Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a winger with six finishes plus three assists who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult position, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their previous two games after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit lacking a goalless game since August might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he could offer me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term on six and is keen to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four matches take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season this season. Danger looms for a team that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month following a groin injury when making his second start in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
