Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before chipping a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus amid a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential January departure, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable for a winger with six goals and three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate over their past two matches after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in the top flight this campaign on six and is eager to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team in 2024 after five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four games take in three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from here, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven from their next 10 league games versus teams presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action for a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
