The first test for new look Spurs, a relegation six pointer and next chapter in Isak transfer saga - The key storylines ahead of this weekend's Premier League matches

After enduring a long off season just like that this season’s Premier League is underway, and we are already hurtling towards the second weekend of action.

With the summer transfer window still open, there is still plenty of drama off the pitch, but focus returns to on the pitch matters on Friday night when a London derby between West Ham United and Chelsea kicks off the second round of fixtures.

Ahead of kick off at the London Stadium, DAZN News’ Matt Astbury picks out some of the key games and storylines to look out for this weekend.

Thomas Frank’s first Premier League test as Spurs manager

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After beating Burnley 3-0 on opening weekend, the vibes were good around Tottenham Hotspur, but these have been short lived these past few days with Arsenal’s hijacking of the club’s move for Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze.

Positivity has been replaced by despair and frustration as manager Thomas Frank looks to build the squad in his own image, but for now focus turns to Saturday’s early kick off against Manchester City.

Travelling to the Etihad Stadium is no easy task and Spurs will be coming up against a City team which got all the attention on matchday one after thrashing Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0.

For a second league game in charge of a ‘Big Six’ club, it is not the easiest start for Frank, however there are a number of reasons why Spurs fans should be optimistic.

One of those being that Spurs often produce a season-best performance against City, anyone remember the 4-0 win in the East Manchester rain last season?

With it being the early stages of the season, now is probably the best time for any team to take points off City and with Frank masterminding two wins over the Blues during his tenure at Brentford, do not be surprised if he outfoxes Pep Guardiola this weekend.

An early relegation battle six pointer

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Burnley were the only team out of the three promoted clubs to not get points on the board in their opening game after Sunderland and Leeds United got off to winning starts.

Now Burnley have a chance against a potential relegation rival come the second half of the season when they welcome Sunderland to Turf Moor.

For those who will expect a free flowing, easy on the eye encounter, look elsewhere.

This will be a game for the purists. Hoofed balls, hard-hitting challenges galore and chaos in the box, it may only be the second weekend of the season, but the result of this match could carry huge importance when it comes down to the fine margins of the Premier League relegation battle.

The UEFA Court Case Derby

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If you are looking for fireworks this weekend, look no further than Sunday’s game at Selhurst Park when Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest meet for the first time since Palace got demoted to the Europa Conference League after an unsuccessful appeal against UEFA’s multi club ownership regulations.

Forest, who made the complaint regarding Palace breaking multi club ownership, will replace the Eagles in the Europa League, so expect a hostile atmosphere in South London.

Both teams have exciting attacking forces despite Palace losing Eze to Arsenal which should make for an intriguing, hard-fought Premier League encounter.

The latest chapter in the Alexander Isak transfer saga

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The story of the summer has been Alexander Isak’s quest to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool.

The situation has descended into chaos over recent days following Isak’s statement claiming that he will never play for Newcastle again, but it is yet unknown whether Liverpool will attempt to sign the player for a second time after their initial £110m bid was rejected.

If Liverpool are to make a move for the Swede, it will not be until next week, most likely after the two clubs meet on Monday night at St James’ Park.

Newcastle-Liverpool matches are often entertaining encounters, but this one will have added spice with Eddie Howe’s side wanting to prove that they can still be a force to be reckoned with despite not having Isak leading their attack.

While the Magpies are no stranger to adopting a siege mentality, the absence of a dangerous number nine was for all to see in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa last weekend and if they do lose Isak, Newcastle will need to act quickly if they are to challenge both domestically and in Europe this season.

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