Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column focus following a reported £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined in their last two fixtures after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to give me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this campaign with six and remains anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year following five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's side need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity arises with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
