English top flight: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well in west London after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills against Wolves before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a attacker with six finishes plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an tricky situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside shout for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he is able to provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals over every other English performer in England's top division this season with six and remains keen to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against sides currently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club in a month following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
