Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills against Wolves before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column treatment amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an awkward spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two matches after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a defence without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally over every other English player in the top flight this season having six and will be keen to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from here, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
