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Hong Kong will have the privilege of hosting the first ever north London derby outside the UK when Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur face each other at the newly-minted Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon on Thursday.

The Premier League rivals may have to face a bit of inclement weather. While the forecast hurricanes and thunderstorms haven't materialised, it is set to be a windy, rainy evening.

It's a far cry from the heat of Singapore, where Arsenal racked up preseason wins against Newcastle United and AC Milan, with latest superstar signing Viktor Gyokeres being unveiled to scores of adoring fans ahead of the game against Newcastle.

With Mikel Arteta being keen on integrating Gyokeres quickly, he could see some minutes against Spurs, although he's had only one training session with the club so far.

Gyokeres was Arsenal's sixth signing of the summer, although only three -- Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga -- have featured in preseason so far. Noni Madueke hasn't travelled to Asia but is set to feature in Arsenal's preseason program back home in London at the Emirates Cup.

However, fans in Asia have been witness to the exciting talents of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who has grabbed headlines with his cameos, the last of which inspired Arsenal's win over Newcastle in front of the watching Gyokeres.

Tottenham meanwhile, have had one win from three in preseason, following up their 2-0 win over Reading with the unique feat of draws against League One opposition Wycombe Wanderers (2-2) and Luton Town (0-0) on the same day, four hours apart. New coach Thomas Frank wanted 22 players with playing time before they began their Asia tour against Arsenal, with Spurs also facing Newcastle in South Korea.

Curiously, Tottenham could be without Son Heung-Min for that game, with MLS side LAFC keen on acquiring his services. However, Frank's has insisted he wants Son, who has a year left on his contract, to stay, albeit in a different role. Son has travelled for the Asia tour and is likely to feature against Arsenal.

In contrast to their rivals, Spurs have only had one major signing in Mohammed Kudus and missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White so far this summer, although they have sealed deals for young defenders Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai, in addition to making the loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent.

On the injury front, Spurs will be without long-term injured players Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and Bryan Gil, while Destiny Udogie, Takai and Manor Solomon have also not flown to Asia as they recover from injuried picked up in pre-season. Frank has also opted to leave Mikey Moore, Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett at home as they explore loan deals.

Frank: Unfortunately Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank believes "it's a great challenge" to face Arsenal in a North London derby for the first time outside the UK.

As for Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori came off with a small muscle tweak against Newcastle, but did join training with his teammates later. Gabriel, who sat out games against Newcastle and Milan may also not be included for Arsenal as he recovers from an injury in training, while Jurrien Timber and Christhian Mosquera were present in Arsenal's most recent training session and ought to feature.

Here is everything you need to know about Thursday's match.

How to watch:

The match will be available on Arsenal and Tottenham's in-house website/app (Arsenal TV / SpursPlay) in the UK and Australia, Paramount + in the U.S. and FanCode in India. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.

Key Details:

Date: Thursday, July 31 at 12.30 p.m. BST (7.30 a.m. ET; 5 p.m. IST and 9.30 p.m. AEST)

Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Kowloon, Hong Kong

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Spurs' Frank: Arsenal 'one of best teams in world'

Tottenham's Thomas Frank has admitted Arsenal are "one of the best teams in the world" ahead of the first-ever north London derby played outside the UK.

Hong Kong will have the privilege of hosting the first ever north London derby outside the UK when Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur face each other at the newly-minted Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon on Thursday.

The Premier League rivals may have to face a bit of inclement weather. While the forecast hurricanes and thunderstorms haven't materialised, it is set to be a windy, rainy evening.

It's a far cry from the heat of Singapore, where Arsenal racked up preseason wins against Newcastle United and AC Milan, with latest superstar signing Viktor Gyokeres being unveiled to scores of adoring fans ahead of the game against Newcastle.

With Mikel Arteta being keen on integrating Gyokeres quickly, he could see some minutes against Spurs, although he's had only one training session with the club so far.

Gyokeres was Arsenal's sixth signing of the summer, although only three -- Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga -- have featured in preseason so far. Noni Madueke hasn't travelled to Asia but is set to feature in Arsenal's preseason program back home in London at the Emirates Cup.

However, fans in Asia have been witness to the exciting talents of 15-year-old Max Dowman, who has grabbed headlines with his cameos, the last of which inspired Arsenal's win over Newcastle in front of the watching Gyokeres.

