Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player who has six goals and three setups and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in England's top division this term with six and will be keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 after five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven from their upcoming ten league games versus clubs at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient