Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster scored for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a wide player who has six goals and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their past two games after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline lacking a shutout for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and remains anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures include three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity emerges as seven out of their next 10 league games against clubs presently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus long balls and fast breaks that will be in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
