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Slot defends Isak over Newcastle strike

By Will Unwin

Arne Slot has defended Alexander Isak over his decision to go on strike in order to force a move away from Newcastle and insisted the same situation would never arise at Liverpool because they would sell any player who made it clear they wanted to leave the club.

Isak secured a transfer from St James’ Park to Anfield on deadline day for a British record £125m fee and could make his debut for the Premier League champions at Burnley on Sunday, albeit he is unlikely to start having missed pre-season and the first three games of the season after refusing to train while still at Newcastle, claiming promises made to him there had been “broken”.

Asked if Isak’s decision to go on strike reflects badly on the 26-year-old, Slot said: “No, I just look at the club. It’s not necessary at our club, because we also trade players. If a player wants to leave and we get the right money for him, this club has shown so many years now that we then sell.

“You can just keep on training here – Lucho [Luis Díaz] and Harvey [Elliott] get their transfers, Tyler Morton gets his transfer, all these players, I can come up with eight, nine, 10 I think in the last window, that just conduct themselves in the best possible way.”

Championship: Ipswich 5-0 Sheff Utd

Sheffield United’s diabolical start to the season continued when they were routed at Portman Road last night. Jadon Philogene scored a hat-trick for Ipswich, who ended a winless start to the season in style.

WSL: West Ham 1-5 Arsenal

No Women’s Super League games today, with most of this weekend’s program taking place tomorrow. There was a single game last night at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, where Arsenal came from behind to pummel West Ham 5-1. Suzanne Wrack was there.

Preamble

Hello and welcome to matchday life, our one-stop ~~boll-~~ destination for all the build-up to this weekend’s football. We’ll have previews, idle chatter and factual realities for you to digest over the next few hours.

If you are so inclined, you can drop us a line with your thoughts on the football – or just to tell us what you’re up to for the day. Leave a comment below the line or email [email protected]. Keep it civil, please; our nonsense threshold has been breached.

Time for a list. We all need a list on a Saturday morning. ~~You haven’t put the effing food caddy out, have you.~~ Here are some of today’s big fixtures.

Premier League (3pm unless stated)