English top flight: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus following a reported £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined over their last two games following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside option for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can give me,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals than any other English player in England's top division this term having six and is keen to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back crucial as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four games feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's squad need a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
