Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column focus due to a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a wide player who has six finishes and three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his team occupy an difficult position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games in their last two matches following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup if he can sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season having six and is eager to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second start over a short period in Europe win abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
