Premier League: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before chipping a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the former scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is joyous to watch. However, his team are in an tricky situation, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their previous 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 by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline without a shutout for months may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English footballer in England's top division this term with six and will be eager to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four fixtures feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches facing teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
