Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their past two games following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a clean sheet since August could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup provided he can sustain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes than any other English performer in England's top division this season on six and remains anxious to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four matches include three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action over four weeks following a groin injury during his second start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
