Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before chipping a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a wide player with six goals and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games in their last two fixtures after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this term with six and is keen to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to enter the title race from their current spot, plus a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against sides at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display against aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent for his club for a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
