Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures

Garnacho versus Walker ready for another battle

A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.

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

The winger vital to halting Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill attention amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their previous two matches following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a shutout since August may prove the perfect remedy.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

The striker a left-field choice for England

It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English player in the Premier League this campaign having six and is anxious to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their next 10 league games facing teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month following a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient