Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend


1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new encounter

A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)


2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their last two fixtures after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout for months could be the perfect solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock


The striker a surprise choice for the Three Lions

It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I understand what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in the Premier League this term with six and is keen to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM


4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer

Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm


The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool

The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's squad require a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient

Jason Pacheco
Jason Pacheco

Elena is an astrophysicist and AI researcher who translates complex space data into captivating visual stories.