Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show (The Athletic)

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey, reconvene following 'Deadline Day' and Chelsea's last-ditch efforts to offload some of their fringe players...  Will Ruben Loftus-Cheek benefit from a loan spell at Fulham? Are the squad in a better place than before this summer's transfer window?  Plus, the guys reflect on how well some of the new recruits settled in against Crystal Palace & details of the latest COVID-breach involving a few Blues stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Dominic Fifield, reconvene to discuss Project Big Picture's big failure and discuss how Chelsea's stars have faired over the international break...  Reece James' red card, Mason Mount's critics and more on the agenda ahead of this weekend's game against Southampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Dominic Fifield, reconvene following a Chelsea clean sheet... Hallelujah!  Plus, YOUR questions answered: Could Petr Cech actually be our second-choice goalkeeper? How is Azpilicueta helping Reece James and who will be linked with Pochettino more strongly by Saturday evening: Chelsea or Manchester United!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Dominic Fifield, reconvene following that stalemate (in every sense) against Manchester United...  Back-to-back clean sheets prompt a discussion about the impact of new signings Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva and Ben Chillwell in defence - is it that simple?  Plus, the guys answer your questions ahead of another Champions League tie, Saturday's trip to Burnley, and of course, Super Frank's beanie hat!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Dominic Fifield, reconvene following a fourth consecutive clean sheet!  Could Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma stake a claim for being the best defensive partnership in the league? Is Mason Mount better when deployed as an '8' and Tammy Abraham - the false 9?  Plus, the guys cast an eye over upcoming games against both Stade Rennais and Sheffield United and discuss whether or not Chelsea will sign Declan Rice in the January Transfer Window? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Dominic Fifield, reconvene following a 4-1 win over Sheffield United and a very ill-timed international break... Could the 'outstanding' Hakim Ziyech soon become a talisman of 'Hazard' proportions? How is Tammy Abraham shining among all Lampard's new stars? Plus, The Athletic's Women's Football writer Katie Whyatt reflects on Chelsea's WSL form, Sam Kerr's stuttering form and whether Emma Hayes is destined to become the first female Premier League manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Liam Twomey & Dominic Fifield, are joined by colleague Adam Crafton, to discuss his exclusive interview with Reece James...  Is he Chelsea's first-choice right-back, how exciting is the blossoming link-up between him and Hakim Ziyech, how is Thiago Silva helping him in-games and where does he rank among Gareth Southgate's current full-back options for England? Plus, the guys reflect on Chelsea Women's last-gasp draw against Arsenal and look ahead to the Men's trip to Newcastle, as the Premier League returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson & Dominic Fifield, reconvene after Saturday's 2-0 win over Newcastle...  So, is the door 'ajar' for a title challenge this season, is Antonio Rudiger back in favour or back in the shop window and has time run out for both Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud?  Plus, the guys preview another busy week of games against both Rennes and Spurs - including how Lampard and Mourinho's relationship has soured over the years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson & Dominic Fifield, reconvene after the Tottenham draw, unable to agree on what was more interesting - the game itself or the tension on the touchline between Frank and Jose... We'll also hear from Alan Shearer's exclusive sit-down with Lampard, his first impressions of Roman Abramovich and what their relationship is like now, 1000 games later... Plus, the guys preview another busy week of Premier League and Champions League football - will Hudson-Odoi have a chance to impress against Sevilla and the origins of an age-old rivalry with Leeds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson & Dominic Fifield, reconvene a breathless win over Leeds United...  Is Werner a 'natural' in front of goal, Havertz vs Kovacic, who will take creative responsibility after Hakim Ziyech's injury and are Chelsea nurturing a future captain in Reece James?  Plus, ANOTHER Giroud Renaissance and a big Everton preview as the guys reflect on how it all unravelled for Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison... when he was Chelsea manager! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson & Dominic Fifield, reconvene following back-to-back defeats at Everton and Wolves in the Premier League...  Does a 4-3-3 formation work without Hakim Ziyech and are doubts over Lampard's managerial credentials starting to flare up again?  Plus the guys discuss an unusual u23s clash with Spurs, the prospect of Diego Costa's return with Atletico Madrid and the game against West Ham on Monday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final day of the Premier League season is upon us - and our Chelsea experts Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey and Dom Fifield have assembled alongside Matt Davies-Adams to bring you all the build up to Sunday's game at Villa Park. There's full reaction to Tuesday night's pivotal 2-1 win over Leicester which put the Blues in the driving seat for a top four spot - then we get the inside line on Aston Villa with The Athletic's Gregg Evans. Your questions answered, a word on the John Terry effect for the Villans - and early thoughts on how team selection could be shaping up ahead of the Champions League final. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Why Chelsea Sacked Mourinho - 17:00   ‘It sounds crazy but I’d do it all again’ – Michael Hector on life after ChelseaBy Dominic Fifield  Steve Sidwell: ‘Mourinho told me I’d wear No 9 – I wasn’t sure if he was joking’By Simon Johnson  Grown-up Gallagher gives Lampard freedom to ignore midfield in Chelsea rebuildBy Liam Twomey   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does booking your spot in the Champions League final call for? A bonus episode! Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson, Dom Fifield and Liam Twomey to reflect on a night to remember for Thomas Tuchel's side as the Blues triumphed over the (not so) mighty Real Madrid. We give our analysis of the thoroughly impressive 3-1 aggregate victory, answer your questions, feel sorry for Eden Hazard - and wonder what this means for Saturday's crucial Premier League encounter at the Etihad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Chelsea 2-0 Wolves - 00:01  2. Kepa... Onana... Oblak? - 4:24 3. Giroud - The Unlikely Hero - 11:20 4. Mason Mount: Chelsea POTY? - 12:55 5. FA Cup Final v Arsenal: The Preview - 18:50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2022-23 Premier League season, here we come... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin on the eve of the brand new season. We begin with the latest transfer news - and the surprise arrival of Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa. There's discussion of that deal and some of the other key rumoured ingoings and outgoings including Cucurella, de Jong and Fofana. There's a quick look ahead to what this campaign could hold for the Blues as a whole - before The Athletic's Everton experts Greg O'Keeffe joins us to look ahead to Saturday's trip to Goodison. And - as ever - our weekly quiz - with a Toffee flavour - has got Sam and Simon scratching their heads... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more great content on Chelsea make sure you subscribe to The Athletic. Get a 40% discount on a subscription right now by going to theathletic.com and using the promo code 'chelseapod' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our summer break lasted a whole 36 hours... Matt Davies-Adams parachutes in The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for an emergency pod following the departure of manager Mauricio Pochettino by mutual consent. We bring you the inside story of how events transpired and led to the parting of ways - while taking your reaction and questions. Why now? Who's in the frame to take over? What does it mean for the future of the club and players going forward? It's just another day in the life of Chelsea Football Club. We'll see you again... soon?! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now we're offering listeners of this show the opportunity to try out The Athletic for FREE. You can enjoy all of our writing on Chelsea, including Liam’s piece on what Thiago Silva can bring to the team’s defence, and an article explaining why the club are able to spend so much money this summer.  Just go to www.theathletic.com/chelseapod to sign up for a 30 Day Free Trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. New Contracts - 00:01  2. Hudson-Odoi Latest - 21:35 3. Cult Hero - George Weah - 23:09 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Dom Fifield, reconvene to assess Chelsea's 3-1 win away at Brighton, as Loftus-Cheek spurned another opportunity to impress Frank Lampard, Werner showed glimpses of what he'll bring to Stamford Bridge this season and Kepa... well there's an update on reputed incoming GK Edouard Mendy too!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The positivity was fun while it lasted hey... Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the MDA derby as the spoils were shared between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea - and it was Graham Potter's side who were lucky to escape from the City Ground with a point. We've got the latest transfer news, rumours and potential ins and outs with the window now officially open. Are Chelsea really willing to break the bank for Enzo Fernández? Is David Datro Fofana going to slot straight in with the first team? Didn’t the spend nearly £80 million on a left-sided centre back already this season?! Then, we look ahead to the slightly ominous visit of Manchester City to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. We'll be back on Friday to look back on that match and look ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie...with Manchester City! Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Chelsea legend gone too soon... Sam Parkin and Jessy Parker Humphreys join Matt Davies-Adams to pay their tributes to Gianluca Vialli - who has died at the age of 58. We get Sam's memories from Cobham, discuss his lasting legacy at the club and salute the man, the player, and the manager. Back on the pitch - we round up the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City - which despite Simon's downbeat voice note has got our panel taking the positives... apart from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang! There's not long to wait for another showdown with Pep's men - as the Blues make the trip up to the Etihad in the third round of the FA Cup. We take a quick look ahead to that game and do a quiz... We'll be back on Monday to round up that tie - and preview Thursday's trip to Fulham. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winning football matches is overrated, right? Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson along for the ride to try and sum up the 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage. The result leaves Graham Potter's side sitting 10th in the Premier League table - having won only twice in 10 matches in all competitions. There's shambolic defending, another injury - and a red card for what seemed like the only bright spark in weeks... Next up - Crystal Palace make the visit to Stamford Bridge - who themselves have won just one of their last six and sit three points behind Chelsea in the table. We preview that game and try and muster some positivity about the chances of picking up a desperately needed three points. Far more positivity for the women's team - who get their WSL campaign back underway this weekend with the small matter of a trip to the Emirates to take on fierce rivals Arsenal. Jessy Parker-Humphreys helps us look ahead. Plus we've got an obligatory quiz - with some tools downed along the way... We'll be back on Monday to *hopefully* bring some good news after another week to forget for CFC. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a 2023 to forget so far... Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin join Matt Davies-Adams to pick the bones from the dismal 4-0 defeat at Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup. We field some of your questions/ rants - and look at what the future could hold for this team under Graham Potter - and the direction of the club going forward. Away from the game - we touch on the latest transfer news - with the deals for David Datro Fofana, Benoît Badiashile and Andrey Santos all signed, sealed and delivered. Then - there's another Thursday night to look ahead to with a tricky trip to Fulham to...look forward to?!! We'll be back on Friday to reflect on that game down by the river - and preview the visit of Crystal Palace. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A win's a win... The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Perhaps the most exciting thing to happen SW6 was the unveiling of Mykhailo Mudryk at half-time - after an audacious swoop over the weekend to snatch him from the grasps of Arsenal. The Athletic's Adam Crafton has watched him closely at Shakhtar Donetsk and joins us to give the lowdown on the deal and what Chelsea fans can expect from the £89 million man... Elsewhere, the return of the WSL from the winter break saw the Blues pick up a precious point against title rivals Arsenal thanks to a last gasp goal from Sam Kerr in front of more than 46,000 fans at the Emirates. Jessy Parker Humphrey's sends us a match report on what could prove to be a decisive draw in the fight for the title. We'll be back on Thursday to look ahead to the Crisis Club Derby as Graham Potter's side make the trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool! Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Liverpool - Chelsea double header you say? Jessy Parker Humphreys and Sam Parkin join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to the meetings with the red half of Merseyside for both the men's and women's teams. We start with Graham Potter's side - who make the trip up to Anfield on Saturday lunchtime knowing a win would take them above their hosts. We question whether Mudryk will get the nod, if any injury doubts will be back in contention - and how the Blues can exploit the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Then, it's down to Kingsmeadow as Chelsea Women host Liverpool Women - hoping to avenge their shock opening day WSL defeat to Matt Beard's side. Oh - and don't forget the quiz...and spelling bee!! We'll be back on Monday to reflect on both of those results. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

UEFA's feathers? Consider them ruffled... Simon Johnson and Jessy Parker Humphreys are in the hot seat alongside Matt Davies-Adams to round up the latest Blues news - on a rare weekend of no action for the men's side! We begin with some transfer chatter, including rules which appear to be ~inspired~ by Chelsea, a potential new deal for the ageless Thiago Silva - and the other rumours that continue to swirl regarding incomings and outgoings with just a few days of the window to go. Attention then turns to the women's team - after a comfortable 3-1 win over Tottenham to book their place in the semi-finals of the Continental Cup. The cup action continues with the visit of Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday...we look ahead to that game, which will hopefully go ahead in its entirety... Simon gives us an insight into his excellent piece with the development squad's head coach Mark Robinson - and the quiz gives us a chance to christen the new Darren Barnard of SOC... We'll be back on Monday on the eve of transfer deadline day to round up a busy weekend of action - for everyone but Graham Potter's team! Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** • Get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes on you, Mykhailo... Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the mid-table meeting between Liverpool and Chelsea - which rather predictably ended in a goalless draw! But - with the help of your questions and musings we pick out plenty of reasons to be positive about the point. We hoped to have a big win in the other showdown between these two clubs on the women's side - but a farcical postponement after just six minutes at the ice rink that was Kingsmeadow has caused much angst. There's time to check in on a couple of the latest transfers - including the confirmed arrival of the exciting 20-year-old winger Noni Madueke - and rumours of a potential departure for Mason Mount... No FA Cup fixture to look ahead to at the weekend for the men - but we'll be back on Thursday to hopefully preview the women's FA Cup tie with Liverpool - and any latest transfer news. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** • Get a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time for one last, big deal? The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey are alongside Matt Davies-Adams as the January transfer window reaches fever pitch... We round up the arrival of Malo Gusto, check in with the latest on Enzo Fernández - and have news of a promising youngster heading out on loan. The senior men may not have been in action - but it was bad news elsewhere with defeats in the FA Youth Cup and PL2 - with Simon in attendance at both! Not that we're suggesting there's a correlation (!) Better news for the women's team though - who booked their place in the last 16 of the FA Cup thanks to a 3-2 win over Liverpool - an a hat-trick for the inevitable Sam Kerr. Jessy Parker-Humphrey's sends us a match report - and news of an audacious transfer bid... We'll be back on Thursday to round up any last minute deadline day deals and look ahead to the return to Premier League action as a date with Fulham under the lights on Friday night awaits. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

And breathe... Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Jessy Parker Humphreys along for the ride as the January transfer window *finally* slammed shut. Liam (and Ruby) send us a voice note (trying!) to sum up a bonkers deadline day for Chelsea Football Club - including a new British record transfer fee, a departing vice-captain and an administrative shambles.. Away from the spending - the Blues have got a Premier League match to worry about - with Fulham making the trip to Stamford Bridge on Friday night! We look ahead to that game - and pick a potential, dream starting XI. There's a round up of the other Blues news - including Chelsea Women's WSL tie against Spurs on Sunday - and our customary Thursday quiz... We'll be back on Monday to reflect on that game. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hammer time upcoming... Jessy Parker-Humphreys and the returning Dom Fifield are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to the trip to West Ham on Saturday. Who'll feature? Will we see the long-awaited return of James and Chilwell? Can the Blues get their first Premier League away win since October?! Then - a special treat - as we hear a little taste of Simon's interview with club captain César Azpilicueta, hot off the back of his 500th appearance for the club. Be sure to check out the full interview in The Athletic. Dave talks about his decision to stay amid interest from Barcelona, his job in imparting the CFC DNA into the new arrivals - and why we shouldn't write this season off just yet. There's a round up of the other Blues news - including a new contract for women's goalkeeper Zećira Mušović - plus a quiz between probably our two most decorated contestants... We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the result at London Stadium - and look ahead to a trip to Dortmund! Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's still all to play for, right? Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and Jessy Parker Humphreys to reflect on the 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. There were positives to take - but the same old story of chance after chance after chance (!) yet no end product. There's an immediate gear change back to the Premier League as bottom of the table and managerless Southampton visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. We look ahead to that game and ponder some of Graham Potter's selection headaches. Of course we've got the latest episode in the Jessy/ Sam quiz saga - and a brief word on the Blues news elsewhere with the CFCW not playing thanks to the international break. We'll be back on Monday to reflect on that match - and hopefully a much-needed win! - against Southampton. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You just can't go losing this game... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Jessy Parker Humphreys and Liam Twomey to preview Sunday's trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face fierce rivals Spurs. The Athletic's Tottenham writer Tim Spiers joins us to give some insight into the North Londoners, who look set to be without a certain Antonio Conte on the sidelines once again... There's a deep dive into some of the excellent pieces on the site at the moment including the current state of affairs at Cobham - and what the future holds for Mason Mount. We've got a look ahead to CFCW's return to action as they face Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday - plus we heap yet more praise on Lauren James after she starred once again for England as they retained the Arnold Clark Cup. We round things up with a quiz - and we'll be back on Monday to (HOPEFULLY (!!!!)) reflect on resounding wins for the men and women's teams. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham • Take advantage of MANSCAPED®’s best valued bundle and save 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code EPL23 at Manscaped.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when you think it can't get any worse... Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin join Matt Davies-Adams for our latest Chelsea-induced therapy session after the 1-0 defeat to bottom of the table, managerless Southampton at Stamford Bridge. We question why things are going quite so wrong, whether Graham Potter's future is in doubt, if the relationship with the fans can be salvaged - and what's next in SW6. We'll be back on Thursday to look ahead to Sunday's trip to North London to take on Tottenham... Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham • Take advantage of MANSCAPED®’s best valued bundle and save 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code EPL23 at Manscaped.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five wins in 16 Premier League matches under Graham Potter... Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on yet another frustrating afternoon for Chelsea, held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham despite dominating much of the game. We discuss *that* handball, Kai Havertz's struggles, and the pressure on the Blues boss to be more José... There's no time to rest- with the Champions League returning and the small matter of a trip to Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16 First Leg on Wednesday night. We'll preview that game and give some potential starting XI's. We'll be back at the end of the week to look back on that game - and preview Saturday's meeting with bottom of the table Southampton at Stamford Bridge! Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. • Building a bet just got easier! Visit livescorebet.com to find out more about how to make your selections today! 18+ only Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, money can't buy you goals... Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the goalless draw between Chelsea and Fulham under the lights at Stamford Bridge. We've got a MEGA voice note from the game - plus some more considered thoughts on Havertz's role, what the priorities should be for the rest of the season, and the tactical battles they face going forward... Just prior to the game on Friday night we found out that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had been left out of the Champions League squad. We ponder what this means for his future at the club - and Graham Potter's authority. Plus with no room for Benoît Badiashile either - could they be left short at the back with Borussia Dortmund just around the corner? Elsewhere there was much better news for Chelsea Women, who's 3-2 win at Tottenham - alongside goalless draws for their two title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal - means they've opened up a gap at the top of the WSL table. Evidence once more that Lauren James is a *ridiculously* good footballer! We'll be back on Thursday to look ahead to the trip to West Ham. