Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures

Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash

A Manchester reunion might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the former found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)

Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column focus following a alleged £65m escape clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a winger who has six goals plus three setups who is delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an awkward position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their past two fixtures following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a shutout since August could be the perfect remedy.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

The striker a surprise option for the national team

It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this campaign with six and remains keen to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm

5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against sides at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe win abroad. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient