Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill attention following a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their last two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a shutout since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he can maintain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes compared to any English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and remains anxious to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's next four games feature three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league so far. A threat emerges for a side that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from their current spot, along with a major upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and quick transitions that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in four days in Europe win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient