Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan will be Notre Dame's starting quarterback for its season opener against Florida State, the school announced Saturday.

Coan beat out freshman Tyler Buchner, a four-star recruit, and sophomore Drew Pyne, who played a handful of snaps for the Irish last season. Coach Brian Kelly said he had confidence in all three quarterbacks, but Coan's experience won out.

"Jack proved to be more consistent and therefore, going into our opener, gives us the best chance for success," Kelly tweeted.

Jack Coan will be our starting QB.

All three quarterbacks distinguished themselves in the spring and preseason camp. Clearly, each has the skills necessary to lead, but Jack proved to be more consistent and therefore, going into our opener, gives us the best chance for success.

— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) August 14, 2021

Coan, who played three seasons for the Badgers, transferred to Notre Dame after the 2020 season, in which an injury sidelined him while Graham Mertz blossomed into Wisconsin's top quarterback.

Coan and Mertz are on track to go head-to-head Sept. 25 when the Irish play Wisconsin at Soldier Field in Chicago.

In three seasons at Wisconsin, Coan threw for 23 touchdowns and 3,278 yards.

"We took him because he had battle-tested experience in the Big Ten and in a very good program," Kelly said last week.

Coan takes over for Ian Book, who led Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff in two of his three seasons as the team's starting quarterback. Book was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of this year's NFL draft.

Michael Thomas has joined the New Orleans Saints in Baltimore for their preseason opener, a source confirmed -- the latest sign that tensions have eased between the team and its star receiver.

NOLA.com was the first to report that Thomas would be on the sideline for Saturday night's game as he continues to recover from June ankle surgery. Yahoo! Sports reported earlier this week that Thomas and Saints coach Sean Payton had a productive conversation and are not seeking a split.

The tension had been building up this summer as Thomas decided to delay his ankle surgery until June. Although both sides agreed early in the offseason to see if Thomas' injury improved without surgery, sources said there was a lack of communication between the two sides for a long period until Thomas showed up for the team's mandatory minicamp in June.

Payton made it clear at the start of training camp two weeks ago that he was disappointed the surgery didn't happen sooner.

"Obviously we would've liked that to happen earlier than later. And quite honestly, it should've," Payton said at the time.

Then earlier this week, after multiple reports cited sources suggesting that Thomas was to blame for the delay, Thomas showed his frustration on social media.

"They tried to damage your reputation. You saved theirs by not telling your side of the story," Thomas posted on Twitter.

Thomas also "liked" multiple posts that suggested the Saints urged Thomas to play through his injury without surgery last season -- and are now blaming him for not being healthy.

Thomas has not commented publicly on his reasons for delaying surgery.

Thomas missed a total of nine games last year after he originally suffered the injury in the final minutes of Week 1. He came back to play in Week 9, then went on the injured reserve list from Weeks 15-17 to heal up before returning again for the playoffs.

He finished with 40 catches for 438 yards in seven regular-season games and didn't catch his first touchdown pass until the playoffs. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported after the season that surgery was expected because Thomas had torn the deltoid, among other ligaments in his ankle.

The Saints have not laid out an exact timetable for Thomas' return -- though sources have expressed optimism that he could return early in the season. He is currently on the physically unable to perform list and has not yet participated in practice.

Thomas, who was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year for 2019 after setting the league record with 149 catches, was also at the center of some discord last year when he was suspended for one game for punching teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson in practice.

Both incidents have led to speculation that the Saints might seek a trade involving their star receiver. But that does not appear to be the team's current approach. And that would be less than ideal for New Orleans, considering its current roster and salary-cap situation.

The Saints are expected to field at least 11 new starters in Week 1 following quarterback Drew Brees' retirement, an offseason salary-cap purge, injuries to Thomas and kicker Wil Lutz and a pending suspension for defensive tackle David Onyemata.

Thomas is extremely important to the Saints' fortunes on the field after they parted ways with No. 2 receiver Emmanuel Sanders and veteran tight ends Jared Cook and Josh Hill this offseason.

Fourth-year receiver Tre'Quan Smith, second-year undrafted receiver Marquez Callaway and second-year tight end Adam Trautman appear to be their leading pass catchers outside of running back Alvin Kamara heading into this season.

Thomas, 28, is under contract through 2024 after signing a five-year extension in 2019 that was worth between $19.25 million and $20 million per year. His base salary for 2021 is only $1 million after the team converted most of it to a signing bonus earlier this offseason. If the Saints traded him, they would barely save anything against this year's cap -- and then would be hit with another $22.7 million in "dead money" against next year's cap from previous bonuses that have already been paid.

