Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new battle
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the media positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate over their previous two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker an outside shout for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” commented the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term on six and will be keen to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four games include three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven from their upcoming ten league games against teams currently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured at club level for a month following a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
