Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new battle
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger vital to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a claimed £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a winger with six goals plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their past two games after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I understand what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English player in the top flight this campaign on six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
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 difficult years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four games feature three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second start in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
