Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their past two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a backline without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” stated the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and will be eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back crucial as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer 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 the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from their current spot, as well as a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display against aerial passes and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second start over a short period in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
