Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their previous two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a surprise choice for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and will be eager to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four games include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action in a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
