Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when 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 off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their last two matches following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside option for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can give me,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 role.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he can sustain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally compared to any English performer in the Premier League this campaign with six and will be anxious to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus teams currently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
