Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the former found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective January departure, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player with six goals and three setups who is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their past two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit without a shutout since August might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker an outside shout for England
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and will be keen to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display against aerial passes and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action for a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
