Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable from a winger with six goals plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined over their last two fixtures following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a backline without a shutout for months could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker an outside shout for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season having six and is eager to boost that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals this season so far. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing sides presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
