Premier division: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective winter exit, 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 helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their previous two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this term having six and will be anxious to boost that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four games feature three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the league so far. A threat emerges for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing teams presently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition victory in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
