Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus following a claimed £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their past two fixtures following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he could provide,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals than any other English player in the top flight this campaign with six and remains keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches take in three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's team must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major upturn in results, and a chance arises as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus direct play and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
