Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well in west London after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined in their previous two fixtures following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker position.” Gaining the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he can continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals over every other English performer in England's top division this campaign on six and is keen to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second start in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
