Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster scored for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus due to a reported £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their last two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit without a shutout since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could provide,” said the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally over every other English player in the Premier League this campaign having six and will be keen to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side in 2024 after five tough years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from here, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
