Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the former netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected for a attacker who has six finishes and three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined in their previous two fixtures following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term having six and is keen to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league so far. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's team need a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten league games versus sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
