Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures

Walker faces Garnacho set for a new battle

A Mancunian rematch could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a wide player who has six goals and three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward situation, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their last two games after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months might be the best tonic.

Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions

It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals over every other English footballer in the top flight this season on six and remains anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

The full-back crucial as creator and scorer

Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four games include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock

The occasion for The striker to produce for Liverpool

The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured for his club in a month following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient