Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a wide player who has six goals and three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined over their past two matches after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a shutout for months could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes than any other English player in the Premier League this term with six and will be keen to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven from their upcoming ten league games versus teams at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
