Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before dinking a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side occupy an difficult position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their past two fixtures following an promising 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 defensive unit without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and will be eager to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's following four matches take in three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in four days in Europe win in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
