5 key talking points ahead of the weekend’s Premier League action

Newly-promoted Fulham and title-chasing Liverpool then kick off our Saturday, followed by four 3 pm kick-offs and Everton vs Chelsea at 5:30.

The weekend’s action is then rounded out on Sunday by Manchester United vs Brighton and Leicester City vs Brentford at 2 pm, with West Ham vs Manchester City bringing the gameweek to a close at 4:30.

Here are five talking points ahead of the upcoming gameweek.

Another Arsenal slip up?

Arsenal are once again kicking off the upcoming Premier League campaign on a Friday evening.

The Gunners, though, will be hopeful of a much better start than the one they had in 2021/22 when they were bested by a Brentford side playing their first ever game of Premier League football.

However, three points may be hard to come by for Mikel Arteta and co. this weekend as they have a very poor record vs their upcoming opponents, Crystal Palace.

In fact, in the last eight meetings between the pair, Arsenal have won just once, with Palace picking up one win and the remaining games ending as draws.

All eyes on Erling Haaland

Whether we like it or not, there is going to be a huge focus put on Erling Haaland this summer.

The striker proved himself as one of the best in Germany, but how will he cope with the Premier League and, perhaps more importantly, will he fit Pep Guardiola’s system?

Nottingham Forest return

Nottingham Forest were the neutrals for the 2021/22 Championship play-off final as fans were eager to see them return to the Premier League.

The historic club have not graced the top-flight since all the way back in 1999 when they finished dead bottom of the Premier League.

However, they are back in action this coming Saturday vs newly-minted Newcastle United.

Ten Hag’s first test

Manchester United fans are no doubt desperate to see how their new manager handles his first taste of Premier League football.

Erik ten Hag will kick off his stint as Manchester United manager by facing Brighton on Sunday.

United have a very good record against the Seagulls. However, they did lose 4-0 to them in their last meeting back in May.

Can Tottenham challenge the big boys?

Antonio Conte is one of the most successful managers currently in the game.

The Italian wins trophies everywhere he goes and has already improved Tottenham a great deal.

A top-six finish seemed unlikely when Conte first took the reigns back in November, but he was able to guide Spurs up to 4th.

The former Juventus manager has since had a full summer to put his stamp on the squad, bringing in six players.

Conte should, all being well, have Harry Kane firing on all cylinders for an entire campaign this season. Will all of this be enough to see Tottenham challenge Manchester City and Liverpool?

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