Premier League: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their past two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline without a clean sheet for months might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes than any other English player in the top flight this season with six and is anxious to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven out of their following ten league games versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
