Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. However, his team are in an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their previous two matches after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline lacking a shutout since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional striker role.” Gaining the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes over every other English player in England's top division this campaign having six and will be keen to boost that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four matches take in three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for The striker to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against clubs at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display against aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
