The second round of the Premier League season is upon us, and there is no shortage of storylines heading into the weekend. From a high-profile Friday night opener to Champions League group-stage opponents being confirmed, English football's biggest clubs have plenty to focus on before a ball is kicked.

Crystal Palace v Man City gets the ball rolling

The weekend's action begins tonight at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace host Manchester City, with an 8pm BST kick-off. Palace arrive into the fixture without a point after a 2-0 defeat to Everton on the opening day, and Oliver Glasner's side will be desperate to open their account at home. City, meanwhile, made a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth and will be eager to carry that momentum into south London. Erling Haaland leads the City line, and the Norwegian will fancy his chances against a Palace defence still finding its feet.

A full weekend of top-flight action

Saturday brings a feast of Premier League football. Liverpool host Nottingham Forest in the lunchtime slot — a 12.30pm BST kick-off — in what shapes up as one of the stand-out matches of the round. Tottenham and Newcastle then meet at 5.30pm in what promises to be a fiercely contested north London versus north-east affair.

Sunday is equally busy. Chelsea face Brighton at 2pm, while Leeds and Brentford meet in what looks a tasty Championship-era reunion now both sides are back in the top flight. Manchester United host Ipswich Town at 4.30pm, giving the market plenty to chew over given Ipswich's reported pursuit of a loan deal for Tammy Abraham. The weekend concludes on Monday night with a blockbuster — Aston Villa against Arsenal at Villa Park, 8pm BST.

Champions League opponents confirmed for the big five

The Champions League draw has already taken place, and England's five representatives now know exactly who they will face across their eight league-phase fixtures. Manchester City face a daunting schedule that includes PSG and Barcelona. Arsenal are drawn against Real Madrid at home and Bayern Munich away among their eight opponents. Liverpool will meet Atlético Madrid at Anfield, while Aston Villa take on PSG and Barcelona in successive weeks. Manchester United's group includes Bayern Munich at home and a trip to Atlético Madrid.

The Europa League draw takes place at 12pm BST today, with the Conference League draw to follow immediately afterwards. Full details of the English sides' European opponents will be confirmed once both draws conclude.

Transfer front: Delap done, Alvarez situation develops

On the transfer front, Liam Delap has completed a £45 million move to Nottingham Forest from Chelsea, with the striker reportedly saying he cannot wait to get started at the City Ground. Forest will be keen to see a return on that investment quickly given they host Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime.

The more intriguing saga surrounds Julián Alvarez. The Argentine is reportedly absent from Atlético Madrid training for a third consecutive day, with the club having firmly refused to sanction a move to Barcelona. Atlético's hierarchy are said to have insisted Alvarez will never be sold to their rivals. Arsenal are also understood to be monitoring the situation, though any potential deal would represent significant business at this late stage of the window.

Ipswich Town, who face United on Sunday, are pursuing a loan move for Tammy Abraham as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of what promises to be a demanding return to Premier League football.

FAQs

Frequently asked

What time is Crystal Palace v Man City on Friday night?
Crystal Palace v Manchester City kicks off at 8pm BST on Friday 28 August at Selhurst Park.
Who have Arsenal been drawn against in the Champions League?
Arsenal's Champions League league-phase opponents include Real Madrid (home), Bayern Munich (away), Borussia Dortmund (home), Real Betis (away), Lille (home), Napoli (away), Sabah (home) and Slavia Prague (away).
Has Liam Delap's move to Nottingham Forest been confirmed?
Yes. Liam Delap has completed a £45 million transfer from Chelsea to Nottingham Forest.