Image: APA / AFP / GLYN KIRK
For a long time it was puzzled and speculated whether England soccer star Harry Kane would switch to champions Manchester City. On Sunday, however, the 28-year-old striker is likely to hunt for goals in the first round of the English Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur – and that against the squad of city coach Pep Guardiola. Champions League winner Chelsea has Crystal Palace as a guest at the start, while newly promoted Watford with ÖFB goalie Daniel Bachmann welcomes Aston Villa.
All eyes will be on Harry Kane on Sunday (5:30 p.m. / live on Sky). Will the striker appear, even score against Guardiola, who officially courted him? There is a lot going on for Tottenham, neo-coach Nuno Espirito Santo wants to forget the last weak sporting performance of the north Londoners and for that he needs the club icon Kane. Manchester, in turn, is looking for the last piece of the puzzle under Guardiola that should not only make it easier to defend the title, but also to win the Champions League.
But before that, City's competitors were allowed to fight for the title on Saturday. Manchester United welcomes Leeds United (1.30 p.m.) in a traditional duel. While smaller rolls have been baked in Leeds for a long time – neo-coach Marcelo Bielsa is responsible for this – ManU coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure to finally deliver the title. A win at the start against the old rival, who last won at Old Trafford in 1981, is a must.
First location assessments
The newly crowned UEFA Supercup winner Chelsea is also a clear favorite against Palace, especially since “Blues” coach Thomas Tuchel with Romelu Lukaku has just received a new luxury “toy” by storm for a mere 115 million euros. The championship title is therefore the goal of the Londoners by which Tuchel is measured. The same applies to Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp, who is visiting with his team at newly promoted Norwich. Spectacular player commitments failed to materialize with the “Reds” before the season. “We can only spend what we have taken,” said Klopp with a view to ManCity, ManUnited and Chelsea, where the donation trousers have recently been significantly larger. After all, head of defense Virgil van Dijk was extended until 2025.
Southampton with coach Ralph Hasenhüttl visits Everton for the start of the league. He has to do without the Danish team defender Jannik Vestergaard, who should move to Leicester City for more than 20 million euros. According to British media, the deal already stands for the 29-year-old. Austria's only player contribution in the English upper house, goalie Daniel Bachmann, is looking forward to his Premier League premiere at newly promoted Watford. The home strength in the promotion year should also help against the guests of Aston Villa.
