Manchester City travel to Anfield as Spygate ban faces scrutiny

Manchester City head to Anfield for the opening weekend of the Premier League, marking the club’s first competitive appearance since the Football Association ruled it guilty in the ongoing Spygate case.

The panel on the Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast examines the sanction imposed on former City analyst Eckersley, questioning whether the length of the ban is too lenient given the seriousness of the breach of protocol.

Host Max Rushden is joined by veteran journalists Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Paul Watson, who will weigh the tactical implications of the Anfield clash, the potential impact of the ruling on City’s preparation, and the broader message the FA is sending to other clubs.

Listeners can find highlights of the match and further analysis on this site after the game.