Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill attention following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two games after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise choice for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker role.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this term having six and remains eager to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back required as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently following five challenging years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four games take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's squad require a sustained recovery to enter the title race from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven of their upcoming ten league games facing sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent for his club in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
