Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment due to a reported ÂŁ65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a winger who has six goals and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team are in an difficult spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games over their past two matches after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi MartĂnez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break even though the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he can give me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he can maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in the top flight this season on six and is keen to increase that count as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back required as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven from their following ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus long balls and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The ÂŁ125m striker has not featured at club level for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
