Premier League: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another battle
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus following a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an awkward position, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one combined in their past two matches after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English player in the top flight this campaign on six and will be anxious to increase that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, driving down the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their next 10 league games facing sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and quick transitions that will be in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month following a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
