Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky position, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate over their past two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit without a goalless game since August might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can sustain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes compared to any English performer in the Premier League this campaign on six and is keen to add to that count when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to perform for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from here, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their next 10 league games versus clubs currently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin problem while his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
