Premier League: 10 issues to look out for on the opening weekend | Premier League

A go to to an expectant Anfield, the place Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké might be out to impress on their Premier League debuts, represents a frightening begin for a Bournemouth group which have misplaced three-quarters of final season's backline to the pulling energy of Actual Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool this summer season. Defensive points aren't unique to Andoni Iraola earlier than the Premier League opener, nonetheless. Arne Slot voiced concern over the champions' pre-season vulnerability earlier than and after the Group Defend in opposition to Crystal Palace, when the absence of Ryan Gravenberch for household causes was keenly felt. “3 times we misplaced the ball quite simple in our midfield and 3 times they might counterattack us,” mirrored the Liverpool head coach. Gravenberch might be lacking once more on Friday resulting from suspension however Slot expects the group with the second-best defensive file within the Premier League final season to react as quickly as the intense enterprise begins. “Blended groups, new gamers coming in, Virgil [van Dijk] being sick, Alisson not being there,” he listed as causes for Liverpool's latest difficulties on Thursday. “However all of this isn't an excuse after we begin the league. We'll 100% be prepared on Friday.” Andy Hunter

The absence of Alexander Isak will invariably dominate the discourse at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime however Newcastle's transfer for Jacob Ramsey means there may be one other intriguing subplot. Villa promoting Ramsey, who joined their academy aged six, frees them to strengthen after a gradual summer season – and pocket £40m of revenue. However it additionally serves as a reminder of the demoralising monetary panorama within the period of profitability and sustainability rules. PSR guidelines have additionally dictated offers for Newcastle, particularly Elliot Anderson – a star in ready for England – and Yankuba Minteh becoming a member of Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively final yr. Unai Emery is an enormous admirer of Ramsey, who would have been in line to start out for Villa this weekend, however finally cash talks. The 24-year-old lived his dream: taking part in for his boyhood membership. There's all the time romanticism on the eve of a brand new season however Ramsey's imminent sale is a reminder that soccer is a enterprise. Ben Fisher

As traditional, Brighton did their switch enterprise early this summer season and plainly Maxim De Cuyper has settled on the south coast already. The Belgium left-back, who joined from Membership Brugge for £17.3m on a five-year deal, has been excellent in pre-season as Fabian Hürzeler's aspect have gone unbeaten. De Cuyper capped final week's 2-1 win over Wolfsburg with a aim, and has instantly struck up an understanding with Kaoru Mitoma down the left flank. Hürzeler is hoping Brighton may have one other gem on their fingers as they put together to welcome Fulham of their opening match on Saturday. “I'm very impressed, as a result of he built-in as an individual fairly rapidly, and that's one thing I don't see that always within the soccer enterprise,” the Brighton head coach mentioned. Ed Aarons

Sunderland have offered their whole complement of 38,000 season tickets this summer season and their 49,000-capacity Stadium of Gentle might be full when West Ham arrive on Saturday. After eight years away from the Premier League – together with a stint in League One – they're again within the large time and have ready themselves with 11 summer season signings, 5 aged 21 or beneath, acquired for a collective sum in extra of £132m. If turning all these new faces right into a functioning group will stretch Régis Le Bris' undoubted teaching skills to the utmost, locals have purpose to concern one explicit customer who not too long ago arrived at West Ham on a free switch. The previous Newcastle and England striker Callum Wilson is now a part of Graham Potter's squad and would love little higher than scoring the profitable aim whereas eclipsing Enzo Le Fée, Granit Xhaka and the remainder of Le Bris's top-tier new boys. Louise Taylor

Tottenham have had extra eras than Taylor Swift however with out fairly the identical success, so the beginning of yet one more ought to barely register. Nevertheless the sense persists that in Thomas Frank they've discovered the precise supervisor on the proper time, capable of encourage people and the collective whereas being equally adept at discovering tactical edges and options ­– he seems already to have inculcated set-piece prowess into his new expenses. However simply as they performed effectively in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain then contrived to lose in a way that would solely be described as basic Spurs, so Burnley at house is exactly the form of fixture they historically keep away from profitable. Nor will it's sufficient simply to take the factors: at first of his tenure, Ange Postecoglou was extraordinarily profitable of their accumulation, but it surely was apparent the run couldn't final, and it didn't. Frank should purchase himself time with good outcomes, however over time, he should ship a aspect that performs dominant soccer. Daniel Harris

How completely different will Manchester Metropolis have a look at Molineux? Pep Guardiola's aspect completed final season robust, barring defeat within the FA Cup closing, however Metropolis sought signings after conceding they weren't aggressive out there final summer season. They've added six new faces and will probably be fascinating if James Trafford is most well-liked to Ederson in aim. Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri may additionally all feasibly begin, the final of these in opposition to his former membership. Cherki would be the most fun of Metropolis's new signings however Guardiola's goalkeeping choice feels most vital. Trafford has been given the No 1 shirt however what if Ederson, such an instrumental participant throughout six Premier League title triumphs, stays put? This week Metropolis stopped wanting denying curiosity in Gianluigi Donnarumma as a possible substitute for the Brazilian, who's into the ultimate 12 months of his contract. Trafford is predicted to start out at Wolves and a stable debut may present Guardiola along with his reply. BF

Nicolas Jackson being unavailable would have offered Chelsea with a headache final season. They didn't have appropriate cowl for the striker, who stays suspended after his crimson card in opposition to Newcastle in Might, however depth in assault is now not a problem. Liam Delap and João Pedro joined in the summertime and are competing to guide the road when Crystal Palace go to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Each forwards did effectively throughout Chelsea's victorious Membership World Cup marketing campaign and impressed in final weekend's friendlies in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen and Milan. João Pedro scored in each warm-ups, Delap got here off the bench to attain in opposition to Milan and nobody observed the absence of Jackson, who was ignored of the squad after indicating a need to depart earlier than the window shuts. Jacob Steinberg

This fixture on the Metropolis Floor options two sides whose seasons really feel arduous to foretell. Nottingham Forest have been excellent final time period, expressing Nuno Espírito Santo's tactical concepts to the nth diploma and including some a lot wanted selection to the league. Repeating the success, although, is a tougher activity: opposing gamers now have expertise of dealing with them, and analysts have had time to establish their weaknesses. Forest nonetheless look well-placed to develop: retaining Morgan Gibbs-White is a coup and his midfield partnership with the superb, still-improving Elliot Anderson is nice sufficient to compete with any within the league. Brentford, in the meantime, have misplaced three stalwart gamers with maybe one other but to depart, in addition to the supervisor who was on the coronary heart of all the things. Chances are high the membership have been ready for Thomas Frank's departure, their processes embedded in order to not be reliant on any particular person. But changing him is about greater than that: Keith Andrews can't simply preside over a technocracy however should embody it with soul. DH

These groups met on the opening day of 1989-90. Manchester United have been ineffective and beneath new possession, so had spent closely (which sounds acquainted to trendy followers) whereas Arsenal have been champions (much less so). Simply as Alex Ferguson instructed his board drastic measures have been mandatory, so too has Ruben Amorim, with three new attackers arriving at no little value. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have been purchased as almost-sure issues, Premier League-proven and hitting their peak, however extra fascinating is the acquisition of Benjamin Sesko, a 22-year-old bodily freak who appears as if he performs on quick ahead. Arsenal have been additionally , however their must win instantly meant they plumped for Viktor Gyökeres, his ceiling decrease and pure presents fewer, however who's already the perfect model of himself. Which aspect acquired the higher deal is not going to be evident after Sunday – in August 1989, United received 4-1, then completed thirteenth – however will probably be fascinating to see how every acquisition integrates and fares. DH

It actually might be a case of pals reunited when Leeds host Everton on Monday night time. Whereas Daniel Farke hopes to have the ability to embrace Dominic Calvert-Lewin in his matchday squad, the previous Goodison Park centre-forward is not going to be the one acquainted face to be greeted by the visiting supervisor, David Moyes. Leeds are returning to the Premier League after a two-year absence and their winger Jack Harrison has spent these two seasons on mortgage at Everton. This has not gone down effectively with many Elland Street regulars and Harrison has been audibly booed all through pre-season. Can the 28-year-old win the West Yorkshire public over? On condition that the final time Leeds have been promoted, 5 years in the past, Covid restrictions meant video games have been performed at empty stadiums, there must be a celebration environment however Moyes's marquee summer season signing, the Manchester Metropolis loanee Jack Grealish, will likely be decided to break it. All eyes will inevitably be on Grealish however this is also an enormous night time for Calvert-Lewin and Harrison. LT