Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the media setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their last two fixtures following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals compared to any English performer in England's top division this campaign on six and remains anxious to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team recently after five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from here, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus sides currently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not played for his club for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
