Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes plus three assists and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an awkward situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined over their past two fixtures after an promising start to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet confronting a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” said the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals over every other English player in the Premier League this season with six and remains eager to boost that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten league games against teams at the moment in the lower half of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition win abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
