Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column attention following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective January departure, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a attacker who has six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their previous two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a goalless game for months may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals compared to any English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and will be anxious to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's side need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing teams currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
