Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus amid a claimed £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined in their last two games after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a goalless game since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he is able to give me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes over every other English player in the top flight this campaign on six and remains keen to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
