Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill attention following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate over their past two fixtures after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit without a shutout for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals over every other English player in the Premier League this term with six and will be keen to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches versus clubs at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem when making his second start in four days in continental competition triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
