Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column attention following a reported £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a winger with six finishes and three helpers and remains delightful to watch. However, his side are in an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their past two fixtures following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a shutout for months may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field option for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term on six and is eager to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team in 2024 following five tough years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's squad require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from here, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
