Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a wide player who has six finishes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. However, his side occupy an awkward situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their previous two games following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game since August might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he could offer me,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English footballer in the top flight this term with six and is keen to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four games include three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against clubs currently in the lower half in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
