Despite there being plenty of narrative as Arsenal host Brighton, there is a standout fixture happening in the north west as two Dutch managers clash in one of the Premier League's fiercest fixtures.
Battle of the Bald Bosses: Manchester United v Liverpool (xNarrative = 0.7)
Following in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp, one of Liverpool's best ever managers, Arne Slot should be struggling. Moyes struggled to follow Fergie at United, Emery struggled to follow Wenger at Arsenal. When a long-serving, successful manager leaves, the expectation is that the person following in their footsteps has a difficult task. However, Slot seems to have slotted in (sorry, not sorry) with ease at Liverpool. He's adapted their style a bit. Preferring more controlled possession. They've now dipped into the transfer market with the low price/low risk purchase of Chiesa from Juventus. Most importantly, they've won their first two premier league games with very little fuss. So far, Slot has exuded calmness but tougher tests will come.
Given that his opponent on Sunday, Erik Ten Hag, is: going into his third season, has won a couple of trophies and has spent a lot of money on a variety of players - plenty he has worked with before - you would assume that everything is all good. Far from it. Even without last week's injury time defeat to Brighton, all is not well at Old Trafford. New part-owners means a state of change. Ten-Hag himself is making lots of complaints about injuries and offside decisions. The transfer policy seems scatter-gun at best. The team have no discernible style, and the mistakes made against Brighton last week suggest a disregard for the basics.
The two contrasting fortunes for the Dutch managers, at different points in their tenure at their respective clubs makes for compelling viewing. It might only be the third game of the season but a chastening defeat from his fellow countryman may spell the end for Ten-Hag. Not least because Slot seems to have instilled a style in two games for Liverpool that Ten-Hag has failed to do in two years at United.
The Ex-Player Principle: Arsenal v Brighton (xNarrative = 0.6)
It's an early season top-of-the-table clash as Brighton start the season well (as they always seem to), and Arsenal seem to have picked up the form they ended last season with. While it's much more of the same from Arsenal, Brighton have sent a lot of money and have a new, young manager at the helm. There's lots to be intrigued by - not least the fact Brighton have been something of a bogey side for Arsenal in recent years. It should be a game of real quality.
Two players to focus on are former players from each team. Danny Welbeck was a much-loved player at Arsenal during his time with the Gunners. Not least because of his excellent match winner against Manchester United in the FA Cup in 2015. His time was blighted by injury but, when available, his energy was a great asset. Much of his career since has seen the same pattern; useful when available but injuries always curtailing extended periods of form. Welbeck has started the season well for Brighton, scoring in both games, including against his former club Man United. Can he do the same against another former club this weekend?
On the other hand, Trossard will be facing his former team when Arsenal host Brighton in Saturday's early kick off. There's been lots of talk about the Belgian winger. He's in good form for Arsenal both from the bench and when starting. After he came off the bench to score against Villa last week, the noise has only increased for Arteta to start Trossard in place of Martinelli. Trossard's inclusion alongside new signing Mikel Merino could be the solution to Arsenal's left-sided problem.