Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment amid a alleged £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an difficult position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their last two matches after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a shutout for months could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes over every other English performer in the top flight this season with six and is anxious to boost that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's squad require a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven out of their next 10 league games facing teams currently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue during his second start over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
