Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another clash
Another northwest showdown may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a attacker with six goals and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their last two matches after an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a shutout since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in England's top division this term on six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's side require a sustained recovery to enter the title race from here, along with a major upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven of their following ten Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
