Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill attention amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their past two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however confronting a backline lacking a goalless game for months could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could offer me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this season with six and will be anxious to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five difficult years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition victory abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
