Mikel Arteta appears to have the simplest call sheet among the title hopefuls.
That matters in Week 1. Arsenal’s base structure is familiar, their best players look close to ready, and their opening opponent is still adjusting to top-flight level. In a weekend full of selection noise, Arsenal have the fewest obvious doubts.
Liverpool head to Newcastle United with more moving parts. Reports suggest Jeremie Frimpong should continue at right-back because Conor Bradley remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Ronald Araujo is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk. Jeremy Jacquet has impressed, but he is still being managed after a shoulder problem.
Up front, Alexander Isak is expected to lead the line on a return to St James’ Park, a storyline that adds pressure as well as intrigue. Other reports say Amar Dedic could also be in line for a debut for Newcastle. That is the kind of fixture where cohesion can matter more than talent on paper.
At Manchester City, the first league game of the Enzo Maresca era brings genuine selection questions.
Chelsea are also hard to read. Xabi Alonso has moved toward a back three in pre-season, Wesley Fofana is suspended, and several players returned late from the World Cup. The encouraging sign is Joao Pedro, whose seven pre-season goals have given Chelsea a sharper attacking look.
The first team sheets will tell the real story, but the wider picture may take longer. With the transfer window open until 1 September, opening weekend is only the first clue to which contenders are ready now and which are still being built.