Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation attention amid a reported £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a wide player who has six finishes and three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their past two games following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a shutout for months could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes than any other English performer in England's top division this term on six and will be eager to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back required as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their following ten league games facing teams currently in the lower half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
