Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player with six finishes plus three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he can give me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign with six and is eager to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures include three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven of their following ten league games versus sides presently in the lower half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin injury while his second start over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
