Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus following a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes and three assists and is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their previous two games following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a shutout since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally over every other English player in the top flight this campaign with six and will be eager to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures include three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores this season this season. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from here, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity emerges as seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches against teams presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured for his club in a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
