Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus amid a claimed £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an difficult spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their last two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could provide,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this term with six and will be keen to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for The striker to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's squad require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against teams currently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against aerial passes and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
