Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a winger who has six goals plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an difficult position, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their previous two matches following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a goalless game for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this term having six and is keen to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four matches include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a team that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven of their following ten league games versus sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured for his club for a month having sustained a groin problem while his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient