Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable from a wide player with six goals and three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined over their previous two games following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline lacking a shutout for months may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he is able to give me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English performer in the top flight this term with six and remains eager to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided some positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's side need a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from here, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition win abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
