Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to dinking a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a wide player who has six goals plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games in their last two fixtures after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit lacking a goalless game since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he is able to offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this term on six and remains keen to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's side need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
