Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a alleged £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a wide player with six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his team are in an awkward position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two fixtures after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a backline without a goalless game for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field option for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign on six and is keen to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a significant boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten league games against teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
