Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column focus due to a claimed ÂŁ65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their previous two games after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit without a shutout for months might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he could offer me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season having six and is keen to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four matches feature three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The ÂŁ125m striker has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition win abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
