Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a attacker who has six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an tricky position, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their last two matches after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals compared to any English performer in England's top division this season with six and will be anxious to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four matches take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's squad must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
