English top flight: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill focus due to a reported £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his team find themselves in an difficult position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games in their last two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes over every other English performer in England's top division this season with six and will be eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club in 2024 after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four matches feature three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their next 10 league games facing clubs currently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
