Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a winger who has six finishes plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate over their last two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the top flight this term having six and remains keen to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's team require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action in a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
