Premier division: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster scored for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a winger who has six finishes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their last two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a shutout since August may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes over every other English player in England's top division this season on six and remains keen to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four games include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from here, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten league games facing sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
