Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a winger with six goals plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their previous two games after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English footballer in the Premier League this season having six and will be anxious to increase that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' next four games include three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven out of their following ten league games against sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played at club level for a month following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
