Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
A Manchester reunion might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their last two fixtures after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a goalless game since August may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he can sustain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes than any other English footballer in England's top division this season on six and remains eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's following four matches include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for the club that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for The striker to perform for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
