Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill treatment following a alleged £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult position, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their last two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but taking on a defence that hasn't kept a shutout since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker role.” Having won the final 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to continue his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in England's top division this season with six and will be anxious to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus clubs currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second start over a short period in Europe win in Germany. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
