Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new battle
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a possible winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their last two games following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he could give me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term on six and will be anxious to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 after five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured for his club for a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
