Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a attacker with six goals and three assists and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team are in an difficult situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their previous two matches after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals over every other English performer in the top flight this term having six and will be anxious to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility arises with seven of their next 10 league games against teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent for his club for a month following a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
