Eleanor Oldroyd is alongside former Everton captain Izzy Christiansen, former Everton winger Andros Townsend, and commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball for reaction from inside Goodison Park where Sean Dyche was sacked just hours before the Toffees' FA Cup match against Peterborough. They discuss the chaotic afternoon at the club, and what foundations do the team have that a new manager could build on to help them stay in the Premier League?

John Bennett is joined by James Horncastle for the latest episode of Euro Leagues. Julien Laurens drops in to discuss the announcement by Didier Deschamps that he will be standing down as France boss in 2026. Will Zinedine Zidane be next? And Ernest Macia from Radio Catalunya joins the team to discuss the latest regarding Dani Olmo after it emerges he is allowed to play for Barcelona – for now! We hear from Guillem Balague and Rafa Honigstein to discuss who might move in January – with Ronald Araujo, Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford among the names. And the good form at AC Milan and Roma under their new managers is also discussed. TIMECODES 1 min – James discusses the most famous players he has shared coffee with. 3 mins – Julien drops in to discuss the big news about Didier Deschamps – plus who might succeed him. 15 mins – Why it is working for Sergio Conceicao at AC Milan. 24 mins - Ernest Macia joins the pod to discuss the news that Barcelona have been given temporary approval to re-register Dami Olmo and Pau Victor. 32 mins - Claudio Ranieri and why it is going so well for him at Roma. 37 mins – Transfer latest – with Guillem Balague and Rafa Honigstein dropping in as they discuss Ronald Araujo, Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford.

Aaron Paul is joined by Jobi McAnuff and Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens to reflect on the latest stories in the EFL. New Gillingham manager John Coleman drops by to discuss his decision to get back into the game and his aims and ambitions with the club this season. With Luton just 2 points above the Championship relegation zone, the guys discuss Luton’s decision to part company with Rob Edwards after 10 successive away defeats. The FA Cup third round is on the horizon – Harrogate CEO Sarah Barry looks ahead to their match with Leeds - and Richie discusses Leyton Orient’s tie with Derby, as well as giving an insight into his team’s recent fine form! Time Codes: 01:40 – Leyton Orient with Richie Wellens 10:30 – John Coleman in at Gillingham 24:45 – Rob Edwards out at Luton 35:30 – Fantasy EFL 36:30 – FA Cup Third Round Preview 38:30 – Harrogate CEO Sarah Barry 45:30 – 72Plus/72Minus 5 LIVE COMMENTARIES THIS WEEK Thursday 9th January FA CUP: Everton v Peterborough United 1945 KO FA CUP: Fulham v Watford 1945 KO Friday 10th January FA CUP: Aston Villa v West Ham United 2000 KO Saturday 11th January FA CUP: Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1200 KO FA CUP: Liverpool v Accrington Stanley 1215 KO FA CUP: Brentford v Plymouth Argyle 1500 KO FA CUP: Leeds United v Harrogate Town 1745 KO FA CUP: Manchester City v Salford City 1745 KO Sunday 12th January FA CUP: Tamworth v Spurs 1230 KO FA CUP: Newcastle United v Bromley 1500 KO FA CUP: Crystal Palace v Stockport County 1500 KO

Steve Crossman presents reaction to Spurs’ 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. Ian Dennis, Michael Brown and Charlie Adam join Steve to react to the result. Lucas Bergvall’s first goal for the club means Spurs will take that 1-0 lead to Anfield where the second leg of the semi-final will be played in February. Hear from Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Timecodes: 00:30 Liverpool anger at Bergvall winner 01:30 Youngsters shine for Spurs 11:00 Liverpool not at the races 15:35 Ange Postecoglou post-match 18:10 Arne Slot post-match 21:20 Semi-final first legs summarised 5 LIVE COMMENTARIES THIS WEEK Thursday 9th January FA CUP: Everton v Peterborough United 1945 KO FA CUP: Fulham v Watford 1945 KO Friday 10th January FA CUP: Aston Villa v West Ham United 2000 KO Saturday 11th January FA CUP: Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1200 KO FA CUP: Liverpool v Accrington Stanley 1215 KO FA CUP: Brentford v Plymouth Argyle 1500 KO FA CUP: Leeds United v Harrogate Town 1745 KO FA CUP: Manchester City v Salford City 1745 KO Sunday 12th January FA CUP: Tamworth v Spurs 1230 KO FA CUP: Newcastle United v Bromley 1500 KO FA CUP: Crystal Palace v Stockport County 1500 KO

Steve Crossman presents reaction to Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham departure. Ian Dennis, Michael Brown and Charlie Adam join Steve after reports that Graham Potter will take over at the club. The news of Potter’s imminent appointment has been widely reported, with the former Brighton and Chelsea manager expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract in East London. Also hear from Spanish football expert Guillem Balague and West Ham podcaster Sean Whetstone. Timecodes: 01:00 Julen Lopetegui sacked 08:55 Is Graham Potter the right appointment? 18:20 Guillem Balague on Lopetegui 26:55 Sean Whetstone Lopetegui's departure 31:50 Do West Ham fans want Potter? 33:20 Tim Steidten’s role 5 LIVE COMMENTARIES THIS WEEK Thursday 9th January FA CUP: Everton v Peterborough United 1945 KO FA CUP: Fulham v Watford 1945 KO Friday 10th January FA CUP: Aston Villa v West Ham United 2000 KO Saturday 11th January FA CUP: Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1200 KO FA CUP: Liverpool v Accrington Stanley 1215 KO FA CUP: Brentford v Plymouth Argyle 1500 KO FA CUP: Leeds United v Harrogate Town 1745 KO FA CUP: Manchester City v Salford City 1745 KO Sunday 12th January FA CUP: Tamworth v Spurs 1230 KO FA CUP: Newcastle United v Bromley 1500 KO FA CUP: Crystal Palace v Stockport County 1500 KO

Kelly Cates presents reaction to Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. John Murray, Glenn Murray and Dion Dublin join Kelly to reflect on Newcastle's 2-0 win. Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon give the Magpies a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg of the semi-final next month. The panel discuss the red-hot form of Isak, and whether a striker of his ilk is Arsenal's missing ingredient. Hear from goalscorer Gordon, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Dion and Kelly preview the next semi-final between Spurs and Liverpool. Hear from Ange Postecoglou after his explosive interview after the 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in the league, and also hear from Arne Slot on the contract situation at Liverpool. Timecodes: 00:30 Eddie Howe post-match 01:20 Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle 11:00 Anthony Gordon post-match 14:15 Is Alexander Isak the best no.9 in Europe? 20:30 Do Arsenal need someone like Isak? 24:50 The second leg 28:15 Mikel Arteta post-match 30:15 Ange Postecoglou presser 32:05 Spurs' form 35:50 Arne Slot presser 37:40 Contract situation at Liverpool 5 LIVE COMMENTARIES THIS WEEK Wednesday 8th January LEAGUE CUP: Spurs v Liverpool (First Leg) 2000 KO Thursday 9th January FA CUP: Everton v Peterborough United 1945 KO FA CUP: Fulham v Watford 1945 KO Friday 10th January FA CUP: Aston Villa v West Ham United 2000 KO Saturday 11th January FA CUP: Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1200 KO FA CUP: Liverpool v Accrington Stanley 1215 KO FA CUP: Brentford v Plymouth Argyle 1500 KO FA CUP: Leeds United v Harrogate Town 1745 KO FA CUP: Manchester City v Salford City 1745 KO Sunday 12th January FA CUP: Tamworth v Spurs 1230 KO FA CUP: Newcastle United v Bromley 1500 KO FA CUP: Crystal Palace v Stockport County 1500 KO

