Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a wide player with six goals plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. However, his side occupy an awkward spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their past two games following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker role.” Gaining the final 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally over every other English player in England's top division this term with six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five tough years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches take in three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and quick transitions that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
