English top flight: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their previous two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this campaign with six and remains eager to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four games feature three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks following a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
