Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable from a wide player with six goals plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an awkward spot, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their past two matches following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a goalless game since August might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional No 9 role.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can continue his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this term having six and remains anxious to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from here, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten league games facing teams presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League triumph in Germany. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
