Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an difficult spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their previous two games following an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he could give me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season having six and will be keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent at club level in a month having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