Is everyone excited for the new LaLiga season? While there have been a few notable exits in the summer transfer window -- some guy named Lionel Messi swapped Barcelona for Paris, we hear, and his longtime rival at Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos, joined him in the French capital -- the talent levels are sky-high and the top clubs look set to grapple all the way from first game to last for the title.

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Defending champions Atletico Madrid have had a relatively quiet transfer window, Real Madrid said goodbye to manager Zinedine Zidane and welcomed back an old friend in Carlo Ancelotti -- maybe he can get the best out of disappointing superstars Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale? -- and the rest of the top teams (Sevilla, Villarreal, Real Sociedad) all look eager to fight for the Champions League places as well.

But before we dive headlong into a new season full of suspense and drama, let's have a look at where things stand. ESPN's Sid Lowe and Sam Marsden break down everything you need to know about all 20 teams ahead of the campaign.

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ALAVES
Last season: 16th

Key Arrivals: FW Facundo Pellistri (Man United, loan)
Key Departures: MF Manu Garcia (end of contract)

Expectations/History: Mendi mola, they say. "Mendizorroza [their stadium] rocks." Over the past 18 months, it hasn't -- and they have really missed it. Alaves are one of those teams that have a special connection with the crowd. Now they're back, albeit in smaller numbers, for the opening game of the season -- and against Real Madrid.

In the silence, they came worryingly close to relegation, with constant coaching changes. It is early to judge, and certainly won't be easy to do, but it does feel like this is a side seeking to shift its footballing identity a little. In one way, it won't be the same, that's for sure: captain, local man and season ticket holder Manu Garcia has had to leave. Although he has been replaced by, erm, Manu Garcia.

Issues/Challenges: Javi Calleja is a coach whose identity doesn't entirely fit the style of previous managers, and there is an adaptation that needs to be undertaken in playing a more patient, technical game. And it is not like there has been a huge overhaul of players with which to do that. What role will be found for Lucas Perez? More importantly, what happens to Joselu, who was arguably their most significant player in surviving last season and now looks like he may not start? -- Sid Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 18th
Marsden's Prediction: 17th

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ATHLETIC BILBAO
Last season: 10th

Key Arrivals: DF Alex Petxa (Real Sociedad)
Key Departures: FW Ibai Gomez (end of contract)

Expectations/History: Marcelino replaced Gaizka Garitano as coach mid-season and led Athletic to Super Cup success, surprising Barcelona in the final in January. However, they lost two Copa del Rey finals in April: both the delayed 2019-20 final against Real Sociedad and last season's final against Barca, and their cup exploits led to some inconsistent form in the league -- something they'll be hoping to correct this time out. Marcelino, in his first full season at San Mames, will be expected to have the side fighting for the European places.

Issues/Challenges: Athletic had the sixth-best defence in Spain's top flight last season, but were the lowest scorers in the top half of the table. Winger Alex Berenguer top-scored with eight, while forward Inaki Williams netted only six league goals. The Spain striker possesses lightning pace, but doesn't score enough goals. If Marcelino can help Williams become more clinical, Athletic could surprise people. -- Sam Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 11th
Marsden's Prediction: 6th

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ATLETICO MADRID
Last season: Champions

Key Arrivals: MF Rodrigo de Paul (Udinese)
Key Departures: FW Alvaro Morata (Juventus, loan), FW Moussa Dembele (Lyon, end of loan)

Expectations/History: Champions, and it doesn't feel like a one-off, at least not at the moment. There is a stability about Atletico that, alongside the doubts at Real Madrid and Barcelona, means that many are now wondering if they could actually win back-to-back titles for the first time in 70 years.

There may yet be changes between now and the end of the transfer window, with Kieran Trippier and Saul among those whose departure appears plausible, but the team won't look hugely different to last season -- except for the exciting addition of Rodrigo de Paul. And there should be a forward on the way, too.

Issues/Challenges: Will Luis Suarez do that again? It seems unlikely, and the role of the other striker -- possibly Rafa Mir, who appears to be on the way -- could be very important. Also, if Trippier was to depart, it would likely have a more significant impact than most assume. His hybrid role was vital in their five-into-four-into-three defensive line last season. It will be fun to see Diego Simeone's son Giuliano too, playing up front while his dad prowls the touchline. No pressure, mate. -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 3rd
Marsden's Prediction: 2nd

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BARCELONA
Last season: 3rd

Key Arrivals: FW Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), FW Memphis Depay (Lyon)
Key Departures: Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Expectations/History: It's a leap into the unknown for Barca this season as they begin the post-Lionel Messi era, and a lot sooner than they'd have anticipated. The Argentine forward has been the key figure as the club dominated Spanish football over the past 15 years, but he's now a Paris Saint-Germain player. In his absence, coach Ronald Koeman will still be expected to mount a title challenge, with Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero brought in to fill the Messi void. Winning the Copa del Rey last season was not deemed a satisfactory season by president Joan Laporta, who considered terminating the Dutchman's contract. He kept him on in the end, although made it clear he must do better this time around.

Issues/Challenges: All the talk will be about how to replace Messi's output, but it's in defence where the most work is needed. Barca conceded 38 goals last season -- 10 more than Madrid and 13 more than champions Atletico, with untimely errors costing them points time and again against teams like Cadiz and Granada. Koeman has no shortage of centre-backs to pick from, but it's not clear who will be his first-choice pairing. None of his options are at an elite level going into the season. Gerard Pique is ageing; Oscar Mingueza, Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo are in the early years of their career; Clement Lenglet's form dipped last season; and the club are still trying to move on Samuel Umtiti. -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: Champions
Marsden's Prediction: Champions

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CELTA VIGO
Last season: 8th

Key Arrivals: DF Javi Galan (Huesca), FW Franco Cervi (Benfica)
Key Departures: DF Jeison Murillo (Sampdoria, end of loan)

Expectations/History: By the end of the season, a lot of the attention had turned elsewhere, but Eduardo Coudet did an extraordinary job at Celta, arriving and taking them off the bottom of the table and to the edge of European football with a dynamic, mobile, fluid and very attacking approach that was often a lot of fun to watch and should be again. Iago Aspas always is, of course. That whole approach should be complemented superbly by the arrival of Galan in the (attacking) left-back role. They will have their moments for sure, although it may be that in the tougher games, they add an extra man in the defensive midfield position.

Issues/Challenges: What happens when Aspas is not available? That's the standard question. It can also be posed with Renato Tapia in Aspas's place: his role at the base of midfield is vital in allowing those in front of him the freedom to move and attack and head off up the pitch. They will depend on him heavily. Also, can their high-intensity, all-out style be sustained over a whole season or will there need to be some evolution? In theory, having fans back may help. -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 7th
Marsden's Prediction: 9th

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CADIZ
Last season: 12th

Key Arrivals: DF Victor Chust (Real Madrid, loan), DF Santiago Arzamendia (Cerro Porteno), MF Tomas Alarcon (O'Higgins)
Key Departures: FW Ivan Saponjic (Atletico Madrid, end of loan)

Expectations/History: Expectations were well and truly exceeded at Cadiz last season in their first top-flight season since 2005-06. They were among the relegation favourites before the action started, but coach Alvaro Cervera led them to a remarkable 12th-place finish -- season highlights included taking four points off Barcelona and winning away at Real Madrid in October. Their squad is packed with experience. Veteran striker Alvaro Negredo, who netted eight league goals last term, is the big name, but he's supported by a cast of streetwise players. They should have enough to stay up again.

Issues/Challenges: Cadiz will have to fight against "second season syndrome" if they want to ensure a third straight season in LaLiga. Newly promoted clubs are often riding a wave of momentum when they first come up, and that was true for Cervera's side. They lost just two of their first eight games as they made up for lost time after 15 years away from the Primera Division, only to wilt in mid-season before improving again late on. Complacency is the biggest threat to their survival. -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 14th
Marsden's Prediction: 16th

ELCHE
Last season: 17th

Key Arrivals: GK Kiko Casilla (Leeds United, loan), FW Lucas Boye (Torino), MF Ivan Marcone (Boca Juniors)
Key Departures: GK Paulo Gazzaniga (Tottenham, end of loan), FW Nino (retired)

Expectations/History: Back-to-back wins in their final two games secured Elche's survival on a dramatic final day of the season last time out. They had been written off, but victories away at Cadiz and at home to Athletic Bilbao saved them as Huesca dropped instead. In his second spell at the club, coach Fran Escriba can expect more of the same this season. Elche have one of the smallest squads in the division and the signings have not yet arrived. "We need more players," Escriba moaned last week. "The club spoke about up to 10 signings, but we've only made five. It's not ideal so close to the season starting."

Issues/Challenges: Elche were dreadful away from the Estadio Martínez Valero last season, winning just three of 19 games on the road. Only their points haul at home kept them up. They may not be as lucky this season, though, and Escriba desperately needs to address their form away from home if he wants to avoid more final-day drama. -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 19th (relegated)
Marsden's Prediction: 20th (relegated)

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ESPANYOL
Last season: Champions, Segunda Division (promoted)

Key Arrivals: DF Sergi Gomez (Sevilla), FW Landry Dimata (Anderlecht), FW Alvaro Vadillo (Celta Vigo)
Key Departures: None

Expectations/History: After being relegated in 2019-20, the second club in the city of Barcelona returned to the top flight at the first time of asking by winning the second division. While relegation hurt at the time, it allowed Espanyol to hit the reset button. Young forward Javi Puado has finally been given a run in the first team and scored 12 league goals last season. He won a silver medal at the Olympic Games this summer, along with Espanyol teammate Oscar Gil. They are complemented by an array of players more than capable of performing in LaLiga, like striker Raul de Tomas and midfielder Sergi Darder.

Issues/Challenges: Vicente Moreno took over last summer and did a great job in his first season in charge, leading them out of the second division immediately. He has previous success in that regard, having taken Mallorca into the top flight in 2019, but he's not yet cracked LaLiga. With Mallorca, he was relegated at the first attempt and the challenge now is to avoid a repeat of that with Espanyol. -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 12th
Marsden's Prediction: 13th

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GETAFE
Last season: 15th

Key Arrivals: FW Vitolo (Atletico Madrid, loan), DF Stefan Mitrovic (Strasbourg)
Key Departures: FW Angel (Mallorca)

Expectations/History: All change at the Coliseum, where Pepe Bordalas -- a man who has a fixation with the Romans -- achieved extraordinary things but also where things broke down and, with hindsight, perhaps he stayed a season too long. The new manager is Michel, who is back at the club for the second time and could hardly be more different in approach: from tough to technical.

There will be a shift in style and structure, and there have been personnel changes too, although not many of the starters have departed. (Angel is the exception, although he was often employed off the bench). Expect Carles Alena to be more of a focal point in the middle, and a move to 4-3-3.

Issues/Challenges: How quickly can they shift to a different style? For some of the old guard, it might be a big ask. Looking at the squad, there are still limitations. But for all his commitment to a footballing culture in which he wants the ball and to build attacks, Michel is not naive. He wants a shift. Can he recover Vitolo? If so, he could have a very useful player on his hands, but you can't help wondering if it may be too late. -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 15th
Marsden's Prediction: 12th

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GRANADA
Last season: 9th

Key Arrivals: FW Carlos Bacca (Villarreal), MF Monchu (Barcelona)
Key Departures: FW Roberto Soldado (Levante), MF Yangel Herrera (Man City, end of loan) DF Nehuen Perez (Atletico Madrid, end of loan)

Expectations/History: There have been few better stories than Granada in Spain over the past three years. After a two-year absence, they returned to LaLiga in 2019, finishing seventh in their first season back -- good enough to qualify for last season's Europa League. They beat Napoli en route to the quarterfinals, where they lost to Manchester United. Despite being distracted by Europe, they managed a second consecutive top-half finish. However, the man responsible for their recent success, coach Diego Martinez, decided not to renew his contract. The bar, therefore, has been set extremely high for new coach Roberto Moreno.

Issues/Challenges: New coach Moreno has experience at the top level with Barcelona and Spain, but he remains unproven as a head coach. He was highly thought of as one of Luis Enrique's assistants at Barca and followed him to Spain, whom he briefly managed in 2019 when Luis Enrique took some time off. He was then appointed Monaco coach in 2019, but was sacked after just five wins in 13 games. Can he finally make the step up? -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 16th
Marsden's Prediction: 14th

LEVANTE
Last season: 14th

Key Arrivals: FW Roberto Soldado (Getafe), DF Enric Franquesa (Villarreal)
Key Departures: FW Ruben Rochina (end of contract)

Expectations/History: Capable of the sublime and the ordinary, you never know what you're going to get with Paco Lopez's Levante. They won at Madrid and Atletico last season but followed up both wins with draws at home to Granada and Athletic. They also failed to win in their final eight games, which will be a concern when the season begins this weekend. Roberto Soldado has joined from Granada, and it should be fun to watch him in attack with captain Jose Luis Morales.

