Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a attacker with six goals plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an difficult spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their past two fixtures following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a shutout for months could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window even though the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he can give me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals over every other English player in the top flight this season having six and will be eager to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team recently following five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season to date. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their next 10 league games against sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
