Premier League: Talking points ahead of the weekend | OneFootball

Premier League football returns this weekend and we’ve picked out some key talking points ahead of the action.

Ange arrival marks significant style shift for Forest

Ange Postecoglou is back in the Premier League less than a month into the new season. Drafted in at Nottingham Forest after Nuno Espirito Santo’s fallout with the board, the Australian will be keen to prove a point after his sacking at Spurs. While the Greek connection is a potentially perfect fit, there’s no doubt a serious stylistic shift in the offing.

Nuno’s success was built on a conservative counter-attacking approach, happy to defend deep in numbers and concede much of the possession. Postecoglou will demand a bolder approach, with high energy and high risk.

The likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliott Anderson will certainly enjoy a game plan with more of the ball, but how will the likes of Nikola Milenkovic cope when asked to perform his duties far higher up the pitch? Milenkovic’s rash red card against England during the break could be a warning sign. It’s important that Postecoglou adapts to the options at his disposal.

Emery adds options to solve goal woes

It’s been a tricky start to the season for Aston Villa, who after three games remain without a win or goal scored. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins have failed to find their form, while the departures of loanees Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have depleted their firepower.

In a late dash to address their issues, Aston Villa signed Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho on loan. Though neither are prolific goalscorers, each are capable of creating chances for those around them. Villa, and Emery, are in desperate need of some invention.

Can Newcastle new boys give their season lift-off?

After a summer of disruption, the close of the transfer window can bring focus to Newcastle. Alexander Isak got his desired move away, but the additions of Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have given Eddie Howe greater attacking depth.

Though Wissa is ruled out with a knee issue, Woltemade could debut against Wolves this weekend, as Newcastle look to kickstart a season that has started without a win. The former is a fascinating profile, a 6ft 6in giant who combines a huge frame with balletic feet.

Up against the league’s worst defence so far this season, the giant German will be eager to make an immediate impact.

How will Slot juggle constellation of attacking stars?

Alexander Isak completed his deadline day move to Liverpool before the break, a £125m British record move after a summer-long chase.

The Swedish striker links up with an attacking unit of serious quality, with Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike already in the goals this season.

Ekitike has made a bright start following his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, but now faces stern competition in the record recruit.

Will Slot take a patient approach with Isak? And can he find a way to get both the 25-year-old and Ekitike in the same team? It’s a headache, but a welcome one to have.

Goalkeepers under scrutiny in Manchester Derby

This weekend’s Manchester Derby is full of intrigue. Neither have started the season impressively, while both head into the clash with changes in goal. After two error-prone seasons, Andre Onana has been ousted at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian has headed to Trabzonspor on loan, leaving Ruben Amorim with a decision between the similarly unconvincing Altay Bayindir or highly-promising but unproven new arrival Senne Lammens.

City could also start with a new goalkeeper, though one of pedigree. After club great Ederson exited for a new challenge at Fenerbahce, the Citizens swooped to bring in Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Italian behemoth is elite, but question marks remain over his ability to play Guardiola’s game with his feet.

Read – Five Premier League summer signings who have hit the ground running

See more – The best Premier League players without an international cap

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