English top flight: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an difficult spot, experiencing a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their last two games after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this season on six and remains keen to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side in 2024 after five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four games include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from here, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven of their upcoming ten league games versus sides at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
