English top flight: 10 things to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents against Wolves before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill treatment due to a alleged £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their last two matches following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline lacking a shutout for months may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English footballer in the top flight this season with six and is eager to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from here, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures against clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious from 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 aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
