Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the media positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a winger with six goals plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an difficult spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games in their previous two fixtures after an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes than any other English performer in the Premier League this term with six and is keen to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