Issues/Challenges: The pandemic has taken its toll on Levante's finances and they face a race against time to get their three summer signings registered with LaLiga for the new campaign. As things stand, none of Soldado, Franquesa or Roger Brugue (signed from Segunda Division's CD Mirandes) have been inscribed for the new campaign. President Quico Catalan says he's confident it will all be OK, but the clock is ticking. -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 10th
Marsden's Prediction: 11th

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MALLORCA
Last season: 2nd in Segunda Division, promoted

Key Arrivals: FW Angel (Getafe), DF Pablo Maffeo (Stuttgart, loan), FW Victor Mollejo (Atletico Madrid, loan), DF Jaume Costa (Villarreal)
Key Departures: FW Amath Ndiaye (Getafe, end of loan)

Expectations/History: Back after a year away, having performed superbly in the second division under Luis Garcia, the coach who was keen to return to Spain after a spell in China. Charismatic, clear and experienced, yet close to his players, he oversaw an impressive return but knows that survival is a different matter.

There is a certain institutional stability about the club under Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns, who bought Mallorca in 2016 -- even though they have changed divisions for six consecutive seasons. A sporting culture too: Andy Kohlberg is the president, while Steve Nash and Graeme Le Saux are on the board.

Issues/Challenges: There have been significant arrivals for a team that is conscious that the first division is a different matter, although the middle of the pitch looks like it's staying the same. Costa and Maffeo, the full-backs, have top-flight experience. They have also had Daniel Sturridge working with them, given the chance to prove his fitness and form with a view to signing. How will it all come together? And is the level quite good enough to survive without suffering? -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 17th
Marsden's Prediction: 18th (relegated)

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OSASUNA
Last season: 11th

Key Arrivals: FW Enrique Garcia (Eibar)
Key Departures: FW Jony (Lazio, end of loan)

Expectations/History: When Osasuna tried to sign Chimy Avila, they didn't send him DVDs of the team; they sent him DVDs of the fans. And that says a lot about this club from Pamplona. Here the fans are loyal and they are loud, and that is explicitly built into the way they play, with coach Jagoba Arrasate, dubbed "our Klopp" by the sporting director, seeking to create a communion and continuity between stands and pitch. Quick, aggressive, direct. That whole idea was hit hard with the pandemic -- and all the more so as it coincided with the redevelopment of the El Sadar, just as steep, just as tight, but higher and more complete than ever before. They're back now. And so is Chimy.

Issues/Challenges: After a second terrible knee injury, Chimy is now back -- and that is huge for Osasuna. The doubt, of course, will be whether he remains that one-man human wrecking ball he was before. And indeed, whether they can hold on to him in the final days of the transfer window. He felt like the embodiment of Osasuna, despite coming from outside, and now the fans that fuel it all at last return. But will it feel a little odd this time? How fast can they reconnect? -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 13th
Marsden's Prediction: 15th

RAYO VALLECANO
Last season: 6th in Segunda Division, promoted via playoffs

Key Arrivals: MF Randy Nteka (Fuenlabrada), MF Pathe Ciss (Fuenlabrada), DF Fran Garcia (Real Madrid Castilla)
Key Departures: DF Luis Advincula (Boca Juniors)

Expectations/History: Talented young coach Andoni Iraola steered Rayo Vallecano back into LaLiga in his first season at the club after joining from Mirandes. The former Athletic Bilbao and New York City full-back is highly rated in Spain and if he can keep Rayo up, his reputation will go through the roof. The Madrid-based club have become a bit of a yo-yo team in recent seasons, promoted to the top flight on three occasions since 2010 and relegated twice.

Issues/Challenges: Promotion may have come too early for Iraola's side. They sneaked back into the playoffs in the final weeks of the season before beating Leganes and Girona to book their place back in LaLiga. However, the squad looks short of quality, with the only real signings coming from the modest Madrid side Fuenlabrada. Can they defy the odds? -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 20th (relegated)
Marsden's Prediction: 19th (relegated)

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REAL BETIS
Last season: 6th

Key Arrivals: DF Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), DF Juan Miranda (Barcelona)
Key Departures: DF Emerson Royal (Barcelona), DF Aissa Mandi (Villarreal)

Expectations/History: It almost went unnoticed how good Real Betis were in the second half of last season as Manuel Pellegrini's side clinched a Europa League spot. The side from Seville lost just two of their last 22 matches in the league, having lost 11 of their first 16. Only Barca and Sevilla beat them in the second half of the campaign. At their best, with players like Sergio Canales and Nabil Fekir, they're fun to watch, while striker Borja Iglesias re-found his shooting boots after Christmas. He ended the season with 10 goals in his last 15 appearances.

Issues/Challenges: Betis have the added excitement of European football this season, but it's also an added pressure. The games will come thick and fast, every Thursday and Sunday, and Pellegrini will have to make good use of his squad to balance the Europa League with LaLiga. There is depth available, and Villarreal showed it is possible last season, but many clubs have struggled to balance the two competitions. -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 8th
Marsden's Prediction: 8th

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REAL MADRID
Last season: 2nd

Key Arrivals: FW Gareth Bale (Tottenham, end of loan), DF David Alaba (Bayern Munich), MF Martin Odegaard (Arsenal, end of loan)
Key Departures: Zinedine Zidane (Manager), DF Sergio Ramos (PSG after end of contract), DF Raphael Varane (Manchester United)

Expectations/History: Zidane has gone, Sergio Ramos has gone, Varane has gone. That generation is going -- Luka Modric can't play every game any more, Cristiano Ronaldo already left, Marcelo seems unlikely to play much of a part. But Carlo Ancelotti is back, and some of them are still around, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema especially.

"Nothing changes except the managers," Ancelotti joked on his presentation. He knows he can't change things further: money is tight, and signings are likely to be few as they save toward signing Kylian Mbappe, probably next summer. His job, he knows, is to work with what he has got. And he's just happy to be here.

Issues/Challenges: There is still talent there and a younger generation that might yet be brought definitively into the team -- Vinicius, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde -- but it's not yet clear how much of a role they will play. Lots of loanees have returned: Martin Odegaard, Gareth Bale, Dani Ceballos. Could they have a role now without Zidane? Bale in particular is an intriguing one: can he be recovered for the cause, helping them to overcome the paucity of goals from last season? On the face of it, the centre-back partnership will be Eder Militao and Alaba, which is strong, but how to you rebuild a defence after the departure of the two men who sustained it for so long? -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 2nd
Marsden's Prediction: 3rd

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REAL SOCIEDAD
Last season: 5th

Key Arrivals: GK Mat Ryan (Brighton), FW Willian Jose (Wolves, end of loan)
Key Departures: None

Expectations/History: Real Sociedad are based in San Sebastian, arguably the most beautiful city in Spain; the only club with their B team in the second division; and Copa del Rey winners last season (well, the season before), even if they held the title for only two weeks. A lovely team to watch too: fluid, technical and a lot of fun, packed with graduates of the club's youth system. Their manager is from there too, a fan as well as a coach. Blessed with a clear identity, they will be very recognisable from last season -- although less so in the opening weeks because of injury and the Olympics. And in Alexander Isak they have a hugely exciting striker.

Issues/Challenges: It is something of a cliche to wonder about a young team and consistency, so let's not. Not least because this side have shown that if they have flaws, that's not really it. No, they're not super tough, but they are competitive and quick, and don't lack character. If there is a doubt it might be more about their ability to finish teams off. -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 5th
Marsden's Prediction: 7th

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SEVILLA
Last season: 4th

Key Arrivals: FW Erik Lamela (Tottenham)
Key Departures: FW Bryan Gil (Tottenham), DF Sergi Gomez (Espanyol)

Expectations/History: Against the odds, Julen Lopetegui kept Sevilla firmly in the title race all the way into the final weeks of last season. They came up short in the end, but finishing fourth, just two points behind Barca, was better than anyone had expected and once again sealed their place in the Champions League. Player turnover is usually quite high at Sevilla -- their director of football, Monchi, is an astute presence in every transfer window -- but they've had a quiet summer by their standards and that continuity could benefit them in a wide-open title race.

Issues/Challenges: Sevilla are in a tricky position whereby they have more to lose than to gain. Everyone expects them to finish fourth, so anything less would be considered a failure. But can they kick on and haul in Atletico, Madrid and Barca this season? Last year proved the gap is closing, but it would still be unrealistic to demand Lopetegui's side breach the top three. -- Marsden

Lowe's Prediction: 4th
Marsden's Prediction: 4th

VALENCIA
Last season: 13th

Key Arrivals: None
Key Departures: FW Kevin Gameiro (Strasbourg)

Expectations/History: At the start of last season, Valencia were dismantled, selling six starters and sacking the coach that had taken them to a Champions League position and won the Copa del Rey. A sense of crisis took over that Javi Gracia, the manager, couldn't control. In fact, he quickly decided that he wanted to leave, and they wanted to sack him -- it was only the cost of the payoff that prevented it from happening until very late when Valencia feared for their first-division survival.

Those departures did at least anticipate a more general crisis, and so this summer there have not been more. New manager Jose Bordalas, an enemy before, has been brought in to deliver a tougher, more aggressive style supposedly more in keeping with the new reality.

Issues/Challenges: The emergence of a new and sometimes genuinely nasty Spanish football rivalry, Getafe vs. Valencia, was fuelled by Bordalas and his team's bruising approach, and the often bitter reaction to him. So, signing him might even have felt provocative to fans who are already openly in conflict with the club's ownership. The question then will be how he will win them over (and how long it takes him), what he does to make things work again. European football is the aim, but is that realistic? -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 9th
Marsden's Prediction: 10th

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VILLARREAL
Last season: 7th

Key Arrivals: DF Aissa Mandi (Real Betis)
Key Departures: DF Jaume Costa (Mallorca), FW Carlos Bacca (Granada)

Expectations/History: Villarreal finally won their first-ever trophy when they defeated Manchester United in the most dramatic Europa League final, with its 22-penalty shootout. A tiny, indebted and largely insignificant club that was transformed when Fernando Roig took over, it soon became a fixture in Europe, and that success was overdue. A second trophy shouldn't really be so far behind. The arrival of Mandi strengthens them at centre-back, although the doubt lingers that someone will come in for Pau Torres, a youth team product and the only player from the town of 50,000 where they are based.

Issues/Challenges: Villarreal should be a case of picking up where they left off, and there are few real doubts about personnel or the way they will play, but it has not been a good preseason, with injuries and COVID-19 meaning that some of the preparation had to be put on hold and games canceled. They should overcome that soon enough, as good news came in the form of a renewal for Gerard Moreno, the squad has quality and depth, and coach Unai Emery is in a strong position having finally delivered that first trophy -- after a debut season in which there were occasionally doubts. -- Lowe

Lowe's Prediction: 6th
Marsden's Prediction: 5th

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer -- already on administrative leave by Major League Baseball following allegations of sexual misconduct -- was given a temporary order of protection last year after allegedly physically abusing an Ohio woman and making a death threat toward her, according to The Washington Post.

According to sealed court records and other documentation obtained by the Post, the woman says Bauer punched and choked her without her consent while they were having sex. He also allegedly sent her a text message from a phone number known to be registered to Bauer saying he doesn't "feel like spending time in jail for killing someone."

"And that's what would happen if I saw you again," Bauer wrote, according to the Post, prompting the woman to seek the protective order in June 2020.

The Ohio order came out of an "ex parte" proceeding, as did the order in Bauer's case with a woman in California, meaning it was issued without a hearing from the other side.

According to a police report obtained by the Post, the woman attempted in 2017 to show police photographs of injuries to her eyes but that she was instead arrested for underage drinking. The Post, which did not disclose the woman's age, obtained photographs showing bruises on her face and blood in her eyes.

The police report did not indicate whether the woman's allegations were investigated, according to the Post.

Bauer tweeted Saturday to dispute the Post's report, saying the newspaper was attempting to create a "false narrative" by contacting his female friends and acquaintances.

"Despite my representatives providing a wealth of contradictory evidence, documents, statements, and background information showing the pattern of disturbing behavior by this woman and her attorneys, The Washington Post opted to ignore much of this information and to run a salacious story disseminating defamatory statements, false information, and baseless allegations," Bauer wrote.

Bauer said the woman harassed and physically assaulted him and also tried to "extort me for millions of dollars last year in exchange for her not coming forward with false claims."

While I have allowed my representatives to speak on my behalf over the last six weeks, I can no longer be silent. I will speak very candidly about the current petition when appropriate, but need to address the allegations made today in The Washington Post. pic.twitter.com/VhDNQyM1cb

— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) August 14, 2021

Bauer's lawyer and agent, Jon Fetterolf, and agent Rachel Luba said in a statement that Bauer and the woman were in a consensual relationship from 2016 to 2019 and that she pursued him, filing a "bogus protection petition" while "demanding $3.4 million for her to 'remain silent.'"

The agents also called the physical abuse allegations "categorically false" in a statement to the Post. They said the photographs were years old "with no corroboration," questioning both their validity and those of the alleged threatening messages.

The woman dropped the protection order six weeks after filing it, according to the Post.

