Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation attention amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a winger who has six finishes plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an difficult position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their previous two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is anxious to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side in 2024 after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from here, as well as a major upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
