Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment following a alleged £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their past two games following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he is able to give me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals over every other English player in England's top division this campaign on six and will be anxious to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, 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 with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four games feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven from their next 10 league games against clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
