Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the former found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a attacker with six goals and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate over their last two games following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals than any other English player in England's top division this campaign on six and will be anxious to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years in north London, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals this season this season. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
