Premier League: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column attention due to a claimed £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a winger who has six goals and three setups who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an tricky situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their last two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline without a shutout since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and is keen to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from here, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin injury while his second start in four days in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
