Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m buyout clause for his potential January departure, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an awkward position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English player in the top flight this campaign having six and is keen to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side in 2024 after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a major upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven out of their upcoming ten league games facing clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played for his club in a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
