Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their last two fixtures after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and will be anxious to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team in 2024 after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four games include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus sides presently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level in a month following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
