Premier division: 10 things to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one combined over their last two fixtures after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a backline that hasn't kept a shutout since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he can give me,” stated the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently following five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games feature three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs currently in the lower half of the table. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action for a month following a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe victory in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
