Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster scored for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column attention amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains joyous to watch. However, his side are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their past two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this season with six and remains keen to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club recently after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores this season so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their following ten league games versus clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
