Q&A with Jacob Steinberg
Jacob Steinberg will be at Stamford Bridge for the lunchtime game between west London’s finest. Before the game we’ll have a Q&A with him on all things Chelsea, Fulham – and West Ham, the other club on his journalistic beat.
If you have any questions for Jacob, post them below the line or email matchday.live@theguardian.com. Serious questions, please; we’re all trolled out.
Key events
That’s all from us here. Be sure to join Rob Smyth for coverage of Chelsea v Fulham now. I’ll be back online a bit later to guide you through all the 3pm action with our Clockwatch.
Dominic Booth
Stoke v West Brom: There’s expected to be a bumper crowd at the Bet365 Stadium for this tantalising contest, which pits Stoke – the early league leaders with three wins from three – against fifth-placed West Brom, who are also unbeaten after three games. Mark Robins has reverted to the same Potters’ lineup that beat Southampton in the league last weekend, after a much-changed XI was handily beaten by Bradford in the Carabao Cup in midweek. West Brom could well feel the absence of Tom Fellows, who has joined Southampton, with club captain Jed Wallace coming into the midfield. Chris Mepham will start at right-back, with Darnell Furlong another player to have left the Baggies this week. Manager Ryan Mason will watch on from the stands as he serves a touchline ban.
Alejandro Garnacho is at Stamford Bridge today for Chelsea v Fulham. The forward’s move to Chelsea is expected to be announced imminently.
Jacob Steinberg
Eli Rapoport asks: The Xabi Simons saga was weird wasn’t it? Chelsea had him in the bag since July only to allow spurs to gazump us and grab him before the window closes.
In any case, while we are not Cole Palmer FC anymore (I hope) we still have no replacement for him in the 10 position (apologies to Buonanotte). This makes me think that if we do mount a title challenge, a sustained injury to Palmer will do us, and in the worst case scenario result in finishing outside the Champions spots.”
“Chelsea have Joao Pedro and Estevao at No10 if Palmer is out. They could also adjust the midfield and push Enzo Fernandez forward. Don’t forget that they also have Andrey Santos, who was very good on loan at Strasbourg last season. Another £50m on a squad option? it maybe wouldn’t be the best use of funds. Especially as Chelsea have to make sure they comply with Uefa’s financial rules after being fined earlier this summer. They have to make sure they can register new players in their Champions League squad.”
Jacob Steinberg
Sriniketh asks: I find it crazy that Amorim is still backed by a portion of United fans. There are managers who take over clubs in 19th and make them finish 16th with threadbare squads possessing not even a fraction of United’s transfer budget. Whereas Amorim has brought them from 7th to 15th with a squad which has proven their quality outside of United. How has he managed to convince everyone that this is acceptable? He may not be a great manager, but he’s a great manipulator for sure.
“Desperation? Where do they go from here if they sack him after less than a year?”
Jacob Steinberg
Philip Rebbeck asks: Two of Fulham’s three wins against Chelsea in the Premier League have come under Marco Silva. What do you think are his special qualities as a manager and how do you rate our chances today?
“Good motivator, good tactician. They don’t spend a lot at Fulham but Silva makes plenty out of what he has. An example for other managers really. The funds aren’t extensive, the names aren’t very fashionable, but Fulham play good football and aren’t easy to bully.”
Jacob Steinberg
Will Madden asks: Which team is most likely to get drawn into the quagmire of a relegation battle. Other than West Ham, who have started the season terribly, which other side would he predict to be the most likely to have a sustained period in the conversation for relegation? Could it (with any luck) be Manchester United?
“I still think the promoted three will find it tough, despite positive starts. Wolves look flat. They’ll be worried if they lose Strand Larsen. I think Brentford are experienced and grounded enough to survive this summer’s upheaval.”
Jacob Steinberg
Ashwin Singh asks: From my watching of brief highlights, I’m unconvinced by Gittens as a starter on the left side. What is the plan with Garnacho? Do they see them both as prospects to compete for minutes, or is Garnacho being brought in as recognition that Gittens is not as ready as they thought?
“Well Garnacho was one they’ve wanted to do since January, so it isn’t a reaction to Gittens. They want four wingers and needed to sign two for the left to replace Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk. Gittens, remember, hasn’t really had a pre-season with them. He’ll take some time to settle in.”
Jacob Steinberg
Steven Grundy asks: I must admit that I’m completely baffled by transfers these days. This morning, I’m reading that Bayern are willing to pay 15 million Euros to get Nicolas Jackson… on loan. They’re not even buying him!
When comparing this to Man Utd, who can’t sell anyone aside from a cut price Garnacho, how do you explain that the Chelsea business gurus can get incredible deals over the line? Broja, Jackson, Nkunku, Petrovic… the list goes on.
“Not just that, Steven – there’s a €65m option to buy included, plus a sell on.
“A shame to see Jackson go. I quite like him. He’s a handful although admittedly a bit haywire with his finishing. I think he’ll do well for Bayern. But yes, Chelsea have become excellent sellers. They’ve raked in loads this summer. I think it’s partly because there’s a willingness to accept it when they’ve made a mistake. Good relations with other clubs will also help. Also, for all the mocking, their stance on contracts strengthens their position. They’re handing out lower wages but those long deals are heavily incentivised. It means it’s not as hard to move a player on. The issue is with a player like Sterling, who was signed before Chelsea shifted their transfer policy. He’s on £325,000 a week and who’s paying a transfer fee and taking that on in this era of regulation? It was a bit easier with Nkunku as he’s clearly still got a lot to offer – maybe just not in English football.”
Jacob Steinberg
Daniel Rankine asks: The recruitment teams for both clubs could not be in more contrast in this window, the volume of players that have come in and out of Chelsea this window is an impressive feat, especially given the book balancing restrictions on clubs, whereas it’s been tumbleweed so far at Fulham.
Where do Fulham need to strengthen in these last few days, I would have thought either George or Sterling would be a smart deal for them?
Chelsea have bought (again) lots of exciting, young talent that fans can look forward to watching. However, bit baffled by the latest reported business in last 24 hours. Personally I’m sad to see Jackson leave – quick, strong, very good at holding the ball up and always a threat behind with assists and goals. I thought he could offer Chelsea something in any of the front line positions, not just as a nine. Whereas Buonanotte on loan seems a strange one, don’t know too much about him being honest and wondered if you knew more about what Chelsea’s plans are with this one?
“It’s been pretty quiet at Fulham and you can tell that Marco Silva’s frustrated. Only one signing? A no2 goalkeeper? It would test a manager’s patience. There is something to be said for stability though. Fulham have an experienced, resilient team and don’t look like they’ll be in any trouble.
“But yes, they need a couple of ins. They’re a bit short on the flanks. There’s definite interest in a loan for Raheem Sterling, who needs a way out of Chelsea. He’s a gamble given what happened at Arsenal but Silva has shown that he can revive older players (see Jimenez, Willian). I’m not sure they can get George. It’s more likely Chelsea sell him.
“On Buonanotte, a definite surprise. Sort of. It’s another Brighton player, so maybe not that much of a surprise. It doesn’t seem like an obvious one from Chelsea. Buonanotte is coming off a so-so loan at Leicester. Is he going to play? I’m not convinced. Then again the people who were in charge of Brighton’s recruitment – Sam Jewell, Paul Winstanley – are now running things at Chelsea. Fair to say they thought he was good enough to bring over to England in the first place. As a straight loan, it’s maybe worth a look.”
Right, back to the Q&A now…
AC Milan sign Christopher Nkunku
AC Milan have announced the signing of Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea. The 27-year-old has joined the Serie A giants in a permanent transfer.
A statement from Chelsea read: “We thank Christo for his efforts throughout his time at the club and wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career.”
Newcastle sign Nick Woltemade
Taking a quick break from Jacob’s Q&A to let you know that Newcastle have announced the club-record signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.
The German striker said: “I’m really happy to be at this amazing club. From the first contact, I felt like the club really wanted me and had big plans for me. It’s a big step in my life to leave Germany but everybody has welcomed me so well and it already feels like family. I have a really good feeling from speaking to the head coach that this is the right place for me to find my best level.
“I know the stadium from watching games on television – it looks amazing and I know the atmosphere is crazy. I’m really excited to play and start scoring goals here.”
Jacob Steinberg
Jonathan Menezes asks: Does Jacob think that West Ham’s current squad make up is capable of playing three at the back? Oh, and why is he persisting with two of Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse and Soucek when he has Potts, who did well in pre-season and out on loan last season, sat on the bench? Are there any other of the youngsters Jacob would like to see parachuted into the starting XI?
“I’m not sure the one that started the season can play any formation effectively at this level. 3-4-2-1 doesn’t work because a slow central midfield is being outnumbered. 4-3-3 won’t work because the midfield is still slow and the dreadful defence is more exposed – and they also don’t currently have a fit left winger to make that work anyway. Great! But 3-4-2-1 can work. Palace make it work because their midfielders can pass and move. Manchester United can’t because they’re trying to use Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. Maybe it will change now that West Ham have Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa in. They’re 21 and are hopefully quicker than me. As for Freddie Potts, he looked like a good little player in pre season but I’m not sure if he solves the athleticism issues. It’s also a lot of pressure to put on a youngster. Other youngsters who could get a chance are Preston Fearon, Ezra Mayers and Mo Kante.”
Jacob Steinberg is now on hand to answer some questions. Be sure to keep them coming by messaging matchday.live@theguardian.com within the next 30 minutes or so.
Premier League fixtures
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Chelsea v Fulham (12:30pm)
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Wolves v Everton
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Tottenham v Bournemouth
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Manchester United v Burnley
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Sunderland v Brentford
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Leeds United v Newcastle (5:30pm)
Championship fixtures
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Stoke City v West Brom (12:30pm)
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QPR v Charlton Athletic (12:30pm)
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Middlesbrough v Sheffield United (12:30pm)
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Oxford United v Coventry City
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Bristol City v Hull City
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Ipswich Town v Derby County
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Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea City
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Millwall v Wrexham
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Blackburn Rovers v Norwich City
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Portsmouth v Preston North End
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Watford v Southampton
League One fixtures
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Doncaster Rovers v Rotherham United (12:30pm)
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Cardiff City v Plymouth Argyle (12:30pm)
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Burton Albion v Luton Town
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Wigan Athletic v Stockport County
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Stevenage v Wycombe Wanderers
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Exeter City v Peterborough United
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Reading v Port Vale
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Bradford City v AFC Wimbledon
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Barnsley v Huddersfield Town
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Blackpool v Bolton Wanderers
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Lincoln City v Mansfield Town
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Leyton Orient v Northampton Town
Fresh from their huge Carabao Cup win over Manchester United on Wednesday, Grimsby Town host Bristol Rovers this afternoon at Blundell Park. Currently fourth in the table, a win could take the Mariners closer to the top.
League Two fixtures
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Barrow v Fleetwood Town (12:30pm)
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Crewe Alexandra v Swindon Town
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Oldham Athletic v Gillingham
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Tranmere Rovers v Notts County
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Bromley v Harrogate Town
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MK Dons v Walsall
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Shrewsbury Town v Accrington Stanley
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Grimsby Town v Bristol Rovers
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Barnet v Colchester United
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Cambridge United v Newport County
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Chesterfield v Crawley Town
Arsenal head to Merseyside tomorrow to face last season’s title rivals Liverpool in what is expected to be the game of the weekend. Given the signings they’ve made this summer, the Gunners can go into this clash with some confidence – but they arguably face more pressure also.
