Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his skills against Wolves before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column attention following a claimed £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable for a attacker who has six goals plus three helpers and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their last two matches following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a defence without a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Having won the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term having six and remains anxious to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the league so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their next 10 league games facing clubs currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against long balls and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second start in four days in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient