Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch may 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 following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible winter exit, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their last two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is anxious to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side recently following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left 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. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four games take in three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches against teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
