Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes and three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their last two games following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a goalless game for months might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes over every other English player in the Premier League this campaign on six and remains keen to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's team must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing teams presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action in a month following a groin problem when making his second start in four days in Europe win in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
