Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Thomas Tuchel did not hold back with his praise for N’Golo Kanté at the end of last season. “He is our Mo Salah, our Van Dijk, our De Bruyne,” Chelsea’s manager said. “He is Neymar, our Kylian Mbappé – he makes a difference.” Then came the caveat. For Tuchel, the frustration was how often Kanté found himself in the treatment room. The France midfielder has struggled with minor knocks since 2019, and there have been times when he has lacked the dynamism of old. That said, there is still nothing quite like watching Kanté when he is in peak condition. Few midfielders can live with the 31-year-old when he is in the mood and he will be key to Chelsea’s chances of victory when they host Tottenham on Sunday. Spurs will start as slight favourites, but the balance of power could tip back in Chelsea’s favour if Kanté overpowers Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. JS

Chelsea v Tottenham, Sunday 4.30pm (all times BST)

With an opening-day win apiece under their belts, Brighton host Newcastle in one of the standout match-ups this weekend. Both clubs are upwardly mobile and managed by men whose names could conceivably make up a two-man shortlist when, at some point in the future, the Football Association chooses Gareth Southgate’s successor as England manager. Graham Potter produced a tactical masterclass to help his players see off Manchester United but they will almost certainly face a far sterner test from a team unlikely to make life as easy for them as their hosts at Old Trafford. Joelinton 2.0 already seems a superior midfielder to either Scott McTominay or Fred, while Bruno Guimarães was one of the signings of last season. Expect a fascinating tactical battle from two teams harbouring genuine European ambitions. BG

Brig