A huge amount is at stake in the English Premier League this weekend, even with the wrapping paper having barely been ripped off the shiny new campaign.
Matchweek three of the EPL takes us into the first international football break of the season, as well as the traditional slamming shut of the transfer window on Monday 1 September.
Both of which are guaranteed to leave a few boardrooms decidedly twitchy, not to mention the players and coaches they rule over.
But it’s on the field that we really care about – and what a line up of fixtures to round off the first month of top flight action.
Liverpool are one of only three clubs coming into the weekend still boasting a 100% Premier League record.
The reigning champions do so having snatched an astonishing win in the 100th minute last Monday, giving coach Arne Slot the chance to smile – and to answer a question on a subject other than the future of Alexander Isak for two minutes.
But something has to give at Anfield on Sunday, with visitors Arsenal looking primed to push their hosts all the way.
Mikel Arteta’s men also have a maximum points haul to bring into a mouthwatering Merseyside clash, with both stacked squads also finding room for the next generation in Arsenal’s 15-year-old Max Dowman and Liverpool’s Monday hero, Rio Ngumoha, 16.
Chelsea have also begun well, now putting that form to the test in Saturday’s lunchtime kick off when they welcome Fulham to Stamford Bridge for a west London derby.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues go up against Marco Silva and his Cottagers, who are searching for a bit of rhythm following an opening pair of draws.
Manchester United haven’t even managed that, as they prepare to do battle with Burnley at Old Trafford.
Anything less than a first win of the season for Ruben Amorim will leave him and his Red Devils staring down the barrel of another season of domestic drudgery.
The Clarets are searching for their first points on the road as they make the short hop down from North Lancashire, having picked up their maiden victory since returning to the big time a week ago at Turf Moor.
Tottenham complete the trio sitting on six points from six and have caught the eye under the charge of new boss Thomas Frank.
Something could be building in rival corners of north London, then, as Bournemouth visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having also picked up a morale-boosting win last weekend, making light of the transfer raids made on their impressive squad of last season.
Sunday sees plenty more action away from Anfield, with Manchester City going to Brighton.
City chief Pep Guardiola was left scratching his head as Spurs left the Etihad Stadium with all three points last time out, while the Seagulls have just a single point to show for their opening two outings.
Nottingham Forest fans are watching on at their club’s starkly contrasting fortunes on and off the field, ahead of the visit of West Ham to the City Ground.
Ahead of their return to continental action in the Uefa Europa League, Forest have started brightly again although trouble is brewing behind – well, in front of, really – the scenes, as popular coach Nuno Espirito Santo butts heads with bombastic owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace sign the Premier League off for the international break with their meeting at Villa Park for the late game.
Both are without a win to their name so far as they also prepare to join Forest in European competition, albeit don’t talk to the Eagles about having their wings clipped with demotion to the Conference League in favour of the Midlands club.
Elsewhere on Saturday, a crackling Elland Road atmosphere is guaranteed when Newcastle go to Leeds.
The promoted Yorkshire side won their first game back in the big time before being thrashed at Arsenal last weekend, while Eddie Howe’s Toon Army were Liverpool’s last-gasp victims after a breathless St James’ Park contest on Monday night.
Everton christened their brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a win last weekend, with the job now for David Moyes, Jack Grealish and Co to take that feeling on the road to Wolves.
Their Molineux hosts are yet to pick up a point, with those in the Black Country forgiven for turning their minds towards a relegation battle even at this early stage.
Sunderland and Brentford wrap up the EPL programme with their Stadium of Light date.
Both have a win and a loss on the board so far, as they look to go into the blank fortnight with a spring in their step following the Wearside clash.