Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two games following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit without a shutout for months could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he can sustain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals over every other English player in the top flight this season with six and will be anxious to boost that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display against aerial passes and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient