Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the former netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus following a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the media preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their last two fixtures following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker role.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally over every other English player in the Premier League this term having six and will be keen to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four matches feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from here, along with a major upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin problem while his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
