Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation attention due to a alleged ÂŁ65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the media positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an difficult situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their past two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a shutout since August might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker an outside shout for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and is eager to boost that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the league to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's team need a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from here, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their following ten Premier League matches against sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
