Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus due to a reported £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a winger with six finishes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his team occupy an difficult spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their last two games following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a shutout for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he could give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in England's top division this campaign on six and is keen to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club recently after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's team require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that will be in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
