Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
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 at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills against Wolves before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable from a attacker who has six goals plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their previous two fixtures after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a goalless game since August could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes over every other English performer in England's top division this season having six and is eager to boost that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four matches take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the league so far. Danger looms for a team that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing teams presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
