Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention due to a alleged £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a wide player with six goals plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games in their previous two matches following 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 but taking on a backline without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally compared to any English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and is keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four games take in three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, as well as a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in Europe victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