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know it's bad when you lose at Tottenham... Dom Fifield and Sam Parkin are alongside Matt Davies-Adams for our latest Chelsea pity party following the 2-0 defeat in North London. It's now just two wins in 15 Premier League games for Graham Potter's side - who sit closer to the relegation zone than Champions League places. We take your thoughts and questions, assess the performance and try and figure out what's next for this team... Some much needed relief was offered by Chelsea Women after their 2-0 FA Cup win over rivals Arsenal at Kingsmeadow - including yet another goal from Sam Kerr as she adds to her astonishing tally. Jessy Parker-Humphrey's sends us a match report from a *far* more enjoyable result! And as it's a legal requirement for Sam and Dom to lock horns in a quiz - we've got a bonus Monday edition to lift the spirits, which predictably descends into chaos... We'll be back on Thursday to look ahead to the visit of Leeds at Stamford Bridge - AND Sunday's Continental Cup final. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The season starts here...maybe...probably not...but maybe... Matt Davies-Adams has got Jessy Parker Humphreys and Simon Johnson alongside him to look ahead to Saturday's match with Leeds at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea Women go in search of their first silverware of the season when they face familiar foes Arsenal in Sunday's League Cup final. We preview that game - including some of the key team selection quandaries - and the importance of Emma Hayes' big game experience. We've got a word on the new fan advisory board, a scouting report from Monday's PL2 victory over Arsenal, and....a quiz!! We'll be back on Monday to reflect on a busy weekend of action - and look ahead to the season-defining second leg with Borussia Dortmund. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Magic... Jessy Parker Humphreys and Dom Fifield are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the momentous 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund which saw Chelsea progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League 2-1 on aggregate. We've got a mega voice note from Simon and Liam at Stamford Bridge before rounding up some of the star performers, praise for Potter and a full debrief of the game. Away from all that excitement we also had good news for the women's team who picked up a big three points against Brighton in the WSL to bounce back from the League Cup final defeat to maintain their title charge. Then it's onto the weekend, with a trip to the King Power to take on a Leicester side who have won just once at home since October...against Spurs no less! There's a smattering of other Blues news before we round it all off with a quiz. We'll be back on Monday to wrap up the Leicester game and the crucial WSL tie against Manchester United. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They couldn't win four in a row, could they?! Matt Davies-Adams has got Jessy Parker Humphreys and Sam Parkin with him to look ahead to Saturday's visit of Everton. We begin with some of the other Blues news, including the new-look Club World Cup, the fitness of Édouard Mendy and the return of Romelu Lukaku next season... Then it's all eye on that match against the Toffees under the lights on Saturday night at Stamford Bridge. There's a preview of Sunday's Women's FA Cup quarter-final against Brighton - and a Thursday quiz... We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the last game before the international break. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we grow up we want to be like Guro Reiten... We've got a full house of SOC'ers alongside Matt Davies-Adams as for the final time this season Jessy Parker Humphreys and Sam Parkin lend their expertise to The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson, Dom Fifield and Liam Twomey. Jessy joins us hot off the tarmac to reflect on the women's hugely impressive 1-0 quarter-final first-leg win over Champions League holders Lyon over in France. Then, we open up the mailbag to take your questions with the international break in full swing. And we've got a MEGA quiz to wrap up our last Thursday show - as from now on we'll be coming to you just once a week through to the end of the 2022-23 campaign. We'll be back on Monday to round up how some of the Blues have got on on international duty and look ahead to the visit of Aston Villa! Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's dodged the Spurs bullet... The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey join Matt Davies-Adams to sift through the main Blues news as the international break rumbles on. Thomas Tuchel has a new job - thankfully not in North London - but is he poaching one of his former coaching staff to join him at Bayern Munich? And just how tantilising would a UCL semi-final showdown with him be for the club and Graham Potter? There was disappointment in the WSL for Chelsea Women who fell to a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City but still have destiny in their own hands in the league - and Champions League where they have a one-goal advantage going into Thursday night's second leg with Lyon. We take a look at home some of the senior men have got on on international duty including another injury worry for Reece James, the confusion over Mason Mount's call-up - and the ongoing frustrations for Mykhailo Mudryk and his form. We'll be back next Wednesday to reflect on PLENTY of action including Aston Villa, Liverpool and Lyon! *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three goals?! Three goals in one game?! The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the 3-1 victory at Leicester. We hear from a couple of the star performers - Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz - while rounding up the win and discussing the main takeaways from a third straight triumph in the space of a week - for the first time since October! It was a huge Sunday for the women's team - who bounced back from last week's League Cup final disappointment with a 1-0 win over title rivals Manchester United thanks to... Yep, you guessed it... Sam Kerr! Jessy Parker Humphreys sends us an on the whistle report. We'll be back on Thursday to look ahead to the last action before the international break as Everton come to town in the Premier League. Produced by Lucy Oliva. *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/cobham today to get 10% off your first month. • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/cobham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four wins in a row would just be greedy... Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey alongside him to look back at the frustrating 2-2 draw with the Toffees and Stamford Bridge on Saturday. We question whether dropping more points even matters in the scheme of things, give some love to Enzo and Félix - and highlight the defensive frailties which reared their head again in an otherwise impressive performance for Potter's men. There's time to reflect on Friday's Champions League draw - which dished our CFC v Real Madrid Part III! With the quarter-final tie just under a month away, do the Blues have a realistic chance of progressing? And how best should they prepare for the ties when there's nothing really left to play for in the Premier League? Elsewhere, Chelsea Women booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 win at Reading...now it's the small matter of Lyon in the UWCL to come... We'll be back on Thursday to reflect on that game, take some of your questions and look ahead to the international break. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We'd forgotten what it felt like... Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on Chelsea's first victory since the 15th of January!! The 1-0 win over Leeds means the Blues sit 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand... We round up the match, take the positives and negatives from the performance and question whether the result will have appeased fans after some rumblings in the stands given the nature of the victory. Not such good news for the women's team - who were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal at Selhurst Park in the League Cup final. Jessy Parker Humphrey's sends us a match report after a disappointing afternoon for Emma Hayes' side. Then, it's all eyes on the UCL with Borussia Dortmund in town and Graham Potter's side needing to overturn a one-goal deficit if they're to progress to the last eight of the competition. We pick our starting XI for the second leg and look ahead to Tuesday's match. We'll be back on Thursday to reflect on the midweek Champions League action and look ahead to the trip to Leicester. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson and Dominic Fifield join Matt Davies-Adams to look back on Frank Lampard's unhappy return to Manchester City. Plus a preview of the Valencia tie in the Champions League Subscribe to The Athletic using the special promo code UKPOD and receive 40% off! Also, subscribers will have access to exclusive episodes. SIGN UP NOW: http://theathletic.com/ukpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Project Restart & Expiring Contracts - 00:01 2. Pjanic & Italian transfer targets - 10:28 3. The Adrian Mutu Story - 19:05 4. Our Greatest Italian Manager - 28:05 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Dom Fifield join Matt Davies-Adams to dissect a worrying draw against Leicester, as well as, the transfer-less window...Was signing no-one better than Odion Ighalo? The guys also discuss Eddie Newton's new job and pay tribute to the passing of Cult Hero Dale Jasper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's nothing quite like a last minute winner... The Athletic's Chelsea experts Dom Fifield and Liam Twomey are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the dramatic 2-1 win over Crystal Palace - courtesy of a last-gasp screamer from Conor Gallagher. With the Premier League points in the bag - attention turns to the crucial visit of AC Milan in the Champions League - with three points looking vital if Graham Potter's side are to make it out of the group stages. Plus - a certain former player drops by to help us look ahead to Wednesday night! There's a brief look at the other Blues news - and a word on the rumoured agreement to bring Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge next season... We'll be back on Thursday to reflect on that game - and look ahead to the meeting with Wolves on Saturday afternoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A big step forward? Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin join Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the big 3-0 win over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge to reinvigorate the Blues' Champions League campaign. There's praise for Aubameyang and James, fingers crossed for Fofana - and whether this is a sign of a real turning point for the squad with a chaotic month of fixtures to come. Next up in the Premier League - Wolves and a certain Diego Costa are in town. We look ahead to that one, share some favourite Costa memories - and cap things off with a quiz... We'll be back on Monday to reflect on that game - and look ahead to the trip out to Italy to take on the Rossoneri at the San Siro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just a bit *too much* Big Fik Energy... Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin are in the hot seat alongside Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the 2-0 win over AC Milan - as Graham Potter's men surged to the top of Group E after an eventful evening at the San Siro. The Blues are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they make the trip to Villa Park - we look ahead to that game - round up the news elsewhere...and quiz! We'll be back on Monday to look back on the Aston Villa game - and look ahead to the midweek trip to Brentford. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not much sting in that one... The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the goalless draw with Brentford. There's bafflement over Kai Havertz, praise for the impact subs, and a word on Broja's first start - with no Sam in sight! We've then got eyes on events at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening - with Manchester United in town for an early top four battle, with the visitors just a point behind the Blues in the table. United expert Carl Anka drops by to give us the inside steer on Erik ten Hag's side. There's a round up of the Blues news elsewhere - including another injury blow for N'golo Kante, growing excitement around Omari Hutchinson - and a quiz to get you in the mood for Saturday's game - all as we celebrate our 200th episode of Straight Outta Cobham! Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was never, ever in doubt... Jessy Parker-Humphrey's and Sam Parkin are with Matt Davies-Adams for your second weekly dose of SOC as Chelsea book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League AND top Group E after a 2-1 win at RB Salzburg. Next up for Graham Potter's side is a trip to his old stomping ground - and a meeting with Brighton at the Amex on Saturday afternoon. There's EIGHT goals for Chelsea Women in their WUCL tie against Vllaznia, a disappointing exit from the UEFA Youth League, a quiz - and a chance to hear from Callum Hudson-Odoi, doing great things on loan at Bayer Leverkusen. We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the game against the Seagulls - and look ahead to the final UCL group game with Dinamo Zagreb in town. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wolves... tamed. Liam Twomey and Jessy Parker Humphrey's are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge - as Graham Potter's side capped off a week with three straight wins in style. There's love for Diego, special praise for Azpi and Gallagher - and whether Kai Havertz is *finally* really hitting his stride. Next up - it's a trip to the San Siro as matchday four of the Champions League rolls around - and the Blues will be looking to get the better of AC Milan once again. There's a quick 'Elsewhere in Chelsea news' - and a word on what Athletic subscribers can enjoy... We'll be back on Thursday night to reflect on the trip to Italy - and look ahead to the trip to Aston Villa. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a Kepa Arrizabalaga appreciation pod... Jessy Parker-Humphreys and Dom Fifield join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on a fifth straight win for Graham Potter's side courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. We chat Kepa heroics, the loss of Reece James and two long overdue goals for Mason Mount. There's a quick turnaround with a trip to Brentford on Wednesday night - we preview that game, question whether Chelsea would ever go for a player like Ivan Toney - and give some predictions of what to expect as the hectic October schedule rumbles on. Plus - we recap Chelsea Women's 3-1 win over Everton - and the news that Emma Hayes will be missing from the sidelines following emergency surgery. We'll be back on Thursday to give you the lowdown on the midweek trip to the Gtech Community Stadium - and look ahead to the visit of Manchester United... Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rumour has it Chelsea and Manchester United quite like draws? Matt Davies-Adams has got Jessy Parker-Humphreys and Sam Parkin alongside him to reflect on the seemingly inevitable 1-1 scoreline at Stamford Bridge. We've got a whole lotta love for Trevoh Chalobah, concerns about Raheem Sterling's form - and find out what it's like to be hooked before HT. It's Matchday Five in the Champions League as Graham Potter's side make the trip out to Austria to take on RB Salzburg - knowing a win will see they guaranteed a place in the last 16. Plus - there's plenty of WSL and UWCL action to round up - following the big win out in Paris last Thursday and crucial 2-0 victory over Brighton at a sodden Broadfield Stadium on Sunday evening. We'll be back on Thursday to look back on the UCL action - and preview Saturday's trip to Brighton in the Premier League. