Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable from a wide player with six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their previous two matches after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a defence without a goalless game since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can maintain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals over every other English performer in the top flight this term having six and remains anxious to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven of their next 10 league games versus clubs presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action in a month following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
