Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill focus due to a reported £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a attacker who has six goals plus three assists and is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two games after an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit lacking a shutout for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally over every other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and is anxious to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity emerges as seven of their upcoming ten league games against sides presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and counterattacks that remains in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
