in Madrid 17:15 Commentary highlights this festive period 19:10 Unintended pub names & film titles 30:20 Clash of the Commentators 37:15 Great Glossary of Football Commentary5 Live / BBC Sounds Premier League commentaries: Sat 20 Dec 1500 Man City v West Ham, Sat 20 Dec 1500 Brighton v Sunderland on Sports Extra, Sat 20 Dec 1730 Tottenham v Liverpool, Sun 21 Dec 1330 Hearts v Rangers, Sun 21 Dec 1630 Aston Villa v Man Utd, Tue 23 Dec 2000 Arsenal v Palace in EFL Cup QF.Great Glossary of Football Commentary:DIVISION ONE Blaze over the bar, Bosman, Cruyff Turn, Dead-ball specialist, Fox in the box, Giving the goalkeeper the eyes, Head tennis, Hibs it, In a good moment, The Maradona, Off their line, Olimpico, Onion bag, Panenka, Perfect hat-trick, Rabona, Schmeichel-style, Scorpion kick, Spursy, Tiki-taka, Where the kookaburra sleeps, Where the owl sleeps, Where the spiders sleep. DIVISION TWO Ball stays hit, Beaten all ends up, Business end, Came down with snow on it, Catching practice, Camped in the opposition half, Cauldron atmosphere Coat is on a shoogly peg, Come back to haunt them, Corridor of uncertainty, Couldn’t sort their feet out, Easy tap-in, Daisy-cutter, First cab off the rank, Good leave, Half-turn, Has that in his locker, High wide and not very handsome, Hospital pass, Howler, In their pocket, Johnny on the spot, Leading the line, Nice headache to have, Nutmeg, One for the cameras, One for the purists, Played us off the park, Points to the spot, Purple patch, Put their laces through it, Reaches for their pocket, Rolls Royce, Root and branch review, Row Z, Screamer, Seats on the plane, Show across the bows, Slide-rule pass, Steal a march, Stramash, Taking one for the team, Telegraphed that pass, That’s great… (football), Thunderous strike, Walk it in.

Steve Crossman is joined by James Horncastle, Julien Laurens and Rafa Honigstein to break down the biggest stories across European football.They discuss PSG being ordered to pay Kylian Mbappé €60m, Cesc Fabregas’ fallout with Senegal over Assane Diao, and Fiorentina’s dramatic collapse to the bottom of Serie A.The panel are also joined by Benfica academy director Guilherme Müller to explore why Benfica are world leaders in youth development, before touching on the rapid rise of teenager Lennart Karl.02:35 PSG Pay Mbappé 11:08 Fabregas backlash 25:16 Benfica’s academy gold 37:38 Rise of Karl 41:02 Fiorentina’s Collapse

It’s a busy one on the pod as we are at Tannadice Park, St James’ Park and the Etihad – as Steve Crossman gets the latest from the EFL Cup quarter-finals and asks what’s next for Celtic as they suffer another defeat.The pod starts in Scotland after Wilfried Nancy has now lost all of his first four matches as Celtic manager. It's the first time since January 1978 that the club have had a run like that, that's after Dundee United came from behind to win 2-1. We hear from Nancy himself and Scottish football reporter Kenny Crawford who watched the action unfold. Steve is joined by John Murray and Clinton Morrison as they witnessed Newcastle beat Fulham – in a game that nearly went to penalties! They also hear from Yoane Wissa after he scored his first goal for Newcastle. And not only that, Ian Dennis and Leon Osman join the pod from a very wet Etihad Stadium after they saw Manchester City beat Brentford 2-0 – even Pep Guardiola makes a cameo!And we find out the state of play for the British teams in Women’s Champions League action on Wednesday night, after the final round of league phase fixtures.Timecodes:01:20 – Celtic section. 07:27 – Wilfried Nancy interview. 13:13 – Newcastle v Fulham analysis. 15:00 – Yoane Wissa interview. 1620 – Eddie Howe interview 18:40 – Marco Silva interview. 24:!5 – Manchester City v Brentford chat. 29:20 - Pep Guardiola interview. 33:20 - Keith Andrews audio. 35:00 – Women’s Champions League.

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by the new Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans. They chat about his reasons for taking the job, and his sadness at it being of the expense of his friend Darrell Clarke. How did Mrs Evans react when the family’s Christmas holiday was cancelled? Steve’s old Stevenage captain Carl Piergianni is up for debate for the ‘Ultimate Hard Men Squad’, and Steve poses a tribute to former player Sol Bamba. Plus, with boxing back on BBC TV, Barnsley’s Callum Simpson pops by to chat about his upcoming fight on Saturday evening – what does he make of Barnsley’s season? And what do Aaron and Jobi make of Preston and Hull, the surprise packages at the top of the Championship?Time Codes: 00:20 – Jobi feeling festive? 03:10 – Steve Evans in at Bristol Rovers 17:25 – ‘Ultimate Hard Men Squad’ 25:30 – Barnsley’s Callum Simpson 35:45 – Top of Championship: Preston & Hull 44:02 – 72Plus/72MinusCommentaries This Week: Thurs 20:00 Sparta Prague v Aberdeen - Sports Extra Sat 15:00 Man City v West Ham - 5 Live Sat 15:00 Brighton v Sunderland - Sports Extra Sat 17:30 Tottenham v Liverpool - 5 Live Sun 13:30 Hearts v Rangers - 5 Live Sun 16:30 Aston Villa v Manchester United - 5 Live

Two subs come to Chelsea’s rescue in the Carabao Cup, and is Bruno Fernandes right to be annoyed?Former Cardiff City striker Danny Gabbidon and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer join Kelly Cates and Alistair Bruce-Ball to review a 3-1 win for Enzo Maresca’s side in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.Cardiff did themselves proud with their performance, but Chelsea come out on top, and what does that mean for Blues boss Maresca? We also hear reaction from double-goalscorer Alejandro Garnacho and Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy, whose team will return to focusing on their League One promotion bid.Later in the show, the panel preview Wednesday night’s two quarter-finals: Newcastle v Fulham and Manchester City against Brentford.Away from the Carabao Cup, Ally considers the news that FIFA has released a new tier of cheaper World Cup tickets, and how significant that really is. Our pundits also look at the situation of Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, after the Reds captain revealed the club told him they wanted to sell him in summer.And Julien Laurens joins Kelly to delve into the news that Kylian Mbappe has won in court against his former club, PSG.Timecodes: 00:30 Reaction to Cardiff 1-3 Chelsea 05:00 Was Maresca making a point with his XI? 06:45 What can Cardiff take from this impressive performance? 09:30 What now for Chelsea? 10:10 Interview with Alejandro Garnacho 12:40 Reaction from Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy 15:00 Preview of Newcastle v Fulham — how important is this for Eddie Howe? 20:15 Preview of Manchester City v Brentford 23:45 FIFA introduce a new round of cheaper World Cup tickets 25:29 Kylian Mbappe wins in court against PSG! 29:17 Bruno Fernandes ‘hurt’ after Manchester United ‘wanted him to leave’ in the summerCommentaries coming up this week: Wed 19:30 Man City v Brentford - 5 Live Wed 20:15 Newcastle v Fulham - Sports Extra Thurs 20:00 Sparta Prague v Aberdeen - Sports Extra Sat 15:00 Man City v West Ham - 5 Live Sat 15:00 Brighton v Sunderland - Sports Extra Sat 17:30 Tottenham v Liverpool - 5 Live Sun 13:30 Hearts v Rangers - 5 Live Sun 16:30 Aston Villa v Manchester United - 5 Live

Mark Chapman is joined by Phil Jones, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith to discuss a mixed weekend for managers across Scotland and the Premier League.Is Wilfried Nancy already under pressure at Celtic, just three games into the job? The latest defeat came at the hands of St Mirren in the League Cup final and their former captain Stephen McGinn joins the pod.The top three in the Premier League - Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa. What should we take from the fact that those three clubs have Spanish managers all of whom have authority over many aspects of the club which has been built in their image?What's upset Enzo Maresca and does the Chelsea boss get the credit he deserves?Plus, not for the first time this season, Thomas Frank has come under fire after their defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Spurs boss says it's not an easy fix, but is he right?Timecodes: 03'20 St Mirren and Stephen McGinn 15'00 Is Wilfried Nancy already at risk at Celtic? 32'00 Spanish success in the Premier League 42'00 What's upset Enzo Maresca? 52'00 Is Spurs an easy fix for Thomas Frank?Commentaries coming up this week: Tue 2000 Cardiff v Chelsea Wed 1930 Man City v Brentford Wed 2015 Newcastle v Fulham - on Sports Extra

Nick Woltemade gives Sunderland a derby win over Newcastle. Rick Edwards is joined by former West Ham & Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards to review the weekend’s Premier League action. Hear from Regis Le Bris, Eddie Howe, Morgan Rogers, Arne Slot, Enzo Maresca and Scott Parker.01:55 A weekend of own goals but which was best? 05:00 Regis Le Bris & Eddie Howe after the derby 16:05 Morgan Rogers on Aston Villa’s ninth straight win 25:10 Half-time teaser 28:00 Mo Salah but what next for him? 34:55 Tottenham lose 3-0 at Forest 40:30 Enzo Maresca speaks out about ‘worst 48 hours’ 45:50 Arsenal and Man City both win at the top 49:10 Will Scott Parker last the season at Burnley?5 Live / BBC Sounds EFL Cup quarter-final commentaries: Tue 2000 Cardiff v Chelsea, Wed 1930 Man City v Brentford, Wed 2015 Newcastle v Fulham.