Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a winger with six finishes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their past two games following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field shout for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this term on six and is anxious to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury during his second consecutive start in four days in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
