Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
A Manchester reunion might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable from a winger who has six goals and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two fixtures after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a goalless game for months might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he can sustain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this term having six and remains eager to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
