04 Sep 2026
Premier League: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine scored for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable for a winger with six goals and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout for months could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could offer me,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in England's top division this campaign having six and will be keen to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven from their following ten league games against teams presently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient