Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column treatment due to a alleged £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their last two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I understand what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals compared to any English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and remains keen to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's display against long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
