Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger with six goals and three setups who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined over their past two games after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit lacking a shutout for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English footballer in the top flight this term having six and will be anxious to boost that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four matches include three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven from their following ten Premier League matches against clubs presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured for his club for a month following a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
