Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column focus amid a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a winger who has six goals plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an awkward position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games over their last two fixtures following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a goalless game for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and is anxious to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back required as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a team that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a significant boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven of their next 10 league games versus sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
