Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill focus due to a alleged £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a winger with six finishes plus three setups who is delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward situation, having engaged in a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games in their last two games following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign with six and is eager to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five difficult years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals this season this season. A threat emerges for a team that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
