Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a attacker with six goals and three assists who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined over their previous two games after an strong start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a goalless game for months could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise choice for the national team
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I know what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes than any other English performer in the Premier League this season on six and remains keen to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four fixtures feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten league games against sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient