Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill treatment amid a alleged £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable for a attacker who has six goals plus three helpers and is delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an difficult position, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet facing a backline lacking a shutout since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise option for England
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is anxious to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side recently following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four games include three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season this season. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing teams currently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and quick transitions that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
