Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable for a attacker with six finishes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an difficult situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their last two matches following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes over every other English footballer in England's top division this campaign with six and is eager to add to that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently following five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four matches include three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from here, along with a major boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action in a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
