MANCHESTER — Arsenal face an immediate test of their title credentials against a revamped Manchester United, while a new-look Liverpool launch the new Premier League season at home to Bournemouth on Friday.

Newcastle are set to be without wantaway star striker Alexander Isak for a tough trip to Aston Villa.

AFP Sports looks at the key talking points ahead of the first weekend of the 2025/2026 season. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are set to make their Premier League debuts for United and Arsenal respectively at Old Trafford after a summer that could have seen them line up for their opposition on Sunday.

Arsenal were linked with a move to Sesko for over a year before deciding to bet on Gyokeres as the man to fire them to a first Premier League title since 2004 for a fee that could rise to £66 million (RM377 million).

The Gunners have finished second for the past three seasons and were lacking a clinical finisher to take that final step towards being champions

Gyokeres netted a remarkable 97 times in 102 games during two years at Sporting Lisbon, much of which came under the orders of United boss Ruben Amorim.

Instead of being reunited with the Swede, Amorim has been given the resources to overhaul his attack with the signings of Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha at a combined cost of over £200 million

United endured their worst season since being relegated in 1974 during Amorim’s first year in charge.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for Europe after losing the Europa League final.

Both clubs desperately need a fast start and the battle between the two new number nines will go a long way to deciding the outcome.