Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the media preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an difficult spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their last two fixtures after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field shout for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he can maintain his goalscoring exploits. Once of 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 eager to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for a side that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from their current spot, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance emerges with seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing teams presently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month following a groin problem during his second start in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
