Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a wide player who has six goals plus three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an difficult situation, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their past two matches after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a defence without a goalless game since August may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals compared to any English performer in England's top division this campaign having six and is anxious to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five tough years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league so far. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and opportunity emerges as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League victory abroad. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
