Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation attention due to a alleged £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is joyous to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined over their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this campaign with six and is anxious to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team recently following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven from their next 10 league games against sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
