Brand new broadcast teams, ongoing transfer sagas for Harry Kane and Moises Caicedo, and updated time keeping rules… 10 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR in the Premier League’s opening weekend.
After weeks of preparations, planning and pre-season matches, the Premier League is finally set to return this weekend.
Burnley and Manchester City will treat fans to the top-flight curtain raiser on Friday night, as Vincent Kompany’s side make their return to the Premier League.
But despite the season opener closing in, there are still a number of transfer deals that could play out in the coming days.
So, from Wolves‘ managerial disaster to the ongoing saga surrounding Harry Kane, there’s plenty that still needs to be settled.
And so, here, Mail Sport takes a look at the 10 things to watch out for this weekend.
After taking Wolves from 17th to 13th last season, there were high expectations over the club’s potential under Julen Lopetegui.
However, just a few days prior to the 2023-24 season opener and Lopetegui has left the club after agreeing a seven-figure compensation package with the Molineux club.
Mail Sport revealed that relations have soured since Lopetegui took charge due to disagreements over transfer policy and eventually lead to his departure.
The club confirmed the appointment of former Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neill on Wednesday, giving him just a few days to get to grips with the squad.
Whether we’ll be able to see any change in Wolves’ approach and tactics in their clash with Manchester United on Monday, remains to be seen.
In a bid to combat time-wasting from players in the Premier League, lawmakers announced that officials would adopt the time keeping measures that were used in the Qatar World Cup.
The new rules have been applied throughout the Football League and were also used during last weekend’s Community Shield final between Man City and Arsenal.
In the second-half, 13 minutes of added time were played – in which Arsenal equalised – which left a number of City’s stars frustrated.
And, with fixture congestion an issue already, it’ll be interesting to see the impact these new rules will have on player fitness and availability.
As many will be aware, the Reds have undergone a midfield rebuild throughout the summer transfer window.
In terms of outgoings, Liverpool have seen Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner walk out their doors.
While RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister have been brought in to combat the mass midfield exodus, with Moises Caicedo now linked with a shock move after a British record £111m bid was accepted by the Seagulls.
There’s also been murmurs that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be set for a new role in midfield for Jurgen Klopp’s side, which would be tested against Chelsea on Sunday.
On Thursday morning, Spurs fans were treated to the news that they had so desperately tried to avoid all summer. The club had accepted Bayern Munich’s bid for Harry Kane.
Now the England captain must make a decision on whether he wants to stay in north London or make a move to the Bundesliga champions.
The reading got worse for Spurs fans when it broke that the striker arrived at a Stansted Airport private terminal ahead of a flight to Germany to complete the move, with it looking increasingly likely that Kane will be plying his trade in the Bundesliga next term.
If he does ultimately depart, it leaves Ange Postecoglou and his side somewhat high-and-dry with their clash against Brentford just three days away.
And, after a return of one goal from 27 Premier League appearances last season, it’s fair to say Spurs fans wouldn’t have the utmost confidence in the Brazilian.