Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column treatment due to a alleged £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a attacker with six finishes and three assists and is delightful to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an awkward spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their previous two games after an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence lacking a clean sheet for months might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this term on six and remains anxious to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from this position, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against teams presently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury during his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient