English top flight: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a winger with six goals and three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his team are in an awkward position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their past two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker position.” Having won the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this term on six and is anxious to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back crucial as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's side require a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant upturn in results, and opportunity emerges as seven from their following ten league games facing clubs at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
