Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another battle
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a wide player with six goals and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined over their previous two fixtures following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline without a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals over every other English performer in the Premier League this season on six and will be keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four games include three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's side need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against sides currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent for his club in a month having sustained a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
