Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill focus due to a alleged ÂŁ65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the media positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined in their last two fixtures following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi MartĂnez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence lacking a goalless game since August could be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and will be keen to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back required as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, as well as a major upturn in results, and the possibility arises with seven out of their upcoming ten league games against clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played at club level in a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition win abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
