Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an difficult spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their previous two matches after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a goalless game for months could be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in England's top division this season on six and will be eager to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from this position, along with a significant boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing sides at the moment in the lower half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe victory in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
