The Anfield Index Podcast

Guy Drinkel is here with today's Daily Red as he looks at a report that Manchester City were told about their charges in the summer. He then looks at the players wages.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Davis and Lewis Steele turn their attention firmly towards Liverpool, assessing the major decisions facing the club as Andoni Iraola continues shaping his squad.With Liverpool attempting to build on their early progress under the new head coach, Dave and Lewis examine where improvements can still be made and how the club's recruitment strategy could develop over the coming months.The discussion looks at the balance of the squad, the players Iraola can build around and the areas where Liverpool may eventually need further reinforcements. There is also the wider question of how quickly the club should act, with January presenting an opportunity if the right player becomes available.Lewis provides his perspective on the thinking around Liverpool and the challenge facing the recruitment team as they attempt to give Iraola the personnel required for his style of football.It's a fascinating look at a Liverpool squad still evolving under a new manager, with some potentially significant decisions looming.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Davis and Lewis Steele close out Media Matters by tackling one of the biggest questions surrounding Andoni Iraola's Liverpool: does the head coach actually know his strongest XI yet?

Injuries to Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have created uncertainty ahead of Liverpool's next fixtures, leaving Iraola potentially considering Bradley Barcola through the middle, Lewis Koumas or even a false-nine solution.

Lewis believes Liverpool's defensive picture is becoming clearer, but midfield and attack remain far less settled. Competition for places is healthy, although the coming weeks now provide an opportunity for individual players to establish themselves and give Iraola some definitive answers.

Attention then turns towards Liverpool's ceiling this season. Lewis believes challenging for the Premier League title remains possible, although winning it may still represent a step too far. With Liverpool six points behind Manchester City at the point discussed in the transcript, the upcoming meeting with City could significantly change that picture.

City, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace form a demanding sequence before the next international break. Liverpool's response could tell us considerably more about just how far Iraola's new side can go

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Davis is joined by Lewis Steele for a packed edition of Media Matters, with the fallout from Manchester City's financial case dominating the agenda.

Lewis reacts to the extraordinary developments surrounding City and considers what could happen next as the dispute moves towards appeals and potentially years of further legal action. With Liverpool among four clubs said in the transcript to have previously reserved their right to seek compensation, Dave and Lewis discuss how difficult it could be to calculate the financial and sporting consequences of City's breaches.

Could Liverpool argue that City's actions cost them Premier League titles and other trophies? What happens to the legacy of Jürgen Klopp's great Liverpool side? And how can the authorities possibly determine the impact across clubs that missed out on trophies, European qualification and prize money?

There's also important Liverpool news from the international break. Jeremy Jacquet earns praise following an impressive France debut, while injuries to Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo create major concerns ahead of the upcoming Manchester City clash. Lewis assesses their chances of returning and provides an update on Giovanni Leoni's recovery.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Davis continues Newsround with Liverpool's transfer plans moving firmly into focus following Julian Ward's return as sporting director.

Centre-back is one position generating plenty of discussion. Nico Schlotterbeck continues to be linked with Liverpool, although his status as a left-footed defender raises an obvious question about what any move could mean for Virgil van Dijk. Former Bournemouth defender Illia Zabarnyi is another name reportedly being monitored, with his limited opportunities at PSG potentially putting his future back on the agenda.

Attention then turns to midfield and one familiar dream target, Aurélien Tchouaméni. Dave explains why the Real Madrid midfielder would be an outstanding Liverpool signing, while acknowledging that his recently extended contract makes a deal extremely difficult.

A considerably more realistic option could be Lamine Camara. His Monaco numbers jump off the page, including a league-leading 46 possessions won and 26 tackles, and Dave believes the midfielder feels like an obvious candidate for Liverpool if they decide to act in January.

There's also Yankuba Minteh, with reports suggesting Liverpool retain an interest despite previously seeing bids rejected. Dave assesses why the winger's age, pace, defensive work and overall profile remain attractive, while explaining why a move would probably require an existing attacker to leave first.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices