Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention following a reported £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward position, having engaged in a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their last two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field shout for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this campaign on six and is anxious to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's next four fixtures include three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from this position, plus a major upturn in results, and the possibility arises with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
