Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their last two matches after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a surprise choice for the national team
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this campaign with six and is eager to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side recently after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four games include three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores this season to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant boost in performance, and the possibility arises as seven of their following ten league games facing clubs at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action in a month following a groin problem while his second start in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient