Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention due to a claimed ÂŁ65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a winger with six goals and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games in their past two fixtures after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi MartĂnez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English player in the top flight this term with six and will be keen to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back needed as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The ÂŁ125m striker has not featured for his club in a month after picking up a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