Ben Fisher
Nuno Espirito Santo has another piece of the jigsaw he craves: Nicolo Savona has joined Nottingham Forest from Juventus on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old, who predominantly plays as a right-back, bolsters Nuno’s defensive options, though the Forest head coach still wants a left-back and a goalkeeper. Savona is the second player to join Forest from Juve this summer, with Douglas Luiz arriving last week.
Forest have turned to Botafogo’s John Victor as they search for a backup to Matz Sels, who shared the golden glove award with David Raya last season. Nuno plans to hold talks with owner Evangelos Marinakis during the international break to resolve his future and clarity over future transfer plans is likely to be a key point of discussions.
Time for me to hand over to Emillia Hawkins for the next couple of hours. Don’t forget to send in any (serious) questions for Jacob Steinberg at Stamford Bridge; you can post them BTL or email matchday.live@theguardian.com.
In Fantasy Football terms, Dominik Szoboszlai had the square root of bugger all to do with Rio Ngumoha’s winner at Newcastle on Monday. In Actual Football terms, it was a note of beauty.
Football Weekly Live: 11 September
After almost two years since Football Weekly’s last live show, we are returning for one night only to Troxy in east London on 11 September and we’d love just shy of two thousand of you to join us (please).
A break of almost 24 months surely means that Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning and the assembled Football Weekly glitterati are brimming with new anecdotes, opinions and video content ideas… right?
The show will feature the podcast’s unique take on the world of football – plus, audience interaction, special guests and stories the lawyers don’t let us tell on the podcast.
To give you a flavour of what to expect, previous Football Weekly live shows have featured Mark Langdon’s Meat Raffle, Steve Claridge’s fruit eating marathon and a t-shirt that got us in trouble with one of football’s major governing bodies.
Max and Barry will be joined by Jonathan Wilson, Nicky Bandini and Jonathan Liew.
Leeds v Newcastle (5.30pm)
I’m in two minds today as to whether it is a really good time for Leeds (United) to be playing Newcastle (United) today or not.
On the one hand, there’s the absence of Gordon, Joelinton, Tonali and obviously Isak for Newcastle, which is far from ideal.
On the other hand, Leeds are without Tanaka and Ampadu, but have the Elland Road faithful behind them, so depending on Daniel Farke’s selection today, it could either be a close run thing, or Newcastle will run riot after coming so close to getting a well deserved point with ten men against Liverpool.
On a side note, in the “team news” article, Largie Ramazani won’t be on the Leeds bench today, as he has gone out on loan to Valencia and was on their bench last night against Getafe. Which is one of the most baffling pieces of business Leeds have done so far.
Should be a cracker of a game with an electric atmosphere and Leeds to edge a seven goal thriller!
Although, in all honesty, I’d be delighted with a ground out 1-0.
European football
The reigning champions in Europe’s big five leagues have all made winning starts to the season and are in action this weekend:
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Augsburg v Bayern (5.30pm)
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Napoli v Cagliari (7.45pm)
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Toulouse v PSG (8.05pm)
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Liverpool v Arsenal (Sunday, 4.30pm)
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Rayo Vallecano v Barcelona (Sunday, 8.30pm)
In other La Liga news, Real Madrid host Mallorca tonight. A perfect excuse to plug this piece from one of my favourite interviewers, Sid Lowe.
The Fantasy Football deadline is 11am, so you might want to schedule some last-minute faffing at 10.45am. Since you asked, I’ve brought in Richarlison and Brennan Johnson for Cole Palmer and Jarrod Bowen.
The first Old Firm derby of the season takes place tomorrow. We’ll have a Q&A with Ewan Murray on tomorrow’s matchday live. In the meantime, here’s his preview of a match that is likely to be shrouded in angst and anger.
“Is it just my Arsenal-supporting brain that feels this way, or does the whole of this weekend in the Premier League just feel like a preamble to tomorrow’s clash at Anfield?” wonders Kári Tulinius. “I don’t ever recall feeling this way in August, the most meaningless of football months. I suppose it’s a symptom of a league where a champion can only afford to lose 20 points across a whole season. Even a draw is 10 percent of the way to second place.”
Last season Liverpool could have lost 39 points and still won the title, though I appreciate that was a bit of an outlier. Even so, I’d be loath to douse tomorrow’s game in too much hype. It has the potential to be a statement game but there have been plenty of those in Augusts past.
Man Utd v Burnley preview
Will Unwin
Ruben Amorim knows that Manchester United cannot afford to lose against Burnley. The midweek defeat to Grimsby was the lowest moment of a reign that has seen few positives. Nine months in, the dramatic change required at Old Trafford is yet to be witnessed. There is a commitment to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation and it does help the squad because there are glaring personnel problems, forcing the head coach to field Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as the central midfield pair. More than £200m has been spent on the forward line but that means everything behind them is still the same as the side that finished 15th in the Premier League last season.
The Old Trafford faithful will give their backing to Amorim because they are desperate for this to work. Another mid-season sacking would suggest a great failure from the club’s hierarchy and trying to find a suitable successor at this point would be very difficult. Amorim has not just caused issues on the pitch but also off it; Alejandro Garnacho has departed for £40m, a fee arguably half what he was worth when the Portuguese coach arrived in November. Supporters will be disgruntled that their best academy graduate of recent times, Kobbie Mainoo, wants to leave. If he were to go, it would indicate a short and long-term failure of United. A win against the Clarets will at least make people forget these problems for 24 hours until deadline day begins.
Burnley will almost certainly be in a relegation battle come the end of the season but they are less than ideal opponents for United. As Grimsby proved, getting at United by offering relentless energy and pressing is more than enough to unsettle and Scott Parker’s side possess that in spades. Kyle Walker has six wins at Old Trafford in his career and would relish adding a seventh, while Hannibal Mejbri will want to show the club they were wrong to let him go. It should be an intriguing clash.
Chelsea’s Jackson to join Bayern Munich
Jacob Steinberg
Bayern Munich have agreed a deal to sign Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea. Bayern are paying a €15m loan fee for the striker and I’m told there’s a €65m option to buy. Jackson is out of favour at Chelsea after the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. He joined from Villarreal in 2023 and has done well but is heading off to Germany for a new challenge. A good signing for Bayern.
Leeds v Newcastle (5.30pm)
The Alexander Isak saga is wheezing towards a conclusion, or least a hiatus. The imminent signing of Nick Woltemade increases the chances of Isak joining Liverpool before Monday’s transfer deadline, though Eddie Howe used yesterday’s press conference to refute rebut Isak’s talk of “broken promises”.
Thomas Tuchel named his England squad yesterday ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s omission was the big news; Tuchel also apologised for choosing the wrong word in his second language to describe Jude Bellingham’s occasional on-field excess.
Championship: Leicester 2-0 Birmingham
A sizzling finish from Abdul Fatawu was the highlight of Leicester’s win over Birmingham in last night’s Championship game. Birmingham dominated almost all of the underlying statistics – but not the overlying one.
Q&A with Jacob Steinberg
Jacob Steinberg will be at Stamford Bridge for the lunchtime game between west London’s finest. Before the game we’ll have a Q&A with him on all things Chelsea, Fulham – and West Ham, the other club on his journalistic beat.
If you have any questions for Jacob, post them below the line or email matchday.live@theguardian.com. Serious questions, please; we’re all trolled out.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to matchday live, our buildup to all the day’s association football action. We’ll have previews, transfer news and more between now and midday, at which point we’ll hand over to, er, Rob Smyth for live coverage of Chelsea v Fulham.
That’s one of six Premier League games today. And here they are.
Kickoffs 3pm unless stated
What are your plans for the day? Football-related, ideally, but if you’re creosoting the fence that’s fine. Let us know either below the line or by emailing matchday.live@theguardian.com.