Are Julen Lopetegui’s days at West Ham numbered? The club denied reports on Monday he had already been sacked and replaced by Graham Potter, we discuss their struggles after their latest heavy defeat, at the hands of Manchester City. West Ham fan and podcaster Sean Whetstone joins Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Leon Osman to talk about the rift between Lopetegui and the club’s technical director Tim Steidten, and the candidates to replace him at the London Stadium. Everton have failed to score in eight of their last eleven matches, we chat about the pressure that’s putting on Sean Dyche. We hear Ange Postecoglou’s extraordinary post-match interview after they were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle despite the ball hitting Joelinton’s arm in the build-up to their first goal. And after a poor performance against Manchester United at Anfield, we assess Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation at Liverpool. TIMECODES: 00:35 – Lopetegui on borrowed time at West Ham 11:38 – Everton’s struggles under Sean Dyche 20:22 – Pressure on Postecoglou 30:00 – Trent transfer toxicity COMMENTARIES: Tuesday 7th January LEAGUE CUP: Arsenal v Newcastle (First Leg) 2000 KO Wednesday 8th January LEAGUE CUP: Spurs v Liverpool (First Leg) 2000 KO Thursday 9th January FA CUP: Everton v Peterborough United 1945 KO FA CUP: Fulham v Watford 1945 KO Friday 10th January FA CUP: Aston Villa v West Ham United 2000 KO Saturday 11th January FA CUP: Bristol City v Wolverhampton Wanderers 1200 KO FA CUP: Liverpool v Accrington Stanley 1215 KO FA CUP: Brentford v Plymouth Argyle 1500 KO FA CUP: Leeds United v Harrogate Town 1745 KO FA CUP: Manchester City v Salford City 1745 KO Sunday 12th January FA CUP: Tamworth v Spurs 1230 KO FA CUP: Newcastle United v Bromley 1500 KO FA CUP: Crystal Palace v Stockport County 1500 KO

Man Utd earn a point at leaders Liverpool. Hear from Bruno Fernandes, Virgil van Dijk and catch THAT Ange Postecoglou interview. Darren Fletcher is joined by Glenn Murray and Clinton Morrison. Expect title-race chat, top-four conversation and fun and games down the bottom as a Southampton supporter is richly rewarded for going against her team! 01:30 Man Utd get a point at Liverpool 04:40 Bruno Fernandes: ‘We can’t be pleased’ 11:35 ‘Tranmere Trent’ has his head elsewhere? 14:55 Virgil van Dijk: ‘It could’ve been a lot worse’ 20:10 Arsenal’s title chances up slightly 23:50 Glass half full for Brighton & Hove? 25:00 Chelsea ‘fall off a cliff’ 28:30 THAT Ange Postecoglou interview 36:45 Five league wins in a row for Newcastle 39:35 Will Ipswich stay up? 41:30 The 5-0 Southampton fan 43:20 Striker movement in January? BBC Sounds / 5 Live Carabao Cup commentaries this week: Tue 7 Jan 2000 Arsenal v Newcastle, Wed 8 Jan 2000 Tottenham v Liverpool. BBC Sounds / 5 Live FA Cup commentaries this week: Thu 9 Jan 1945 Everton v Peterborough, Fri 10 Jan 2000 Aston Villa v West Ham, Sat 11 Jan 1200 Bristol City v Wolves, Sat 11 Jan 1500 Brentford v Plymouth, Sat 11 Jan 1745 Leeds v Harrogate, Sun 12 Jan 1230 Tamworth v Tottenham, Sun 12 Jan 1500 Newcastle v Bromley.

From Paris, to Bolton – Premier League legend Jay-Jay Okocha sits down with Dion Dublin in this Football Daily special. The former Nigeria international opens up about that move from Paris Saint-Germain to the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers. He chats to Dion about adapting to life in England, his relationship with Sam Allardyce and his determination to prove himself in the Premier League.

