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


1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another encounter

A Manchester reunion could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)


The winger vital to ending Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a attacker with six goals plus three assists who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their past two matches after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best solution.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM


The striker a left-field choice for England

It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally than any other English footballer in the Premier League this term with six and remains keen to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm


4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer

Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm


The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club

The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from their current spot, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient

Kathleen Murphy
Kathleen Murphy

Elias Vance is a tech consultant and digital strategist with over 12 years of experience in helping UK businesses adapt to technological changes.