Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another battle
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation focus due to a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their last two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a shutout since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Earning the final 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals than any other English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and is eager to increase that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four fixtures include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for The striker to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from here, plus a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent at club level over four weeks following a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League triumph in Germany. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