5 Live commentators John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball answer listener questions. From how they got into football to how they relax while on the road, and which are the coldest/warmest grounds in the country? And can Ian finally get a win under his belt in Clash of the Commentators? 02:15 Ali talks about presenting on the radio 06:10 John’s Christmas travel troubles 12:40 Why did they get into football? 19:20 How do they relax while traveling? 24:30 Do they listen back to their commentaries? 30:20 How do they look after their voices? 33:10 Can Ian win Clash of the Commentators? 43:05 Is Liverpool-Man Utd a ‘local derby’? 44:40 Which are the coldest/warmest grounds? 47:40 The Great Glossary of Football Commentary BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 4 Jan 3pm Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Sat 4 Jan 5:30pm Brighton v Arsenal, Sun 5 Jan 2pm Fulham v Ipswich, Sun 5 Jan 4:30pm Liverpool v Man Utd.

John Bennett is joined by Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and Rafa Honigstein for the first Euro Leagues of 2025. They discuss the match they are most looking forward to and highlight players you should keep an eye on in 2025. From Omar Marmoush at Eintracht Frankfurt to the young Argentine flourishing at Como, they pick out players who could be set for a big move, those on the cusp of great things and a couple of youngsters making big strides. They also pick out something that they are looking forward to in football this year – and end the show with some predictions. TIMECODES 0 mins: Introduction and New Year’s Resolutions 1 min: Fixtures to look forward to in 2025. 7 mins: Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush. 12 mins: Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. 15 mins: Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller. 20 mins: Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche. 25 mins: Como’s Nico Paz. 29 mins: Heidenheim’s Paul Wanner (on loan from Bayern Munich). 33 mins: Real Madrid’s Joan Martinez. 35 mins: The team discuss something that they are looking forward to seeing in football in 2025.

Aaron Paul is joined by Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson, Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith and former Wycombe full back Joe Jacobson to dissect New Year’s Day’s EFL action. We discuss the top of the Championship after leaders Leeds dropped points at home to Blackburn, Mark Robins' appointment at Stoke City and whether Derby need to be looking over their shoulder after a 4-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday leaves them just four points above the drop zone. Wycombe scored late to beat Exeter and move to the summit of League One, we look at that, Birmingham’s draw with Stockport and how the playoff picture is shaping up after Wrexham dropped points at Barnsley. And are Walsall already champions-elect, after they came from behind to beat Notts County and maintain their 12-point cushion at the top of League two? TIMECODES: 02:19 – Championship playoff positions 05:11 – Mark Robin’s appointment at Stoke 09:23 – Three wins in a row for Gary Rowett at Oxford United 17:57 – Wycombe move top of League One 25:33 – Walsall maintain their 12-point lead in League Two 29:50 – Port Vale’s winless run

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines host a New Year’s eve special and are joined by England and Washington Spirit’s Esme Morgan. The team chat how Esme has got on in America playing in the NWSL including making it to the championship final, losing out to Orlando Pride. Plus England under 17’s head coach Natalie Henderson talks getting to the World Cup semi-finals and ambitions for the next generation of England players. Natalie also shares her journey in coaching including working with the Newcastle academy. Demi Stokes joins the pod to talk about her big move to newly promoted Championship side Newcastle United and how she has found the move. Plus Demi chats motherhood and her passion for cooking! Timecodes: 00:20 Intro & Esme Morgan returns! 02:00 Natalie Henderson 15:00 Esme & why the NWSL 22:20 Jen & Esme on playing in US 26:30 Demi Stokes 34:30 Esme on Euros draw 40:30 2025 hopes for women’s football!

