Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the former netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes and three setups who is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker role.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English performer in the top flight this campaign with six and remains eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four matches include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, plus a significant upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient