Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a winger with six finishes and three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their past two fixtures after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game since August might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field choice for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and remains keen to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from here, along with a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus long balls and counterattacks that remains in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second start over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
