Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
Another northwest showdown could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed ÂŁ65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a wide player who has six goals and three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games over their last two games following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence lacking a shutout since August may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and will be anxious to increase that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four matches include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven from their following ten Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
