Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HΓΈjlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill attention due to a reported Β£65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a wide player with six finishes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined over their past two matches after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi MartΓnez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. βDespite not knowing him, I understand what he is able to give me,β said the England boss. βHe might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.β Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English player in the top flight this term having six and remains keen to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team in 2024 after five tough years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. RaΓΊl JimΓ©nez, their primary attacker last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league this season. Danger looms for a side that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from this position, as well as a significant upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven of their following ten Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and fast breaks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level for a month following a groin injury during his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
