Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new battle
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus due to a reported £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a wide player with six finishes plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their last two games after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional No 9 position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this season on six and is keen to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe triumph abroad. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
