Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column attention following a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a wide player with six finishes and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their last two games after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker an outside choice for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this campaign on six and will be anxious to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity emerges as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action in a month following a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
