The 40 Yard Switch

The 2026 World Cup has arrived and is well and truly underway. An entertaining group stage has finished and the knock out phase is already providing some surprising outcomes.Guest hosting along side Woody this week, it's the return of Milad as the lads react to the biggest talking points of the tournament so far, before assessing Australia and England's chances in the next round.Plus some predictions of the remaining Round of 32 matches to round out the show!

After 22 years, Arsenal have returned to the Premier League promise land. Just what does it mean for Arsenal fans and especially lifelong Gunner Woody?The final day had plenty to dissect as Tottenham Hotspur avoided relegation, with West Ham United going down, and Sunderland qualifying for the Europa League!Finally, the Champions League final looms for Arsenal as a date with destiny awaits Mikel Arteta's squad, but can they do it?

The fellas are back with as the season climbs to a huge climax!Two weeks left of the 2025/26 campaign and as much at stake at both ends of the table as their has been for for quite some time.Arsenal hold a slender lead to Manchester City in the title race, while as many as eight teams still have a chance at qualification for European football next season.Wilbur asks Woody if his beloved Arsenal can stay the course, and Woody tries to convince Wilbur that Everton can push for a Europa League place. Finally, the relegation battle is almost certain to come down to the final day, who do the boys think is staying up out of Tottenham and West Ham?

There are seven games left in the Premier League season and Tottenham Hotspur, remarkably, sit only one point above the relegation zone in 17th. Having parted company with interim manager Igor Tudor, who lasted 44 days in the job, Roberto De Zerbi has been tasked with keeping Spurs up. Is he the right man for the job?How has it all gone so horribly wrong for a club that has for so long considered itself a part of the seemingly untouchable "Big 6"?How do the North London club stack up against the teams fighting around them to avoid the drop, and just how real are their chances of playing Championship football next season?

The boys are back after each spending time away on holidays, to recharge and ready themselves for the run in to the end of the season. Mohammed Salah has announced he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, and what will that mean for the remainder of this season for the Reds?Meanwhile, on the blue side of Merseyside, Everton are hitting form at the right time and find themselves pushing for a European spot next year. Could the Toffees potentially finish above Liverpool in the Premier League?Plus, as it's the first international break for a while, there is of course some discussion around Thomas Tuchel's selection of his 35 man squad for this pre-World Cup camp.

Liam Hall steps in to guest host with Jasper this week to help take stock of the season that has been so far. Just past the halfway point of the season, and with the winter transfer window closed and the European group phase finished, it's as good a time as any for a mid-season review. Are Arsenal terrible title frontrunners? Can Man City pull it together to chase them down? Does anyone take Aston Villa seriously in the title race?All this and more to come, along with some mid-season awards!

The start to 2026 has been nothing short of chaotic in the Premier League with two managers sacked inside the first week!Out went Enzo Maresca replaced by Liam Rosenior on a long term contract, and Ruben Amorim followed suit shortly after with Michael Carrick now interim head coach till the end of the season.So what will it mean for both clubs moving forward?Will Rosenior be allowed to succeed within the current set up at Chelsea, and do Manchester United even have anything left to play for this season? 

It's been 13 months since Ruben Amorim was appointed manager of Manchester United. What has followed has been nothing short of a rollercoasted of fortunes for the Red Devils, but how are their prospects looking a year later?Have United turned a corner, or are the same issues still as prevalent as they were when Amorim took over?The lads weigh the good and the bad before assessing the outlook for the rest of the season. 

The lads are back to in the wake of the group stage draw for the World Cup 2026 across the USA, Canada and Mexico. More teams that ever before and plenty of World Cup debut nations, but is that a good thing? Also there has been plenty of press around the build up to the tournament, and not all of it has been positive. Wilbur and Jasper react to some of the qualms that been raised by the media and fans.Meanwhile, Mohammed Salah's outburst to the media after being left on the bench for the third straight game against Leeds has whipped the football media into a frenzy. Will it have serious implications or is it all being blown out of proportion?

The OG duo are back this week and are keen to chat about some teams in troubling form after what has been a wild first 9 rounds of the Premier League.Liverpool are seemingly in a nose dive down the league table at the moment, seemingly for a multitude of reasons, and manager Arne Slot so far doesn't seem to have any answers.The optimism around the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo has quickly evaporated after some poor performances in must win matches. Are they facing a relegation scrap?Finally, after a disastrous start to life at the helm at the City Ground, Ange Postecoglu was sacked and Nottingham Forest are now on their third manager of the season with the appointment of Sean Dyche. Will it work out, or are Forest's decisions at the top going to cost them?

This week Wilbur is away so Jasper is joined by spurs fan Tom Chalmers for a return appearance on the show.The two sit down for a chat solely focussed around the seemingly increased scrutiny on managerial styles and systems. Why is so much importance placed on a managers style in today's game, and why are some managers so stubbon in refusing to deviate away from their system even when results are not forthcoming?

The Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, has been decided for another year. The lads return to break down what did and didn't shock them about the results. Also since last episode the UEFA Champions League has returned and Ange Postecoglou has taken the reigns at Nottingham Forest After Nuno Espirito-Santo was relieved of his duties. There is some discussion about how Pep Guardiola seems to be having another evolution in his system as Manchester City showed a new side to their game at Arsenal on the Sunday. Finally, the lads reflect on what has been a fairly positive start to life in the Premier League for all three promoted clubs. Can they sustain it?

The lads return to break down a wild end to what was a truly chaotic summer transfer window, filled with constant drama and record breaking deals.Then, as it's time for the first international break of the season, they take stock of the first three game weeks of the Premier League and give their thoughts on who has impressed and which teams have underwhelmed to start the season.

The Premier League is about to return and on the eve of season 25/26 Jasper and Wilbur are back to give you their predictions for what is about to unfold over the next nine months, while also giving their top picks from all the summer transfer window business as well.

After a brief euro summer hiatus, the show returns to the airwaves. Wilbur is still enjoying his European travels so in step Thomas Chalmers to provide some insight from the point of view from a Spurs fan for the first time in 40 Yard Switch history. Before beginning to talk all things Tottenham, however, they address the very serious topic of the charges against former Arsenal player Thomas Partey and how Arsenal handled the situation. Later in the show, Jasper and Tom reflect on Ange Postecoglu's sacking and his time at Tottenham, before looking ahead to what new manager Thomas Frank can look to build during his tenure at the helm of the Lilywhites. 

The fellas discuss the Championship playoff final and Sunderland's chances for survival next season, before reflecting on one of the most one sided Champions League finals in recent memory.Then it's time for Jasper and Wilbur to each present their annual Premier League team of the season! Some of their choices might raise an eyebrow or two...2:37 - Championship Play-off Final11:10 - Champions League Final15:18 - Premier League Team of the Season

Wilbur and Woody return to talk all things cup finals this week. The lads discuss the immediate aftermath of the Europa League Final, and what it means for both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United moving forward.They reflect on Crystal Palace's first every major trophy in the club's history and how Manchester City have been left trophy-less for the first season since Pep Guardiola's first in charge. Finally, theres a brief look ahead and a prediction for next week's men's Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG.

Jasper is joined once again by returning guest host and Aston Villa fan Liam Hall, to talk Champions League quarter-finals, as Villa bowed out in dramatic fashion while Woody's Arsenal marched on. The two discuss the performances from both their sides before looking ahead to the semi-finals.The focus then switches to the final six games of the Premier League season, as Champions League spots look to be hotly contested right down to the final day. Each team from third to seventh in the table has differing strength of fixtures, and how could that all play out as the season winds to a dramatic finish.

Newcastle saw an end to a 70 year trophy drought when they defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the League Cup Final at Wembley. Wilbur and Woody reflect on the historic day for the Toon. They then turn their attentions to the the Premier League as the race for the top five spots and Champions League football is looking as it if it will come down to the wire. Speaking of the Champions League, with the draw for the quarter-finals all set, the boys go through each tie and give their predictions for how they might unfold. 

Wilbur returns to host along side Jasper once more and to talk all things Everton. His beloved Toffees have enjoyed a welcome resurgence since replacing Sean Dyche with Goodison Park icon David Moyes. Is it just new manager bounce or has the return of the figure that oversaw so many good years on Merseyside just what the doctor ordered for Evertonians?Looking ahead to next season, is there hope for a return to the top half of the table as the new era in the Bramley Moore Dock stadium begins?

Milad Shariat's guest appearance last episode was so good he's earned himself a second start in as many weeks, while Liam Hall also returns to show to provide some third man runs.Jasper and the boys begin the show by reacting to the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League group stage in its first season under the new format. They reflect on whether or not the new look UCL passed the vibe check, and on the surprising finishing places in the table of some big names in European football. The crux of the show shifts the focus back to the Premier League as, from first-placed Liverpool down to bottom-of-the-table Southampton, the lads discuss who the most crucial name on the team sheet is for each of the 20 top flight clubs. Some of the answers may shock you...0:59 Champions League reactions18:00 Premier League team's most important players

Joining the show this week is one of the more eloquent and level headed Manchester United fans, Milad Shariat.He jumps in for a chat about yet another incredibly tough season for the Red Devils and the task the Ruben Amorim has ahead of him as he looks to build the squad in his image. There is also some brief discussion about Arsenal's struggles of late, before Woody and Milad finish by questioning the current implementation of the handball rule, after some head scratching decisions in recent weeks have left fans confused again by the seemingly ever changing stipulations of ball to hand/arm contact. 

It's 2025 and here at The 40 Yard Switch our New Years Resolution is to get back to posting weekly content for the fans, and it starts with this episode. The boys are back to discuss the breaking news of Julen Lopetegui's sacking by West Ham United, and the club's subsequent appointment of Graham Potter as its new manager. They also take a look at the other new managers that have been appointed so far this season for Leicester, Southampton and Wolves before moving on to Newcastle, who are enjoying a mid-season resurgence after a slow start.Finally the conversation finishes with the fairytale story of this campaign so far, Nuno Espirito-Santo's third-placed Nottingham Forrest. Just how far can they go?

The lads are back for an international break catch up to discuss some of the biggest talking points in the Premier League of late. Ruben Amorim has finally started his tenure at Manchester United, and what do Jasper and Wilbur think will become of the Portuguese manager? Will he finally light the spark that ignites this United side, or will he go the same way as many of his recent predecessors?Premier League referee David Coote has been stood down after some controversial footage came to light, which has once again raised questions about the PGMOL and the standard of refereeing in the top flight. As an Arsenal fan, Jasper is a bit quicker to criticise and speculate than WIlbur is. Finally, Manchester City's form continues to slide, as their Balon d'Or-winning talisman Rodri watches from the stands. Is this the season that finally ends the historic run for Pep Guardiola's side?

Two months have elapsed in the new Premier League season and the boys are back to assess the situation and give their thoughts on who's hot, who's not and who's just kinda... meh. We've also had a few game weeks to have a look at the new Champions League format, which may not be as bad as Wilbur and Woodson initially feared....

Fate would have it that the boys couldn't quite align their schedules to get together before the season started for 2024/25, but nevertheless we are back to give the 40 Yard Switch predictions for how it will all unfold. From where all the teams will end up on the table to which players and coaches to look out for, we've got you covered.

The OG duo is back! For the first time in many months, WIlbur and Woody and back together for a post-Euros recap. We discuss Spain's deserved win, England's second straight Euro Final loss and all the other teams that impressed or disappointed us. To round out the show, we talk about Gareth Southgate's departure from the England Manager role, and what is next for the Three Lions. 

On the eve of the 2024 UEFA European Championships, Woody is joined sports market expert and Aston Villa fan Liam Hall to discuss how the tournament is going to unfold from start to finish. Who's going to win? Which teams will make a surprise run? Which players are being backed to shine this summer? All of that and more as we prepare to kick off a month of international football action.

After a five-month hiatus we have returned!Life sometimes can get in the way of things like a sports podcast, especially when the two hosts are not paid to produce it. However, with Jasper now settled in London, a new era of The 40 Yard Switch can begin! For this return episode, Woody is joined by Yannick Hansen, in person for the first time, as we conduct a review of the 2023/24 English Premier League season. We go through all 20 sides, assessing how their season transpired, for better or worse. Then to mark a triumphant reemergence, we put up the fourth iteration of our End of Season Awards, with some picks that may shock you...

Chelsea have struggled for results and consistency of performance all season so far, and their woes continued when they lost 1-0 to Middlesborough in their EFL Cup semi-final first leg. After a decent start to the campaign, Arsenal now have just one win in their last seven and we knocked out of the FA Cup by Liverpool at the weekend. We dissect the issues facing the two clubs and how much worry is justified for both sets of fans, before finishing by discussing the future of the pod as we prepare to be living on opposite sides of the world. 

Happy New Year! We're back for our first episode of 2024 as the congested festive fixture list comes to a close. With the small break in play, it's a good time to present our Mid-Season awards! From best player to break out star, surprising team to biggest flop: we've got it covered.

Nottingham Forrest have sacked Steve Cooper and since replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo. We discuss why we don't think this was the best decision from their ownership, before going through the newly released fixtures for the Champions League Round of 16. Finally to round out the show we have a general chat about the state of play in the Premier League as we approach the festive period.

The group stages of all three UEFA club competitions have drawn to a close, and will return in the new year. We go through the Champions League groups and discuss how the Premier League teams have faired, as it has been a mixed bag for Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester United. Jasper then has a question for Wilbur about how the astronomical spending in the Premier League may be starting to create a more competitive league overall.

After a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of fellow cellar dwellers Burnley, Sheffield United have responded to their poor start to the campaign by sacking manager Paul Heckingbottom. We discuss whether the call was warranted and rate the decision to replace him with Chris Wilder. We then move on to discuss the developing title race between Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal and how serious their championship credentials are. 

As the picture of the Premier League table becomes more clear as the rounds progress, a third of the way into the season it appears that a three-way title race is brewing between Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. That leaves one, potentially two, Champions League spots left for for the chasing pack of Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Newcastle United to fight over. We go through each team and discuss how they have started the campaign, and evaluate where we think they will end up by season's end. Then we have some fun playing around with the players from the four clubs in the back end of the episode. 

After a month away, Wilbur has returned! Back home from his travels, he gets back behind the mic in a week where his beloved Everton have been part of part of a piece of Premier League history. The Toffees have been handed a 10 point deduction for breaching the leagues profit and sustainability rules. We break down this unprecedented ruling and what it means the rest of the league and Everton, before looking ahead to four huge fixtures this week.  

This week we welcome back another friend of the show to make his third appearance on The 40 Yard Switch, Josh Ring.After discussing some of the pressing talking points from the weekend's EPL action we then talk at length about the sanctity of game, and how we have become a little jaded with the direction top level football is heading. From foreign investment in teams, to World Cup hosting rights being awarded unfairly, and finally to examples of how football can be enjoyed without exorbitant injections of money.Timestamps:02:50 - Tottenham vs Chelsea14:57 - Newcastle vs Arsenal22:40 - Luton vs Liverpool28:56 - The sanctity of the game52:00 - Examples of leagues and teams operated more sustainably

Woody is joined this week by fan favourite Max Resic, who returns to discuss all things Manchester Derby and if Erik ten Hag might not be the guy for Manchester United. We also discuss the success so far of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal and where both sides will end up come seasons end, before finally breaking down the Balon d'Or and answering whether or not Messi was a deserved winner.

