Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another encounter
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable from a winger with six finishes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his team occupy an awkward situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their past two games following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and will be anxious to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four matches include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent for his club in a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
