Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. However, his team are in an awkward position, having undergone a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their last two fixtures after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence without a clean sheet for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he could give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals compared to any English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is keen to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club in 2024 following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a significant boost in performance, and a chance emerges with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level for a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League win in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
