The Premier League will recommence this weekend with the conclusion of another international break. Some managers will rue their luck as their players return injured, whilst others welcome back national heroes, but all will be keen to tackle the various challenges that lie ahead.
With most teams having played seven games, it is perhaps still a tad early to read too much into the current form charts and make bold predictions, but here are four things worth touching on thus far.

Diving
As usual, this has proven a hot-topic over the opening weeks of the Premier League.
Luis Suarez has been a particularly potent case in point, and it would be fair to say that on more than one occasion this season, it would seem that his reputation as a “diver” has preceded him in the eyes of referees. It would also be fair to say, that on more than one occasion, Suarez has only conformed to the very same stereotypes which continue to harm him by going down under no contact, his laughable attempt to con the ref against Stoke a case in point.

Every incident ought to be judged on its merits, but it would be naive to say that players, and Suarez is not the only one, who suffer (and in many cases, earn) such negative reputations won’t have that used against them. Referees are human beings with a split second to make a decision, and when it’s not clear cut from their angle, these reputations will come into play. Cristiano Ronaldo endured similar troubles in his final season at Manchester United, as have several others.

The easiest solution for these frequent offenders? Stop diving.

All we need is, Shinji Kagawa.....and Wayne Rooney....and Robin Van Persie
Okay, so that’s not exactly how the new favourite Stretford End tune goes, but it would probably be more accurate.

Sir Alex Ferguson brought in some tremendous quality over the summer, particularly with the additions of Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie, but he maybe did not anticipate the difficulties that would come with fitting them into a first XI and getting the best out of both of them, as well as Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex toyed with a diamond midfield of Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa and Rooney against Newcastle United in their last fixture, with Van Persie and Welbeck in the striking positions. It meant that United lacked the traditional wing-play that has long been a hallmark of Sir Alex’s great sides, but it was certainly a much better performance in the middle of the park than the last time United travelled to Newcastle, or even the week before when Tottenham tore them to shreds.

It would seem United have struggled more with a crisis of identity, than a lack of quality thus far this season, but as the 3-0 demo job of Newcastle suggested, the signs are ominous for their competitors when/if they eventually get it right.

Brett Holman – A beacon of hope for Australia...and Aston Villa
If you’ve followed the discourse that has surrounded the Australian national team in recent times, it seems that there is not too much to be excited about.

You could say the same for Aston Villa, but both teams share one bright beacon of hope in the outstanding Brett Holman.

The Socceroo signed for the Villains whilst Alex McLeish was still in charge, and it might prove the only part of his legacy worth remembering for the Villa fans. Paul Lambert might not be having the best of starts to life at Villa Park, but he will be thanking his lucky stars that McLeish felt compelled to bring Holman across from his successful stint in the Netherlands.

With Tim Cahill moving to the MLS over the off-season, all eyes turned to Holman to see if he could repeat the heroics of the Everton legend. Holman arrives in the Premier League with a little more experience, and perhaps a bit more hype, than Cahill did when he first arrived at Everton, but Holman is having little trouble living up to his reputation, and establishing himself as a fine Premier League player.

Unfortunately for him thus far, it is hard to say the same about his fellow teammates.

Big Sam gets results
Sam Allardyce had a pretty simple brief when he took over at Upton Park.

The life had been sucked out of a very proud club by the dour Avram Grant and an Icelandic regime which posed real questions of the club’s long term future. They were relegated at the end of the 2010/11 season with a whimper, despite having a squad that many felt should have been good enough to finish well clear of the drop zone.

Allardyce was tasked with restoring West Ham’s Premier League status, which he accomplished in one season, and must now set about turning the London club into mainstays in England’s top division.

As of right now, the Hammers sit in 8th place, taking 11 points from a possible 21, and whilst that might not prove an accurate reflection of where the Hammers will end up come the conclusion of matchday 38, it is certainly fair to say that West Ham will probably not be embroiled in a relegation scrap.

Big Sam has done what he does best. He has built a team that is hard to beat, one that is disciplined and one that can carry out his game plan almost to perfection. He will probably never win over the football perfectionists, but for now, he will have won over the West Ham supporters, something few managers have been able to do at the club in recent times.