Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another battle
Another northwest showdown could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a wide player with six goals and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their past two games following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a goalless game for months could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term having six and is anxious to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year following five challenging years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from here, plus a significant upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
