As one of the most-watched sporting competitions in the world, the Premier League doesn't lack for storylines.
Every week seems to bring about another narrative about a player, team or match that keeps fans glued to their screens — and Matchday 2 of the 2020-21 season is no different.
This week sees Aston Villa, Burnley, Manchester City and Manchester United all make their season debuts after a truncated Matchday 1. That makes Matchday 2 the first full week of action in the Premier League.
Here are five things to watch this weekend.
Can James and Everton keep it going?
Carlo Ancelotti's men stunned Tottenham on Matchday 1, claiming a 1-0 victory on the road in James Rodriguez's Premier League debut. As one of the league's highest-profile additions this season, the man known simply as "James" will be tasked with providing a spark for Everton in a cut-throat race for a European spot, and the 29-year-old looked worth the investment as he help launch numerous attacks against Spurs on Matchday 1.
The Toffees make their 2020-21 home debut Saturday against West Brom, and James will be expected to once again lead his new team to victory in a very winnable match.
Is Leeds for real?
Imagine your team not playing a Premier League match for 15 years, then having the team's first appearance in the top flight come against one of the most dominant sides in the history of the competition. Then, imagine that your team put on a dazzling show against said juggernaut, scoring three times and nearly claiming a famous victory on Matchday 1.
That's was the scenario last Saturday for Leeds United, which instantly became everyone's second team with a fearless display against defending champion Liverpool to open the season. The Peacocks didn't quite have enough to outgun the Reds, ultimately falling 4-3 behind a hat-trick by Liverpool striker Mo Salah, but the manner in which Leeds re-entered the Premier League after such a lengthy absence was one of the biggest highlights of the first matchday.
Now Leeds gets to host its first match of the season — against fellow Premier League newcomer Fulham — and the soccer world will be watching to see what manager Marcelo Bielsa has in store for a follow-up.
Gareth Bale's back at Spurs!
The prodigal son returned to London on Friday, as Gareth Bale was expected to finalise his deal with Tottenham. Of course, the Welshman made noises with his monstrous transfer to Real Madrid back in 2013, and he has won several trophies and scored numerous incredible goals for the La Liga side over the years, but time marches on for everyone, and Bale is not the speed merchant he was when he left White Hart Lane.
Speaking of which, White Hart Lane no longer exists, and the Spurs team Bale has returned to is wholly different than the one he starred on for over half a decade. Expectations at Spurs are higher now than ever, and even though Bale is not going to cover the same amount of ground he once did in North London, his experience and championship pedigree are unmatched among his new teammates.
All eyes on Donny van de Beek
When arguably the biggest club in England only signs one player over the offseason, expectations of that player are probably going to be sky-high.
That's what's facing Manchester United's lone addition, Donny van de Beek. The 23-year-old joins the Red Devils from Ajax with huge fanfare, and it's easy to see why. A well-rounded central midfielder who is keen to attack when given the chance, van de Beek shone with Ajax both domestically and in the Champions League.
Now, he takes a step up to the Premier League where the scrutiny will be intense, with his potential first game coming Saturday.
The only question is whether he can play in a United midfield with Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba.
Aubameyang handed the keys to Arsenal
He was already the Arsenal captain and best player, but now Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has pledged his future to Arsenal after signing a three-year extension with the North London club this week after being linked to several other high-profile teams.
The prolific striker has been the Gunners' biggest weapon since arriving at the Emirates Stadium in 2018, and with the club undergoing a bit of a rebuild under manager Mikel Arteta it could've been easy for him to take his considerable talents elsewhere.
Instead, the 31-year-old remains with Arsenal as the centrepiece of a squad that will be tasked with climbing back into the top four after its worst season in 25 years.
Arsenal takes on West Ham on Saturday, with Aubameyang looking to get on the score sheet for the second straight match.