5 Premier League talking points ahead of the opening weekend

Frank Lampard faces a trip to Old Trafford in his first game as a Premier League manager.

The new Premier League season kicks off with Liverpool, last year’s runners-up, hosting newly-promoted Norwich.

Here, PA looks at some talking points as the action gets underway.

One better for the Reds?

Falling just a point short of Premier League Champions Manchester City last season, Liverpool will be hoping to go one better than that runners-up spot. Manager Jurgen Klopp has been criticised by fans for a quiet transfer window, with only youngster Sepp Van Den Berg and back-up goalkeeper Adrian added to the squad. The Champions League winners face newly-promoted Norwich and will be keen to gain confidence and points before tackling stiffer opposition later in the season.

Lampard and Solskjaer meet as managers

Harry Maguire became the most expensive defender of all time when signing for Manchester United for £80million (PA)

New teams test the water

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder (centre) undertakes his first game as a Premier League manager against Bournemouth (PA)

Tottenham for a title challenge?

Ryan Sessegnon misses the first fixture of the season for new side Tottenham after suffering a hamstring injury (PA)

The arrival of VAR

Video assistant referees will be introduced to the Premier League for the first time this season. Having been trialled for two years, and used at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, VAR facilities are now present at all 20 Premier League grounds. However, its function has been slightly altered so as not to unnecessarily disrupt match action. The on-pitch referee will communicate covertly with the video assistant, only halting play in the case of a ‘clear and obvious error’ or a ‘serious missed incident’. In the case of contentious off-side play, assistant referees are advised not to raise their flag and allow the decision to be corrected by VAR if required.