Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus due to a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an difficult spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two fixtures after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit without a goalless game for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he could give me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this season with six and will be anxious to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four matches take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from here, as well as a significant upturn in results, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against teams presently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured at club level for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient