Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains joyous to watch. However, his side are in an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their last two games after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he could offer me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can sustain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals over every other English performer in the top flight this campaign on six and will be eager to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 after five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four matches include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from this position, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing long balls and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
