Premier League: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their past two games following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline without a shutout for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise choice for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he can sustain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes than any other English player in the Premier League this term having six and remains keen to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league so far. A threat emerges for the club that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten league games against teams currently in the lower half of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not played at club level in a month having sustained a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
