Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a winger with six goals and three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their past two games after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence without a shutout since August could be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field choice for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he is able to give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season having six and will be keen to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side recently after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the league so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten league games versus teams presently in the lower half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and counterattacks that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in Europe victory in Germany. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
