Premier League: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention due to a claimed £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an awkward position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their previous two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a backline that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker an outside option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he is able to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English player in England's top division this season on six and remains eager to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus teams presently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient