Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a attacker who has six finishes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, his team find themselves in an difficult spot, experiencing a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two matches after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a backline without a clean sheet for months could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker position.” Having won the final 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes compared to any English performer in the Premier League this season with six and is keen to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. Fulham's following four games feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from this position, along with a significant boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing sides at the moment in the lower half in the league. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent for his club in a month following a groin injury during his second start over a short period in continental competition victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
