Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Walker faces Garnacho set for a new battle

A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)

2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide

Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation attention following a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a winger with six goals and three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games in their past two games following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a shutout since August might be the best solution.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England

It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Having won the final 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally over every other English performer in the top flight this term on six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm

4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four matches include three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club

The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility arises as seven from their following ten league games against teams currently in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus long balls and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club in a month after picking up a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient