Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their previous two games following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English player in England's top division this term having six and is anxious to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year after five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from this position, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility arises as seven of their following ten Premier League matches against clubs presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
