Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before dinking a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column attention following a reported £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a winger who has six goals and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate over their past two matches after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English player in the top flight this term having six and remains eager to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four games feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to enter the title race from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus long balls and quick transitions that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League triumph in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
