Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a wide player with six finishes plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two games following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a backline without a shutout for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals than any other English player in the top flight this term having six and remains keen to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back needed as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten league games versus clubs currently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