Tottenham meanwhile, have had one win from three in preseason, following up their 2-0 win over Reading with the unique feat of draws against League One opposition Wycombe Wanderers (2-2) and Luton Town (0-0) on the same day, four hours apart. New coach Thomas Frank wanted 22 players with playing time before they began their Asia tour against Arsenal, with Spurs also facing Newcastle in South Korea.

Curiously, Tottenham could be without Son Heung-Min for that game, with MLS side LAFC keen on acquiring his services. However, Frank's has insisted he wants Son, who has a year left on his contract, to stay, albeit in a different role. Son has travelled for the Asia tour and is likely to feature against Arsenal.

In contrast to their rivals, Spurs have only had one major signing in Mohammed Kudus and missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White so far this summer, although they have sealed deals for young defenders Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai, in addition to making the loan deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent.

On the injury front, Spurs will be without long-term injured players Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and Bryan Gil, while Destiny Udogie, Takai and Manor Solomon have also not flown to Asia as they recover from injuried picked up in pre-season. Frank has also opted to leave Mikey Moore, Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett at home as they explore loan deals.

Frank: Unfortunately Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank believes "it's a great challenge" to face Arsenal in a North London derby for the first time outside the UK.

As for Arsenal, Riccardo Calafiori came off with a small muscle tweak against Newcastle, but did join training with his teammates later. Gabriel, who sat out games against Newcastle and Milan may also not be included for Arsenal as he recovers from an injury in training, while Jurrien Timber and Christhian Mosquera were present in Arsenal's most recent training session and ought to feature.

Here is everything you need to know about Thursday's match.

How to watch:

The match will be available on Arsenal and Tottenham's in-house website/app (Arsenal TV / SpursPlay) in the UK and Australia, Paramount + in the U.S. and FanCode in India. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.

Key Details:

Date: Thursday, July 31 at 12.30 p.m. BST (7.30 a.m. ET; 5 p.m. IST and 9.30 p.m. AEST)

Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Latest news and analysis:

How 'very special' Max Dowman is impressing during Arsenal's preseason

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How Arsenal's new signing Viktor Gyökeres became Europe's top striker

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Saliba: 'Scary' Gyökeres can help Arsenal to title

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Spurs' Frank: Arsenal 'one of best teams in world'

Tottenham's Thomas Frank has admitted Arsenal are "one of the best teams in the world" ahead of the first-ever north London derby played outside the UK.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has admitted Arsenal are "one of the best teams in the world" ahead of the first-ever north London derby played outside the United Kingdom.

Spurs will face the Gunners at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Thursday in what will be Arsenal's final game of their preseason tour to Asia.

"It's a great challenge besides being our biggest rivals and the first North London Derby outside the UK," Frank told reporters. "They are also right now one of the best teams, I must say unfortunately, in the world, we also need to be honest.

"In that way it's going to be a big test, but it's more than a test as against Arsenal it's not only a friendly. Of course it's a game we will do everything we can to win."

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Frank also reconfirmed the club are still looking to strengthen in the market after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who opted to sign a new deal at Nottingham Forest.

"We of course are out there in the market and we're aware where we maybe want to strengthen the squad in general," Frank said.

Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new three-year contract with Nottingham Forest, despite previously being on the verge of a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Sources told ESPN earlier this month that Tottenham were ready to trigger Gibbs-White's £60 million release clause with a medical scheduled in order to complete the deal. However, the move was then put on hold with Forest ready to report Spurs to the Premier League over their approach for the midfielder.

And the England international is now set to stay at the City Ground, with Forest saying in a statement the the 24-year-old has "underlined his long-term commitment to the Club by agreeing to fresh terms."

- Sources: Spurs' Gibbs-White move on hold as Forest complain

- Palace appeal against Europa League demotion

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"Morgan is a special player -- not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality," Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said. "He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless, and proud.

"There was significant interest from various clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan at the heart of it. I promised our fans we would not only compete, but grow stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey."

Forest were chasing an unexpected Champions League place for much of last season before eventually finish seventh. Gibbs-White played a major role in their impressive campaign with seven goals and 10 assists in 34 Premier League appearances.

"I've felt at home at Forest from the moment I arrived," Gibbs-White said. "The support from the fans, my teammates, and everyone around the club has been unbelievable. I believe in what we're building here -- and with the backing of Mr Marinakis and the enormous ambition he has, I want to be part of making something special. I'm excited for what's to come."

Forest's seventh-placed finish earned them a spot in the Conference League, however they now look set to play in the second-tier Europa League after UEFA stripped Crystal Palace of their place due to multi-club ownership rules.

Tottenham Hotspur and new manager Thomas Frank will look to build on their 2-0 preseason opening win against Reading (2-0) as they take on Luton Town on Saturday. The big news for Spurs is that Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert return from their extended break following the UEFA European U21 Championship.

Frank's arrival has shaken things up at Spurs, and with several players fighting for starting positions it will be interesting see how the likes of Richarlison, whose future at the club is uncertain, perform.

Luton Town, meanwhile, come into this game after back-to-back relegations. Reeling from the relegation and departure of key players like Thelo Aasgard (now with Rangers), they will be looking to get some form going ahead of the season.

Interestingly, Saturday will also see Spurs play against another League One side, Wycombe Wanderers, in a behind-closed-doors match at Hotspur Way, with kickoff four hours before the Luton match (11 a.m. BST).

Speaking to the club website, Thomas Frank explained the reasoning for this scheduling: "We wanted an extra game in our schedule to give as many players as many match minutes as possible, in order to put them in the best position, physically. We will play two even, strong teams and they will play between 60 and 75 minutes, maybe more."

"By the end of Saturday, 22 players will have played a lot of match minutes, and they will be in a very good place before we go on tour."

How to watch:

The match will be available on Tottenham's in-house website/app, Spursplay. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.

Key Details:

Date: Saturday, July 26 at 3.00 p.m. BST (10.00 a.m. ET; 7.30 p.m. IST and 12.00 a.m. AEST)

Venue: Kenilworth Road, Luton

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Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have joined Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea in monitoring Rodrygo's situation at Real Madrid while Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho could swap clubs. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's grades | Women's grades

TOP STORIES

- Sources: Arsenal remain close to Gyökeres deal

- Source: Al Hilal interested in Newcastle's Isak

- Sources: Mosquera to join Arsenal's Asia tour

TRENDING RUMORS

- Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation of Rodrygo as they consider replacements if Luis Díaz leaves to join Bayern Munich, according to Florian Plettenberg, who adds that Real Madrid are open to letting the winger leave. Meanwhile, AS reports that Tottenham want to take advantage of the 24-year-old's situation with Los Blancos despite Bayern, Arsenal and Chelsea also being interested in the Brazil international. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will try to bring the fee below €90m, however, none of Rodrygo's suitors have yet made official contact with Madrid over a deal.

- TEAMtalk have reported that Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could be involved in a swap deal, although they would technically be completed as separate deals to benefit the Blues' situation regarding Profitability and Sustainability Rules. This comes after sources told ESPN that Chelsea are closely monitoring Garnacho's situation at Old Trafford, although the Blues would have to offload players before signing the 21-year-old. Aston Villa and several Saudi Pro League clubs are also interested in him.

- Juventus are trying to keep Randal Kolo Muani following the striker's loan from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Le Parisien. The report adds that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United could make an approach in the coming days. The 26-year-old is no longer part of Luis Enrique's plans and the Bianconeri have made various offers of a loan with an obligation to make the deal permanent, but PSG are standing firm and demanding that a large portion of the fee is paid this summer rather than next.

- AC Milan winger Rafael Leão remains keen on a move to Bayern Munich despite the Bavarians cooling their interest in him and focusing on Luis Díaz, reports Sport Bild. The 26-year-old no longer comes up in their discussions about possible transfers and Uli Hoeness has even publicly stated that the Portugal international isn't an option for them, with his €120m valuation playing a role in that stance. Leão has already rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia.

- Atlético Madrid are emerging as a possible destination for Ademola Lookman with Internazionale struggling to find an agreement with Atalanta for the forward, reports AS. Los Colchoneros will still need to offload one or both of Samuel Lino and Nahuel Molina before making their move. They can offer a salary of €5m-per-year and are likely to be the preferred option for Atalanta, who would rather see the 26-year-old go abroad.

CONFIRMED TRANSFERS

To follow...

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN's Alex Kirkland looks at Rodrygo's situation at Real Madrid.

Another week has passed, and we're still no closer to finding out if Rodrygo will be a Real Madrid player next season. Madrid's players have been on their post-Club World Cup holidays -- with Rodrygo spending time in the United States -- and they aren't due back for preseason training until the first week of August.

In the meantime, the speculation is only growing as to whether the Brazil international has a place in coach Xabi Alonso's plans, after his bit-part role at the Club World Cup. Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and now Tottenham: it's a long list of supposed suitors, but there's very little concrete, and not much has changed from the end of the season, when ESPN reported that Rodrygo wanted to find out exactly what his role in the team would be under Alonso before taking any decisions.

Last week, we reported that the forward was one of two players -- along with Dani Ceballos -- viewed by Madrid as most likely to depart, but that doesn't make an exit certain, or even probable. It's not at all clear how genuine the interest from the clubs listed above is, and whether they could or would put together the necessary financial package to satisfy both Madrid's and Rodrygo's demands, which would be substantial.

The only certainty is that this remains a seriously talented player, who hasn't yet fulfilled his potential, and might need a change of scene to get the best out of him. Will he get it? It's still much too early to say.

OTHER RUMORS

Laurens: Man United in no position to turn down a big fee for Fernandes

Julien Laurens updates on Al Hilal's reported interest in Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

- Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have both looked at Metz forward Idrissa Gueye and entered discussions with the 18-year-old's entourage. (L'Equipe)

- United are intensifying their efforts to sign SK Brann defender Eivind Helland, but face competition from Bayern Munich, Rangers and Club Brugge. (TEAMtalk)

- Brentford have turned down a £25m offer from Newcastle United for Yoane Wissa. (The Athletic)

- Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus are both interested in Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, who has been expected to leave since being left out of the Blues' Club World Cup squad. (talkSPORT)

- Bayern Munich are intensifying their efforts to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, despite Manchester United potentially threatening their move for the 27-year-old. (TEAMtalk)

- There is a verbal agreement between all parties for Rodrigo De Paul to join Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid with Los Colchoneros set to receive around €15m. (Fabrizio Romano)

- LAFC are pushing to sign Thomas Müller, with other MLS clubs interested in the former Bayern Munich forward who is open to an MLS move. (Nicolò Schira)

- RB Leipzig have held initial talks about signing Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, with the 21-year-old allowed to depart. Borussia Dortmund are also involved. (Philipp Hinze)

- Atlético Madrid are close to completing a deal for Chelsea's versatile defender Renato Veiga, with the good relationship between the two clubs key to the talks. (Marca)

- Napoli are interested in Juventus midfielder Fabio Miretti, but talks haven't begun and the Bianconeri will consider offers worth €20m-€30m. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

- AC Milan are pushing to sign Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue with Marc Pubill joining Atlético Madrid. (Calciomercato)

- Napoli's latest offer for Bologna winger Dan Ndoye is a €9m loan fee with a €26m obligation to make the deal permanent with €5m in add-ons. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Lucas Vázquez is "analysing proposals" for his next club -- having received offers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the Premier League -- and is "prioritising his family" in any move after leaving Real Madrid. (AS)

- West Ham United have opened talks with free agent striker Callum Wilson. (The Sun)

Nottingham Forest are set to complain to the Premier League over Tottenham Hotspur's move for Morgan Gibbs-White with the deal now on hold, sources have told ESPN.

An announcement on the move was expected in the coming days, with a £60 million ($81m) release set to be activated by Spurs.

Sources told ESPN that Forest are not happy with the approach, and will complain to the Premier League over the London club's conduct.

Tottenham contend they have done nothing wrong in the approach and that Gibbs-White is ready to sign and has already completely his medical, sources added.

Sky Sports first reported the development on Friday.

While the 25-year-old is expected to still eventually join Spurs, any official transfer will be delayed while Forest's complaint is dealt with.

Gibbs-White was key to Forest's successful 2024-25 campaign as they qualified for the Conference League, having also been in the race for Champions League football for much of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, the clubs announced Thursday.

Sources told ESPN that the Premier League clubs had agreed a fee of around £55 million ($74.7m), with the Ghana international signing a six-year contract.

Kudus, 24, had an £85 million release clause in his contract that could only be activated by other Premier League clubs, but West Ham were willing to letting him go at a lower fee.

Kudus, who had previously been on Chelsea's radar, joined West Ham in 2023 from Ajax and emerged as a leading target for new Spurs boss Thomas Frank this summer.

"It feels great to be here, I'm very happy and can't wait to start," he told Tottenham's website.

"One of the most important parts of why I came here is the project and how the manager sees it, and to develop under him. With the history of where he's come from, I've seen the amount of talent he's developed to become great players. It's a big sign of why I wanted to work under him as well.

Kudus played 80 games for West Ham, scoring 19 goals and contributing 13 assists.

Tottenham are also reportedly close to adding Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

Gibbs-White joined Forest in the summer of 2022 following their promotion to the Premier League and was instrumental in delivering European football to the club for the first time since 1996, with seven goals and eight assists in 34 Premier League games this past season.

Information from ESPN's James Olley and The Associated Press was used in this report.

The red smoke from Liverpool's title celebrations has barely cleared but already it's time to turn our attention to next season following the release of the 2025-26 Premier League fixture list.

Having defied expectations to clinch a record-equaling 20th league title last term, will Arne Slot's side have what it takes to go and defend their crown, or will Arsenal -- after three consecutive second-place finishes -- finally get over the line? The Gunners will certainly need to be at their best to be up there from the start.

Having struggled to hit their usual heights last season, will Manchester City return to the formidable winning machine that has consistently swept all before them over the past decade, or will the departure of the talismanic Kevin De Bruyne prove a significant blow for Pep Guardiola's side?

Like City, Enzo Maresca's Chelsea are competing at the Club World Cup in the United States. Can they use the extra minutes to give them a head start when they return to English soil, or will their extended season take its toll?

A new era begins at Tottenham Hotspur, with former Brentford boss Thomas Frank replacing the sacked Ange Postecoglou. And with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all having been in the mix for Champions League qualification last season, the battle for a top-four spot could be more competitive than ever.

There's plenty of questions to be answered in the months ahead, and the release of the match schedule offers the chance for some preseason speculation. Here are the highlights of the 2024-25 Premier League fixture list.

Editor's note: dates are subject to change once matches have been selected for live domestic broadcast

Arsenal get tricky start but will be happy with run-in

Arsenal were handed a tricky start to last season and the upcoming campaign is no different. In their opening six fixtures they face four teams who were fighting for Champions League football last season, two of which are expected title rivals, plus they have to go to Man United.

While facing United at Old Trafford hasn't been the scariest proposition in recent years, Arteta might well be slightly anxious that his side have to travel to Manchester for their season opener.

Perhaps even more concerning is the fact that their next away game is against Liverpool at Anfield; a venue where they haven't won in the Premier League since September 2012. Breaking that curse, though, would be a fine way to mark Arsenal out as early title favourites.

Certainly, they will be given the chance to make a statement, with the visit of Nottingham Forest to the Emirates on the weekend of Sept. 13 followed by the visit of Manchester City before then a trip to Newcastle.

Should they get themselves into a strong position, Arsenal have a relatively kind run-in, with their final four games comprising home clashes with Fulham and Burnley plus trips to West Ham United and Crystal Palace.

Liverpool handed tough start to title defence

At the start of last season, Liverpool were something of an unknown quantity. With Arne Slot coming in to replace Jurgen Klopp, there were concerns that it would take some time for the Reds to find their feet. Few people predicted that Liverpool would win the Premier League at a canter, but Slot made an exceptional start at Anfield.

Now though, the pressure is on.

Liverpool have marked themselves out as the team to beat; a fact that is only given more credence by the club's aggressive approach in the transfer market. The champions have already signed Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, with teammate Florian Wirtz also set to join him on Merseyside after a club-record deal was agreed last week.

And it will be straight in at the deep end for Wirtz & co., with Liverpool's first away game of the season against Newcastle followed up by that titanic clash with Arsenal at Anfield. The first Merseyside derby of the season will take place when Everton visit Anfield on the weekend of Sept. 20, while the Reds will host bitter rivals Manchester United on the weekend of Oct. 18.

Liverpool arguably have the toughest end to the season of any of the likely title contenders, with Everton, Man United, Chelsea and Aston Villa among their final six opponents. However, if they are as dominant as they were last season, the title could already be wrapped up by then.

Nowhere to hide for Manchester United

Last season was one to forget to Manchester United and, if manager Ruben Amorim was hoping for a favourable run of fixtures to ease him into the new campaign, he'll surely be disappointed.

United have been handed the marquee fixture of the opening weekend, with title-chasing Arsenal to travel to Old Trafford on Sunday, Aug. 17. A victory over Arteta's side would be a huge statement of intent from Amorim's men, however a bruising defeat could set the tone for another difficult season.

United also have a tricky pair of features to navigate in September, with a trip to face Manchester City at the Etihad on the weekend of Sept. 13 followed by the visit of Chelsea. Amorim's side will have to wait until the weekend of May 2 to welcome champions Liverpool to Old Trafford, with United's final two fixtures -- Nottingham Forest at home on May 17. and Brighton & Hove Albion away on May 24 -- potentially decisive in the race for European qualification.