In the first week of a month of episodes without Wilbur, Yannick Hansen returns to guest host alongside Woody. On our minds this week: discussing how Liverpool have looked so far with their rejuvenated midfield, the Arsenal goalkeeper situation, and if Aston Villa are the real deal this season as their impressive home record continues.

In what will be the last episode with Wilbur for a month, we took a look at the qualifying groups for Euro 2024 as it starts to get to the pointy end of the process to secure a spot. We then recap whats gone on in the Women's Super League in the opening few rounds before looking ahead to some enticing fixtures this weekend as the Premier League returns. 

Arsenal defeated Manchester City in the Premier League for the first time since 2015, and Woody is over the moon with it. Elsewhere, Everton looked the best they have so far this season against Bournemouth and Chelsea look like they're starting to cook as well. West Ham United seem to be back to their best too, but players from Chelsea and West Ham who are excelling can't seem to get an England call up. We go through all of that and more this week including a recap of some notable moments in the Champions League from last week.

In a bonkers week of Premier League drama, the controversy around VAR reached boiling point as a result of the incident during the Tottenham vs Liverpool match. We spend a little too much time talking about that, as well as some other glaring missed VAR calls, before moving on to discuss plenty of other notable news from the weekend. Did Brighton get found out by Aston Villa? Is Rodri the most important player for Man City? Have Wolves backed the wrong manager? Listen and find out!

Since we last recorded, the Champions League has returned, a huge weekend in Premier League took place and overnight there was third round of League Cup action. We go pick through some of the more notable talking points from the week (sans League Cup), before looking ahead once again looking ahead to the weekend for the feature fixtures in Matchday Seven.

Matchday Five of the Premier League was full of intrigue and drama, with Spurs leaving it to the final minute of injury time to beat Sheffield and Brighton putting Manchester United to sword. We go through all of it and more from the weekends action, before looking ahead to next week's key match ups and some of the more interesting games from the return of the Champions League!

We're back after a week off for our health, and this week Woody has got several bones to pick with England manager Gareth Southgate while we talk about the international break. We then reflect back on Round 4 of the English Premier League before looking ahead to some intriguing fixtures in Matchday 5. 

The aftermath of the Women's World Cup Final continues with the ongoing saga involving the president of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales. After discussing the situation we move on to talking all things Premier League for game week three, before giving predictions for some huge fixtures coming up in round four.

After a wild four weeks, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup came to a close with Spain being crowed champions for the first time ever. We look back on the final and the tournament that was, before discussing the impact the tournament had more specifically on Australia, and women's football in the country. We then deliberate over our team of the tournament, before switching gears to talk about the key moments from the weekend's Premier League action. 

We have reached the final week of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and after a weekend of breathless quarter-finals we're well and truly into the business end of the tournament. We go through each quarter-final before reacting to Spain's defeat of Sweden in the first semi-final and finally we talk about the big one tonight between the Matilda's and the Lionesses. Shifting gears, we then go through all the notable moments of what was a big weekend of action as the Premier League got underway for Season 23/24.

In the week that has been since our last episode, the FIFA Women's World Cup group stage had a dramatic and surprising conclusion as two top 10 ranked sides went out. Since then the Round of 16 has been in full swing, and while we watch the second half of the last Round of 16 match between France and Morocco, we break down all that has unfolded so far. We then give some predictions for the Quarter-Finals, before switching gears to give our predictions for the upcoming 23/24 English Premier League season, which starts on Saturday.

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has been is two weeks in and the group stage is almost complete! We go through each group breaking down the key moments, matches and goals that have unfolded so far, all while watching the England v China game live! Finally we go through what we think will be the Round of 16 match ups, and predict who will be going through to the next round.