Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the former netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected for a attacker who has six goals and three setups and is delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their previous two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a goalless game for months could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker an outside choice for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he can sustain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this term having six and will be eager to boost that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's following four fixtures include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the league so far. Danger looms for a team that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's team require a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from their current spot, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven out of their upcoming ten league games versus teams at the moment in the lower half of the table. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and quick transitions that will be in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