Chelsea have a great opportunity

Chelsea ended last season with the first trophy of the Maresca era by beating Real Betis in the Conference League final, but the club will no doubt have their sights set on more prestigious honours this time.

And the fixture list has given the club the chance to make a really strong start to the campaign with Chelsea's opening clash at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, Aug. 17 set to be followed by match-ups with West Ham, Fulham and Brentford.

While there are no easy games in the Premier League, Chelsea have been handed a fairly kind start to the season -- though it is packed with London derbies.

With the Club World Cup offering teams the chance to build up some preseason momentum, Maresca's side could mark themselves out as the team to watch by hitting the ground running in the top flight.

h3Tottenham could make bright start to Frank era

It's the dawn of yet another new era for Tottenham Hotspur. Despite guiding to the club to their first trophy in 17 years by beating Manchester United in last season's Europa League final, Postecoglou was sacked following a dismal campaign in the Premier League.

The appointment of Frank as his replacement is, on paper, a shrewd one. The Dane consistently allowed Brentford to punch above their weight during his seven years at the club and is a dynamic, tactically astute coach.

While managing a club like Tottenham comes with added pressure, Frank does have the opportunity to make a fine start to the campaign, with Spurs to host newly promoted Burnley at home on the opening weekend.

In fact, Manchester City -- who host Tottenham at the Etihad on the second weekend -- are the only Big Six side Spurs face before November.

The platform is there for the club to start their new era with a bang, although it should be noted that Postecoglou made an excellent start to his own Spurs tenure before things started to unravel.

When are the biggest games?

The beauty of the Premier League is that nearly every game has the potential to be a thriller, but there are some match-ups that particularly catch the eye.

Manchester United vs Arsenal is the first marquee fixture on the opening weekend, while the visit of United to Anfield on the weekend of Oct. 18 always whets the appetite.

In terms of the title race, Liverpool will host Arsenal on the weekend of Aug. 30 before Arteta's side welcome the champions to the Emirates on the weekend of Jan. 7.

Manchester City and Liverpool will face off on the weekends of Nov. 8 and Feb. 7, while Arsenal and City will meet on the weekends of Sept. 20 and April 18.

The North London derby -- on the weekends of Nov. 22 at the Emirates and Feb. 21 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium -- is always tasty, while the Merseyside derby will take place on the weekends of Sept. 20 at Anfield and April 18 at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Where will the Premier League trophy be lifted?

While it seems much too early to start pontificating on the destination of the Premier League trophy, we're going to do it anyway.

Should Liverpool defend their crown, they will celebrate in front of their home fans when they welcome Brentford to Anfield on the final day. If Arsenal manage to end their 21-year wait for the league title, they will lift the trophy at Selhurst Park where they will take on Crystal Palace.

Manchester City will harbour ambitions of wrestling back their crown and are at home to Aston Villa on the closing weekend, while Chelsea finish their season away to Sunderland.

Of course, the title could end up elsewhere, with the competitiveness of the Premier League growing stronger by the year. Let the games begin.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has described the recent decision to sack former manager Ange Postecoglou as "emotionally difficult."

The 59-year-old guided Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, beating Manchester United in last month's Europa League final. The result also secured Champions League qualification for next season but was not enough to save Postecoglou's job.

"I'm very grateful to Ange," Levy told the club's in-house media channels. "I don't regret appointing Ange. In his first season we finished fifth and in the second season we were over the moon to win a trophy but we need to compete in all competitions. We felt that we needed a change.

"I have got an excellent relationship with him and told him he will always be a part of our history. Himself and his family are always welcome back.

"It was a collective decision. It wasn't my decision. We do everything together. Emotionally it was difficult but we believe we have made the right decision for the club."

While he helped end the club's trophy drought, Postecoglou also oversaw 22 league defeats -- the worst Premier League record for a team to avoid relegation -- as Tottenham finished a lowly 17th in the table.

Last week, Tottenham announced the appointment of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank as the club's new manager.

"We ran a really, really thorough process -- at speed," Spurs' new chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said while seated alongside Levy.

"We defined 10 characteristics that we think are important to be a successful manager at Tottenham Hotspur, we analysed in real detail, through our technical staff, more than 30 candidates.

"We had a lot of time with the shortlist and Thomas was absolutely the number one candidate. We could not be more excited to have him join the club.

"One of the things I've excited about is that he is an outstanding developer of young players so I really look forward to seeing what he can do with the squad we have here."