Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures

Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle

Another northwest showdown may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to chipping a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)

2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation focus following a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a wide player with six finishes and three setups and is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult position, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their last two fixtures after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions

It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and remains eager to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm

Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and scorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side in 2024 after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM

5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds

The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, as well as a major improvement in form, and opportunity arises with seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient