Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus amid a alleged ÂŁ65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a attacker with six goals plus three assists and is joyous to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two matches after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes than any other English performer in the top flight this season on six and is eager to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four games feature three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity emerges as seven of their next 10 league games facing clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent for his club in a month following a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
