Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a attacker who has six goals and three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two matches after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he can give me,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes than any other English player in the Premier League this term on six and is anxious to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven out of their following ten league games facing teams currently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against long balls and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
