Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes plus three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their previous two fixtures after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline lacking a shutout for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in the top flight this term having six and is anxious to boost that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 after five difficult years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured at club level for a month following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
