Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three setups who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate over their past two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline without a shutout since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this term with six and will be eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four matches take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
