Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment following a alleged £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him 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 helpers and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their past two fixtures after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defence without a goalless game for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he could give me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals over every other English footballer in the top flight this season having six and is eager to increase that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's team need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, along with a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven of their upcoming ten league games against teams currently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem when making his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
