Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another clash
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his prospective January departure, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their past two games following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a defence without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term on six and will be keen to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four matches include three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing teams currently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not played at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
