Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation focus due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a winger who has six finishes and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their last two matches after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this term with six and remains anxious to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team recently following five difficult years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four matches include three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their following ten league games facing teams presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
