Premier League: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an awkward situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their past two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and remains eager to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad require a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from their current spot, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the lower half of the table. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
