Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill attention following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an awkward position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline without a goalless game since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes over every other English footballer in England's top division this term on six and is keen to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
