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Walker faces Garnacho poised for another encounter

Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.

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

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2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined in their last two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence without a shutout for months might be the best solution.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

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Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions

It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he can offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this season with six and remains eager to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

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The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer

Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side in 2024 following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock

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5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds

The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from their current spot, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven of their upcoming ten league games against sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month following a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient