Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable from a wide player with six goals and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their past two games after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English footballer in the Premier League this term having six and is eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four matches include three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their next 10 league games facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action in a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win in Germany. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
