Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a attacker with six finishes plus three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an awkward situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their past two matches after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English footballer in England's top division this term having six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league to date. A threat emerges for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven from their upcoming ten league games versus teams currently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient