Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a alleged £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth find themselves in an awkward situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their last two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for England
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English player in the top flight this season with six and remains anxious to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from here, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
