Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a attacker who has six goals and three setups who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their previous two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a backline without a goalless game since August could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and will be eager to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four games include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league this season. Danger looms for a team that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team require a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against long balls and quick transitions that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action for a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
