Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation treatment due to a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups who is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their previous two games following an strong start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a backline without a clean sheet for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and is anxious to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's side require a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, as well as a significant upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against sides currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played for his club in a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient