Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former found the net for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention following a claimed £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes and three assists who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an tricky spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their last two games after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and remains eager to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' next four fixtures feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's team require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a major upturn in results, and a chance arises as seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing clubs presently 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 on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
