Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new battle
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment following a alleged £65m buyout clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Still, his side are in an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their past two matches after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise option for England
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally over every other English player in England's top division this term having six and will be eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's team must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven out of their next 10 league games against teams currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin injury during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
