Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this weekend


1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh battle

A Manchester reunion might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

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


Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slide

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column focus following a alleged ÂŁ65m buyout clause for his prospective January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their past two fixtures following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi MartĂ­nez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a clean sheet since August could be the ideal solution.

Bournemouth against 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 multiple times during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and will be eager to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm


The full-back crucial as creator and goalscorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' next four fixtures feature three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season so far. Danger looms for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock


5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds

The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a major upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level over four weeks following a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient

Richard Goodman
Richard Goodman

Lena is a tech journalist and AI researcher passionate about demystifying complex technologies for a broad audience.