English top flight: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures

1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash

A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

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

2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment due to a alleged £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a winger who has six goals and three setups and remains delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined in their previous two fixtures following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a backline lacking a shutout since August might be the perfect tonic.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM

Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England

It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally over every other English player in England's top division this season with six and is anxious to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm

4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer

Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four games feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus direct play and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient