Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents against Wolves before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus amid a reported £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a winger with six goals and three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their last two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this season having six and remains anxious to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four games feature three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the lower half in the league. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club in a month following a groin problem during his second start in four days in Europe win in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
