Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a attacker with six goals plus three setups who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an tricky position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined over their previous two games after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a shutout since August might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he could offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals compared to any English player in the top flight this season on six and is eager to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four matches feature three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven from their next 10 league games versus teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent for his club in a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second start in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