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Halloween came early for CFC... Matt Davies-Adams has got Jessy Parker-Humphreys and Simon Johnson alongside him for a post-mortem following the shock 4-1 defeat at Brighton. We try to get to the bottom of where it all went wrong, why Raheem Sterling has looked so poor, and whether there's any reason to panic. It's Matchday 6 in the Champions League and a dead rubber against Matchday 1 foes Dinamo Zagreb. We pick our starting XI's and have everything crossed that no one gets injured! There's a look at CFCW's 3-1 win over Aston Villa, spotlight on the academy sides - and an unexpected look at the benefits of Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy! We'll be back on Thursday to round up the final group game and look ahead to the visit of table-toppers Arsenal in the Premier League. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the good comes the bad... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea experts Liam Twomey and Dom Fifield to look back on the 2-1 win over Zagreb in the final Champions League Group game. There was a debut and goal to remember for Denis Zakaria, late injury heartbreak for Ben Chilwell and reasons for Graham Potter to be positive ahead of a big final week of domestic action. Next up for the Blues - table-toppers Arsenal make the short trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday lunchtime. We look ahead to that game, weigh up the team news with the ongoing injury issues - and question whether Chelsea can still chase down the Gunners in this most unusual of seasons. There's a round up of the news elsewhere - including a crucial fixture for the Women's team at Manchester United on Sunday - and the usual quiz hijinx... We'll be back on Monday to reflect on another busy weekend of action - and look ahead to the midweek trip to Manchester City in the League Cup. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, that was pretty grim... The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the disastrous 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Thankfully Chelsea Women brought some joy to the weekend courtesy of a 3-1 win at Manchester United! Graham Potter's side could be in a world of pain *again* when they make the trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City in the League Cup. We predict our starting XI's and look ahead to the game. We'll be back on Thursday to reflect on that game, the Champions League round of 16 draw - and look ahead to the trip to Newcastle for the Blues' final game before the World Cup break. Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, it's not just a motorway service station... Matt Davies-Adams has got the whole SOC family alongside him to round up all things Chelsea ahead of the (welcome) World Cup break. First up, Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey reflect on the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle - which sees the Blues sitting eighth in the Premier League table after a third straight league loss. Our mood is lifted with the help of Jessy Parker-Humphreys to round up what's been a hugely positive campaign so far for CFCW. Then Dom Fifield and Sam Parkin pop by to take a closer look at the World Cup and what it has in store for some of Graham Potter's side - before putting Matt and Producer Lucy to the test with a bumper quiz - with absolutely *no* helping hands given or stitch ups whatsoever... That's all from us for the break - we'll be back on December 28th to round up the visit of Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge in hopefully much happier times! Produced by Lucy Oliva. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. RLC on the comeback trail - 1:30 2. Who is Andy Myers? - 8:14 3. Battle for 4th - Man Utd preview - 19:00 4. Your questions ANSWERED! - 25:20 5. Cult Hero - Mark Hughes - 30:00 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Kai Havertz Transfer Update - 00:01 2. The Battle Of Wembley - 3:16 3. Pre Liverpool - 13:42 4. Pre Wolves - 20:15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by the full complement of Chelsea experts - Liam Twomey, Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson - to offer a (brief) analysis of the drab 0-0 draw with Manchester United. There's a chance to reflect on the midweek Champions League triumph thanks to *that* Olivier Giroud goal - the it's all eyes on Merseyside with consecutive Premier League crunch ties with Liverpool and Everton. Plus, your questions answered - including Tuchel's eye raising squad selection, tactical tweaks - and where is Kai Havertz? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's three wise Chelsea men alongside him as Liam Twomey, Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson reflect on two big wins over Liverpool & Everton which put the Blues in the driving seat for a top four spot. Attention turns to Elland Road - and its dodgy pitch - for a preview of Saturday's clash with Leeds. Plus, your questions answered - including the rise of Andreas Christensen and whether there's trouble behind the scenes for Christian Pulisic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea posse alongside him as Dom Fifield, Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey reflect on the stalemate and Elland Road. We preview Wednesday's crucial Champions League second leg against Atlético Madrid with the help of Alvaro Romeo - and look ahead to what *should* be a favourable draw as the Blues host beleaguered Sheffield United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.  Plus, Katie Whyatt joins us to salute another extraordinary showing from Chelsea Women as Emma Hayes' side retain their Continental Cup title in emphatic style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea aficionados alongside him as Liam Twomey, Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson reflect on success in the Champions League and FA Cup. Thomas Tuchel has *officially* made the best start of any Blues boss in the club's history thanks to those wins over Atlético Madrid and Sheffield United. We analyse those results, take a closer look at the performances of some key players - and reflect on a rare interview from owner Roman Abramovich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts alongside him as Dom Fifield, Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey take a closer look at how some of the Blues have faired on their travels as the international break continues. Women’s football correspondent Katie Whyatt joins us to look ahead to Wednesday's crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg with Wolfsburg. Plus - there's time for a preview of what should be a routine win over all-but-relegated West Brom at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts Dom Fifield, Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson alongside him to dissect Saturday's horror showing against West Brom. It's off to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Porto - as the Athletic's Jack Lang shines a spotlight on what the Blues should expect from their Portuguese opponents. Plus - there's time for a preview of the Dom Derby - or El Domico - as Thomas Tuchel's side face Crystal Palace in the Premier League next weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea posse - Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson and Dom Fifield in tow to discuss progress to the Champions League semi-finals for Thomas Tuchel's side. Before the Blues worry about their next European showdown they've got the small matter of an FA Cup semi-final against a formidable Manchester City side to worry about. We preview the game - and quickly move on from *that* Kepa/ Sarri saga the last time these two met at Wembley back in 2019. As always, there's time for your questions, a quick word on the victory at Selhurst Park - and a closer look at what's going on elsewhere at Chelsea Football Club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts - Simon Johnson, Dom Fifield and Liam Twomey alongside him to *try* and sum up a extraordinary 72 hours in football. We discuss the who, what, where, when, why and how of the short-lived Super League - and take a closer look at the Blues' involvement, plus what the longer lasting ramifications could be. Amid all the drama off the pitch there's also time to reflect on Tuesday night's sideshow - the goalless draw with Brighton - and look ahead to Saturday's clash with West Ham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams is joined as ever by The Athletic's Chelsea experts - Dom Fifield, Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson to give their verdict on a rainy night in Madrid. There's full analysis of the 1-1 draw with Real in the Champions League semi-final first leg, your questions answered - and Alvaro Romeo has the view from Spain ahead of next week's second leg showdown. In the Premier League, we look back at the crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham - and preview Saturday's latest London derby as the Blues welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson and Dom Fifield alongside him as The Athletic's Chelsea experts take a closer look at a defining week for the men's and women's teams. Women’s Football Correspondent Katie Whyatt is with us to reflect on Emma Hayes' history makers - as the Blues book their place in the Champions League final after a thriller against Bayern Munich at Kingsmeadow. It's now over to Thomas Tuchel's side, with a full preview of Wednesday night's finely poised second-leg clash with Real Madrid. Plus, a word on the routine 2-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League - and a look ahead to Saturday's trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey to talk all things Chelsea as the season reaches its climax. There's a look back at the deserved victory over Manchester City at the Etihad, a preview of Wednesday night's tie with Arsenal - and we celebrate Chelsea Women as they wrapped up the WSL title in emphatic style. Your questions answered, we analyse the Blues chances of securing that all-important top four spot, and salute Sam Kerr aka the good Timo Werner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey to talk all things Chelsea after a weekend to forget for the men's and women's teams. As the dust settles on two cup final defeats, we dissect where it all went wrong at Wembley for Thomas Tuchel's side against Leicester. After a chastening night in Gothenburg for Emma Hayes' side - Women's Football Correspondent Katie Whyatt helps us dissect the 4-0 defeat at the hands of a ruthless Barcelona. Attention then turns to Tuesday night - and a showdown with Leicester for a top four spot - in front of 8,000 lucky Chelsea fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the dust settles on the end of the Premier League season - and with Chelsea somehow qualifying for the Champions League by the skin of their teeth - our Blues experts Liam Twomey, Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to pick the bones from a crazy final day. We analyse the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, ponder team selection ahead of the small matter of the Champions League final, wonder if there's any chance Harry Kane will show up at Stamford Bridge next year - and answer your questions as we say farewell to the 20-21 league season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So...how does two-time winners of the Champions League sound?! With the celebrations ongoing after the Blues reigned supreme in Porto, Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts Liam Twomey, Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson alongside him for the ride as we toast to their dominant and deserved victory over Manchester City. There's full analysis of the final, a toast to the superhuman that is N'golo Kante - and a closer look at how Thomas Tuchel has taken this team from mid-table mediocrity to bring the biggest prize of all back home to West London. We sign off for the 2020-21 season in style with a look at what the summer could have in store for the boys from SW6 - and how this most prestigious of victories could play its part in the transfer window. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Matt Davies-Adams & The Athletic's Chelsea experts, Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey & Dom Fifield, reconvene following a mistake-ridden defeat to Liverpool on Sunday...   Surely Kepa has made his last Chelsea blunder, as a deal for Edouard Mendy edges closer, does Lampard yet know how best to utilise Kai Havertz & how has Fikayo Tomori fallen so far down the pecking order?    Plus, the guys look ahead to a League Cup game against Barnsley (and another opportunity for silverware this season) & next weekend's trip to West Brom.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Marcos Alonso to the rescue - 00:01 2. A Beating from Bayern - 15:20  3. Emma Hayes & Chelsea Women - League Cup Champs - 20:00 4. Chelsea beat Millwall... u18s - 27:10    5. Cult Hero - Raul Meireles - 33:20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now we're offering listeners of this show the opportunity to try out The Athletic for FREE.  You can enjoy all of our writing on Chelsea, including the recent article from Simon, Liam and Raph Honigstein entitled, “How Chelsea signed Kai Havertz”, an in-depth look at how the club secured a player who had been on their radar for a number of years.  Just go to www.theathletic.com/chelseapod to sign up for a 30 Day Free Trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If this is what 2022 has in store for us... Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson are back with a bang alongside Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge - and the furore around Romelu Lukaku's off the pitch antics and subsequent dropping from the squad for the biggest game of the season so far. There's time for a quick round-up of the other festive fixtures against Aston Villa and Brighton - before a look ahead to Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Antonio Conte's Tottenham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making Tottenham suffer even more... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to reflect on the comprehensive 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Spurs at Stamford Bridge. We discuss the emergence of Saúl, the return of Lukaku - and Kai Havertz and his poor finger. Then attention turns to the FA Cup - with the Blues hosting National League leaders Chesterfield on Saturday evening. There's starting XI speculation - before the return of the much-loved (or loathed) Thursday quiz... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How about that for a debut? The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the 5-1 FA Cup third round victory over Chesterfield - setting up the visit of Plymouth Argyle. The chaps talk man of the match Lewis Hall, important goals for Lukaku and Werner and what the future holds for Lewis Baker - after just his second appearance for the club in eight years. Focus then switches to the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final - with the Blues in the driver's seat for a spot at Wembley after last week's 2-0 first leg win over Spurs. We look ahead to Wednesday evening's trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - and go behind enemy lines to hear how the Tottenham contingent from The View From The Lane are feeling ahead of this one... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Tuchel just loves a final... Sam Parkin and Dom Fifield join Matt Davies-Adams to look back on Wednesday night's 1-0 victory at Tottenham - meaning Chelsea cruise to Wembley thanks to a 3-0 aggregate win over sorry Spurs - despite the officials best efforts... No time to enjoy that success though - as the Blues prepare for a must-win Premier League tie at Manchester City on Saturday. BBC Radio Manchester's City commentator Mike Minay gives us the lowdown on the Citizens and what to expect at the Etihad. And as ever, there's a Thursday quiz to get everyone in the mood... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So long title race... Matt Davies-Adams has Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin alongside him to look back on the 1-0 defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad which leaves Thomas Tuchel's side 3rd in the Premier League table and 13 points behind Pep Guardiola's side. There's an examination of the ongoing attacking issues, team selection dilemmas and whether they're now looking over their shoulder in the top four race.  The Blues must bounce back immediately as they travel to Brighton on Tuesday night... We look ahead to that game and round up the other Blues news - including the departure of Lewis Baker after 17 years at the club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ah, more dropped points... The Athletic's Chelsea experts Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson are with Matt Davies-Adams to dissect (another) frustrating evening for the Blues in the 1-1 draw with Brighton. It's then time to focus on Chelsea v Tottenham 3.0 with Thomas Tuchel's side facing Antonio Conte's Spurs for the third and final time this month... The Athletic's Tottenham correspondent Charlie Eccleshare joins us to look ahead to that game. There's the other Blues news, a Thursday quiz - and a focus on the future of Armando Broja and some of the club's other prized assets... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thank you Tottenham, the pleasure has been all ours... Matt Davies-Adams has got Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey alongside him to deliver your Monday dose of Blues news. There's a round up of the third victory over Spurs in the space of just 19 days - with a closer look at THAT Ziyech strike, the emergence of Malang Sarr and whether top four is all but guaranteed. With a rare midweek without any action - there's a round up of the rest of the Chelsea headlines - including a frustrating 0-0 draw for Emma Hayes' side at Brighton. And with the January transfer window coming to a close - we check in on any potential deals to be done in the last week of the month - and some * slightly less realistic* dream incomings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year sure does fly by when you're (mostly) having fun... Matt Davies-Adams has got Dom Fifield and Sam Parkin alongside him to pass the time as the Premier League's winter break kicks in. There's no stopping Chelsea's women - who picked up an important 2-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday night to cut the gap to Arsenal at the top of the WSL table to just a point. Flo Lloyd Hughes joins us to reflect on that result and how the season is shaping up as we enter the business end of the 2021-22 campaign. With Thomas Tuchel ringing in his one year anniversary at Stamford Bridge, we take a closer look at his time in charge - and what the future holds for his predecessor Frank Lampard. And of course - it's Thursday, which can only mean one thing...QUIZ!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we prepare to raise the curtain on a new Premier League season - and just 68 days after Chelsea's Champions League triumph - The Athletic's Blues Brothers are back. Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey, Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson alongside him to talk Euros fallout, pre-season showings and transfer to and fro. We take a closer look at the departure of some of the academy's brightest prospects - and get the latest on the seemingly imminent return of a certain striker... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2021-22 Premier League season beckons - but not before a quick trip over to Belfast... Matt Davies-Adams has got Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey along for the ride as we take a closer look at the finer details of the impending return of Romelu Lukaku. There's a preview of Wednesday night's Super Cup - which sees Chelsea take on Europa League winners Villarreal - and your questions answered as anticipation builds ahead of the new campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Cup? In the bag. Dom Fifield and Sam Parkin are alongside Matt Davies-Adams as shootout hero Kepa Arrizabalaga brings Chelsea their first bit of silverware for the 2021-22 season. Then it's all eyes on the Premier League as we look ahead to Saturday's London derby with Crystal Palace. Plus - a striker's view on Romelu Lukaku - and how many of the 15 Blues players to wear the number 9 shirt can you name in 90 seconds?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Off to the Emirates we go...  Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to the Blues' trip to Arsenal as they try to end a run of three straight defeats to Mikel Arteta's side - with Romelu Lukaku leading the charge? There's a round-up of the latest transfer news - with Tammy Abraham's departure to Roma confirmed, Michy Batshuayi out on yet another loan - plus a focus on some of the fringe players Chelsea just can't seem to shift...  We answer your questions - and embarrass Liam and Sam after some *very* glaring omissions in our latest quiz...  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea's 2021-22 league campaign is off to the perfect start... Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin alongside him for a closer look at the emphatic 3-0 opening day victory over Crystal Palace - and that dream Premier League debut for Trevoh Chalobah. Plenty of your questions answered, the return of 'elsewhere in Chelsea news' - and a trip down memory lane for some of the best and worst Blues debuts... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Romelu Menama Lukaku Bolingoli love-in. Matt Davies-Adams has got Dom Fifield and Liam Twomey in tow as we swoon over the immediate impact of Chelsea's new number nine. Theres's full analysis of the dominant 2-0 victory over Arsenal, a brief look at the latest transfer update - and we countdown the three best - and worst - Blues strikers... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anfield awaits for Chelsea on Saturday evening as the Premier League season begins to hot up... Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to that clash - plus a spotlight on the latest transfer developments as the window gets ready to *slam* shut. And move over Little Mix - it's time to 'Shout Out to My Ex' - the lads cast their predictions as to how some former Blues will get on this season... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well...that was dramatic! Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Chelsea experts Simon Johnson and Dom Fifield alongside him to dissect the chaotic 1-1 draw at Anfield. There's quick reflections on the Champions League draw - transfer chit chat as the the window gets ready to close - and a spotlight on some iconic Blues performances with 10 men... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transfer window hysteria is over...until January at least! Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin alongside him to wrap up the Blues' business - including the deadline day arrival of Saúl Ñíguez from Atlético Madrid, the departure of Tino Anjorin to Russia - and what the future holds for the likes of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Plus, with the eve of the 2021-22 WSL season upon us -The Athletic's Women's Football Correspondent Katie Whyatt joins us for a closer look at the title credentials of reigning champions Chelsea - who get their campaign underway at Arsenal on Sunday. And for all you quizzers out there - Matt's done it again with a (more than) slightly tenuous connection to birthday boys Ruud Gullit and Pat Nevin... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The international break continues to rumble on - but we won't let that stop us... Matt Davies-Adams has got Simon Johnson and Dom Fifield alongside him to round up how Thomas Tuchel's men have go on on their travels. With Romelu Lukaku reaching a century of matches for Belgium - and bagging yet another goal to mark the occasion - we catch up with European football correspondent Kristof Terreur to get the lowdown on the prolific striker and how he's viewed back home. Plus, we take a closer look at Simon's latest piece available via The Athletic which shines a spotlight on the Chelsea academy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's get back to business... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson to talk all things Chelsea as the Premier League returns. We round up the international break - including the unexpected issues surrounding Thiago Silva NOT going on his travels - before attention turns to the visit of Aston Villa at The Bridge on Saturday. And as is now tradition, Matt's Thursday quiz causes anger and despair for the lads... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea are up and running in the Champions League! Dom Fifield and Simon Johnson join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the fairly unremarkable events at Stamford Bridge as the Blues recorded a 1-0 victory over Zenit - thanks to who else but Romelu Lukaku. Attention then turns to the small matter of Sunday's derby with Tottenham - with a look ahead to that clash and the all important potential team news. Plus - this week's quiz sees some casual trolling of a certain José Mourinho and his Instagram prowess... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices