The Premier League has set itself up for another pulsating season of excitement, disappointment, protests, managerial sackings, failure, and glory after spending around 2 billion pounds ($2.3 billion) on players across the 20 clubs.
Yet, the ink on the new contracts signed on Thursday’s deadline day has barely dried before the teams are back on the field, revealing just how much each club has truly strengthened.
Everton fans may have reason to be optimistic after several signings, but by Saturday lunchtime, Frank Lampard’s side will be facing Juergen Klopp’s Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
Despite a stuttering start to the season, Darwin Nunez, Liverpool’s main summer signing, is back after suspension, and the 9-0 win over Bournemouth and the last-second 2-1 victory over Newcastle suggest Klopp’s side has returned to form.
Lampard, whose team was relegated last season and has yet to win this season, has several new faces as options, including midfielders Idrissa Gueye and James Garner, who signed on deadline day and forward Neal Maupay, who joined from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Everton has won just one of their last 26 meetings with their neighbors in all competitions.
Manchester United, who have won their last three games, have spent over 200 million pounds, more than half of which has gone to Brazilians Casemiro and Antony, but they face Arsenal on Sunday, the only team in the league with a perfect record.
Mikel Arteta made a wise transfer window move to sign Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, but the trip to Old Trafford will be the toughest test for the Gunners yet.
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is under pressure after his team has lost four of their last five games and hosts Manchester City on Saturday.
Champions City has quickly found their stride, with new signing Erling Haaland scoring nine goals in his first five games, including two hat-tricks.
After completing a late move from Barcelona, former Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could make his debut in attack for Chelsea in their London derby against West Ham.