"MLB takes these and all allegations very seriously," a league spokesperson said in a statement to the Post. The spokesperson did not comment further, citing the ongoing Bauer investigation.

The Dodgers declined to comment to the Post about whether they were aware of the Ohio court records.

Bauer has been on administrative leave since July 2 as investigators check into allegations of sexual misconduct made by the California woman. His leave, which has been extended five times, currently runs through Friday.

A civil hearing for the temporary restraining order that was obtained against Bauer by that woman is scheduled for Monday to Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Bruno Fernandes opened his Premier League season with a hat trick as Manchester United thrashed old rivals Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Luke Ayling's second half strike temporarily brought Leeds level but Mason Greenwood and Fred also scored for United and helped secure the win.

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United unveiled new signing Raphael Varane before the game with a presentation on the pitch. The defender wasn't part of the squad as he has yet to train with the squad.

"We know the quality of the players who have come in, but the team was already very good. We showed it last season. We didn't win trophies, but the team was growing up," Fernandes said after the game.

"Our focus has to be game by game. We'll achieve something with this mentality."

Fernandes got on the end of a through ball from Paul Pogba on 30 minutes to score his first goal through the legs of Illan Meslier.

Leeds got back into the game three minutes into the second half with a stunning strike from Ayling.

It took United just three minutes to restore their lead, however, after launching a counter-attack, Pogba found Greenwood who ran down the left wing and nestled the ball into the net.

Fernandes got his second on 54 minutes. It looked like Ayling had cleared the ball off the line but referee Paul Tierney got the signal on his wrist watch that the ball had crossed the line.

The Portugal international completed his hat trick -- his first since joining United -- on the hour mark with a powerful strike past Meslier.

"My objective every season is being better than the last one. Every performance I do, I want to do better and better. I've started with three goals but it's a long way [to go]," Fernandes said.

Pogba secured his fourth assist on 68 minutes when he squared a ball for Fred who hit it into the net from 10 yards out.

"People talk about the quality of Paul, but his quality is not in discussion. We know what he can do and today he showed that," Fernandes said.

"He's an important player for us. We know to expect these kind of performances from Paul."

New signing Jadon Sancho made his first appearance for United on 75 minutes when he came on for Daniel James.

Angel Di Maria has said it is "much better" that Paris Saint-Germain signed Lionel Messi rather than Cristiano Ronaldo, adding that Messi is "from another planet" compared to Ronaldo and even PSG teammates Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Di Maria -- who joined PSG in 2015 after spells at Real Madrid, where he was a teammate of Ronaldo, and Manchester United -- has played with Messi for Argentina since the winger, 33, made his debut in 2008.

"Messi is from another planet. You throw a stone at him and he would control it, he beats a man like it is nothing, he thinks quicker than anyone. I have never seen anything like it," Di Maria told Argentinian TV channel TyC sports.

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"I've played with Cristiano, [Neymar], Mbappe, [Wayne] Rooney, [Robin] Van Persie, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Karim] Benzema, [Gareth] Bale and honestly I've never seen anything like him.

"The quality and quantity that PSG have now is unique. It doesn't happen often at a club and the best players always want to be with the best. For sure Cristiano would like to be here, but they brought Messi and luckily, that's much better."

Messi joined PSG this week on a free transfer after his contract at Barcelona expired earlier this summer.

Financial problems meant the LaLiga club were unable to register a new deal for Messi under the league's strict salary limits.

That means Sergio Aguero -- a close friend of Messi, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City earlier this summer -- misses out on the chance to play with his international teammate at club level.

"The worst thing is that [Aguero] has got injured again and will be out for a few weeks," Di Maria said. "That is the saddest thing because he had made such an effort with his knee, trying to recover, and be at a good level on his return... Let's hope he can get better as soon as possible to show how good he really is."

Paris Saint-Germain missed out on the Ligue 1 title last season, finishing one point behind champions Lille, and were knocked out in the Champions League semifinal by Manchester City.

A year earlier, they were beaten in the 2020 Champions League final by Bayern Munich, the closest they have come to lifting the trophy.

"We always have the obligation to win the Champions League and now with the arrival of Messi we have to do it, come what may," Di Maria said. "It isn't easy but we have a coaching staff who can make a great team and everyone knows what they have to do.

"[Coach Mauricio] Pochettino can make a great team. With so many stars, there's the responsibility to do things well, but everyone has their role and that's what's important. I'd like to play in my position on the right or in the middle like at Real Madrid, but the coach decides."