Premier League returns with Isak’s Liverpool debut, Postecoglou’s Forest test and a high-stakes Manchester derby
Seven storylines to watch as the English top flight resumes after the international break, from major transfers and managerial change to early-season pressure and European commitments
The Premier League resumes this weekend after an international break that provided dramatic headlines and a reminder of the competition’s unpredictability: Alexander Isak’s record move to Liverpool, Nottingham Forest’s managerial swing, and a Manchester derby that carries fresh pressure for both clubs.
Liverpool’s £125 million signing Alexander Isak is set to make his debut after a summer-long transfer saga that included a refusal to train with Newcastle in an effort to force the move. The Sweden forward arrived at Anfield on deadline day and was handed minutes for his country as a substitute during the break. Whether manager Arne Slot starts Isak against Burnley at Turf Moor will be watched closely; Hugo Ekitike’s early-season form gives Slot options up front, and Isak missed a full preseason because of his club stalemate.
Nottingham Forest produced the season’s first managerial change during the break when owner Evangelos Marinakis dismissed Nuno Espírito Santo and appointed Ange Postecoglou. Postecoglou, who most recently managed Tottenham, will take charge for Forest’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday. The appointment marks a shift in style and philosophy at Forest and will be assessed immediately against a side that begins the weekend with home support likely to be cautious toward the new manager.
Manchester’s derby on Sunday arrives with both clubs under scrutiny. Manchester United sit above their neighbours in the early table despite a mixed start that has included a surprise domestic cup exit and a narrow league win. United’s summer signing Matheus Cunha, reportedly a £62.5 million acquisition, is a doubt after picking up an injury in the win over Burnley. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have also struggled for consistency in the opening fixtures, though Erling Haaland’s five-goal performance for Norway during the international window will offer encouragement. Deadline-day moves reshaped goalkeeping options across both squads and added another selection issue for the managers ahead of the Old Trafford meeting.
Newcastle United begin life without Isak after a fortnight defined by the forward’s exit. Eddie Howe’s squad have recruited Yoane Wissa and Germany international Nick Woltemade as reinforcements. Both will contend for a starting role when Newcastle host Wolves, with questions about match sharpness after Wissa’s late pre-season arrival and Woltemade’s adaptation to the Premier League. Newcastle’s attacking output has been limited so far this season, and whichever forward leads the line as the Magpies seek their first league win will face pressure to find goals.
Jack Grealish’s season-long loan move to Everton has produced a promising start for the England midfielder, and he returns to Villa Park this weekend to face his former club. Grealish fell down the pecking order at Manchester City last season and has used the move to regain confidence and creativity. Aston Villa’s summer transfer business included loan additions in attack as they search for goals; the result at Villa Park will be an early indicator of whether Grealish can maintain his renewed form and how Villa respond to their poor start.
Mohammed Kudus, who completed a £55 million move from West Ham to Tottenham in the close season, is expected to receive a hostile reception when Tottenham visit the London Stadium. A segment of West Ham supporters protested Kudus’s departure during the club’s opening-game defeat to Sunderland, and the forward’s return to his former ground will test how both player and fans handle the aftermath of the transfer.
Beyond the weekend, the Champions League returns midweek and will influence selection and squad rotation across England’s top clubs. Arsenal head to Athletic Bilbao, Chelsea face Bayern Munich, Liverpool meet Atletico Madrid, Newcastle host Barcelona and Manchester City travel to Napoli. Managers will need to balance domestic demands with European fixtures in the coming days, offering opportunities for squad players to step into the spotlight.
The opening weeks of the Premier League season have already delivered managerial changes, major transfers and high-scoring international performances; the return to domestic fixtures will provide an early test of how the new signings, replaced personnel and tactical adjustments translate into results. Fans and clubs alike will judge form, fitness and cohesion across a weekend that could shape the narrative of the season’s early chapters.