It is the first album recorded with keyboardist Timothy Lanham and drummer Yoann Intonti, both of whom had originally joined the band as touring musicians during the English Graffiti album cycle, with Lanham added from the campaign's inception, while Intonti—who was still a member of Spector at the time[6]—replaced the departed Pete Robertson in the last phase of the campaign.

Shortly after the release of English Graffiti - which was a deliberate departure from their previous two albums - The Vaccines discovered only a few songs from it translated well when performed live.

[16] In January 2017, it was reported that The Vaccines' fourth album would contain songs "like polished '70s and '80s rock: Big Star, Todd Rundgren, Guided by Voices – that kind of stuff.

"Someone to Lose", "Out on the Street", and "Young American" were among the songs considered for the album, with the band looking for "a polished pop producer" to handle the recording sessions that were scheduled to take place in February.

[22] The Guardian called Combat Sports "top drawer garage rock" and complimented Young's lyrical strengths.