Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation treatment due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable from a wide player who has six goals plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky spot, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two matches after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside option for England
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is keen to add to that total when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for the club that have earned a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's team must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against teams at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks following a groin injury while his second start over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
