Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another battle
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable from a attacker with six goals plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate over their past two games after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defence lacking a shutout for months may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he could give me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English performer in the Premier League this term on six and will be eager to add to that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores this season to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's team require a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from here, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
