Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation attention amid a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a attacker with six finishes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a backline that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he could give me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign having six and remains anxious to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches include three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's side require a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second start in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
