Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus following a reported £65m buyout clause for his potential winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his side are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their last two fixtures after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he could offer me,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally compared to any English player in England's top division this campaign with six and is keen to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently after five challenging years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display against long balls and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
