The Premier League returns: Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea among five storylines to follow
It has been an extraordinary three-week international break: Lionel Messi's farewell game; Cristiano Ronaldo's toddler-esque tantrum; and debut matches in new roles for Jurgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane and Sebastien Pocognoli. But there has been one story that has dominated the agenda: the guilty verdict handed down to Manchester City.
The appeal process is ongoing and City continue to deny any wrongdoing but the issue is certain to cast a shadow over the Premier League until that appeal, and the sanctions, are boxed off. In the intervening period, fans will be asked to throw themselves back into club issues knowing everything will be provisional until City's punishment, if indeed there is one, is confirmed.
It will be a hot topic up and down the country this weekend as the Premier League returns. Here are five things to look out for: WILL CITY CHIEF AL MUBARAK ROCK UP AT ANFIELD?
City's robust statement when launching their appeal indicated they remain confident all the charges will be dropped. With that in mind, will it be business as usual this weekend?
The man central to the whole controversy is Khaldoon Al Mubarak. The City chairman is a regular at games and he has the chance to put on a show of solidarity with the players and fans by taking his seat in the directors' box at Anfield.
It is unlikely his presence would be welcomed by Merseyside Police with a very small element of Liverpool's support baying for blood but the alternative is for Al Mubarak to let coach Enzo Maresca and his players - all innocent parties to the alleged misdemeanours - face the heat. WEST LONDON BUDDIES IN DIRE NEED OF WINS Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso and Fulham counterpart Alvaro Arbeloa are close friends and it would not be a surprise if they sought each other's company during the three-week hiatus.
Both men head into this weekend knowing a defeat would ramp up the pressure on their positions. Alonso's side host winless Bournemouth still smarting from their 3-0 hammering at Brentford.
Not only was it an awful result but the manner of the performance would have the Chelsea board - not exactly renown for their patience - shuffling uncomfortably in their seats. There is less expectation at Fulham but owner Shahid Khan can't be impressed by a record of two points from five games.
The Cottagers go to newly promoted Ipswich knowing another defeat would mean they slip seven points behind one of their relegation rivals. According to Transfermarkt, United have the ninth most valuable squad in Europe (£786million) with Spurs one place lower at £708m.