English top flight: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new battle
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m release clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their past two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet for months could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to continue his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally compared to any English performer in the Premier League this campaign with six and remains keen to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven out of their following ten league games facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient