Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another clash
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill focus due to a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a winger who has six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two games after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for England
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he could offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally over every other English footballer in England's top division this campaign with six and is eager to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their following ten league games versus clubs currently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
