Premier League: ten key points to look out for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh battle

Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two fixtures after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence lacking a shutout for months may prove the best remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock

Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team

It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this term with six and remains keen to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm

4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher

Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team in 2024 following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four games take in three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for a team that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM

The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool

The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action for a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient