Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected for a attacker who has six goals and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an difficult spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their last two matches following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but taking on a backline without a goalless game since August might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he can sustain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals over every other English player in the Premier League this season having six and will be keen to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back needed as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side in 2024 after five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores this season to date. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven of their following ten Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
