Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus following a claimed £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the media positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their past two matches after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defence that hasn't kept a shutout since August might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he could give me,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this term on six and remains anxious to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team recently after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's side require a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