Kelly Cates is joined by Marc Albrighton, Izzy Christiansen, Paul Robinson and Mike Minay as Ipswich win for the first time at home this season beating Chelsea 2-0 in the Premier League. Liam Delap scored and assisted Omari Hutchinson to secure a huge victory while its back-to-back defeats for Chelsea. Hear from Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna and striker Liam Delap. Newcastle moved up to fifth with a comfortable win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. United suffered their third straight home loss in all competitions for the first time in more than 60 years. Elsewhere Aston Villa were held 2-2 by Brighton which extended Fabian Hurzeler’s side to a seven-match winless run. Timecodes: 00:10 Intro 00:50 Kieran McKenna 03:50 Ipswich beat Chelsea 11:40 Liam Delap 15:30 Enzo Maresca 17:20 Manchester United Newcastle 20:30 Ruben Amorim 28:00 Villa Brighton 30:20 Gareth Southgate Knighthood

Liverpool go eight points clear and Nottingham Forest win five in a row. Rick Edwards is joined by Clinton Morrison and The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards. Also hear from Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool’s 5-0 win at West Ham, catch up with Chris Wood after Forest’s 2-0 win at Everton, and listen to Erling Haaland after scoring in Man City’s 2-0 win at Leicester. Plus, Neal Maupay’s been on the wind up. 03:40 Liverpool & Forest on top 05:45 Liverpool eight points clear 12:10 Virgil van Dijk INTERVIEW 17:35 West Ham 19:25 Chris Wood INTERVIEW with Forest up to second! 25:20 Everton’s Calvert-Lewin not clicking 26:25 Maupay on the wind up 29:50 Haaland INTERVIEW as Man City win 37:30 Wolves snatch draw at Tottenham 41:30 Another point for Bournemouth at Fulham 43:45 Southampton going down? 44:50 Luke’s exclusive on Alexander Isak

A preview of a special Desert Island Discs from Radio 4 as Lauren Laverne catches-up with Gareth Southgate. In the full episode, the former England manager shares the eight tracks, book and luxury item he would take with him if cast away to a desert island with Lauren Laverne. Listen here - www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00268sg

Aaron Paul talks through the seasonal Premier League stories. He’s joined by Michael Brown and Nigel Reo-Coker. Also hear from Arne Slot with Liverpool top of the tree. Was Chelsea’s defeat to Fulham a reality check for them? What about Forest’s European charge. And there’s misery on both sides of Manchester. Catch up with the latest from Ruben Amorim. 03:55 Liverpool sitting pretty 08:25 Arne Slot: ‘It’s too early to celebrate’ 17:45 Reality check for Chelsea? 23:15 Four straight wins for Forest 30:35 Fulham unbeaten in six 40:15 Michael and Nigel’s ‘big fives’ 43:15 Man Utd misery – give Amorim time? 53:55 Man City’s De Bruyne quandry BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this week: Sun 29 Dec, 1500: Everton v Nottingham Forest Sun 29 Dec, 1715: West Ham v Liverpool Mon 30 Dec, 1945: Ipswich v Chelsea Wed 1 Jan, 1730: Brentford v Arsenal

Ali Bruce-Ball, John Murray and Ian Dennis present a selection box of stories from life as 5 Live commentators. From getting a wasp in the mouth mid-commentary, to getting in trouble with Kenny Dalglish and Tony Pulis, they tell the tales you don't normally get to hear.

FULL 7 PART-SERIES AVAILABLE ON BBC SOUNDS - www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0h6lf4d The definitive Sir Alex Ferguson story, from his working class roots in Glasgow to the top of European football, told by the people who know him best. First-hand accounts from a host of former players and adversaries including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Gordon Strachan and Sir Kenny Dalglish reveal what it was like to play for Sir Alex's all-conquering Manchester United and Aberdeen teams, while exploring the Scot's origins and where his legendary will to win came from. Presenter Kelly Cates and Ferguson expert Jonathan Northcroft explore what made him so successful and how he was able to constantly reinvent himself and his teams to remain at the very top for decades. Could there ever be another manager like Sir Alex?

You’re Better Than That is back for another fun and festive Christmas treat! Alistair Bruce-Ball is the quizmaster as Chris Sutton partners up with Karen Pickering to take on Julien Laurens and Izzy Christiansen – who will come out on top? Featuring the famous Sutton Death, conundrums and filling in the commentary blanks from some of the biggest sporting moments of 2024 who will win 2024’s edition of the annual festive quiz?