Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable from a wide player who has six finishes plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their previous two matches after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this season on six and will be eager to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven from their upcoming ten league games versus clubs currently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
