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The Premier League returns this weekend with the title contenders facing fascinating tests and debut excitement for a host of new faces
Chelsea vs Fulham: New signings galore
Away from their extraordinary exploits in the transfer market that saw them splurge a reported £288 million, Chelsea manager Graham Potter has had a 13-day gap between fixtures to get to work on the training field to try and steady the ship.
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A lifeless 0-0 draw with Liverpool in their last outing made it just two wins from seven matches since the restart (D2, L3), leaving the Blues ten points adrift of the Premier League top-four.
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Chelsea lost the reverse fixture 2-1 and Potter will be hoping for a different outcome. There will be high expectations after the club splurged heavily on transfers and fans will be excited to see the likes of new signings Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and possibly Enzo Fernandez in action.
Everton vs Arsenal: Sean Dyche set for baptism of fire
As the eighth permanent manager of the calamitous Farhad Moshiri era takes his bow at Everton, accompanied by further protests against a board who may or may not be present at Goodison Park.
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However, the sight of Mikel Arteta patrolling the opposition technical area and leading a stylish Arsenal team with designs on the title will bring fresh torment for the home crowd.
New boss Sean Dyche couldn't have asked for a worse opening fixture. Everton are in horrendous form and Arsenal are on the opposite end of the spectrum.
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Arsenal possess the patience, recruitment strategy and expertise needed for a manager to flourish. All are absent at Everton, and Dyche will face an uphill task in the coming months.
Tottenham vs Man City: Guardiola aims to keep the pressure on Arsenal
Just over two weeks on from playing out a six-goal thriller at the Etihad, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City renew hostilities in Sunday's Premier League clash in North London.
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Thoughts will be spared for Antonio Conte this week, as the Tottenham boss cedes control of the reins to Cristian Stellini following an operation to remove his gallbladder, having experienced "severe abdominal pain" following last weekend's FA Cup win over Preston.
Guardiola tore into his players after their 4-2 win over Spurs in January and there seems to have been a response as his side have won their last two games since then without conceding.
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With Arsenal looking stronger and stronger every week, City have to contine to win to give themselves a chance of capitalising on any Arsenal slip-ups.
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