Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a winger with six finishes and three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an awkward position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their previous two games after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English player in the top flight this season having six and is eager to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league so far. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus clubs currently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient