Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the former found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is joyous to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their last two games following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise shout for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I understand what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals compared to any English player in the Premier League this season on six and will be eager to boost that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four games take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from here, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven out of their following ten league games versus clubs currently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus long balls and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League victory in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
