Premier division: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a winger who has six finishes plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, his team are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their last two matches following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break even though the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally over every other English player in the Premier League this campaign on six and is anxious to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' next four fixtures feature three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action in a month following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
