Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle
Another northwest showdown could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the media setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected for a wide player with six goals and three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined in their last two games after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit lacking a shutout for months may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign on six and will be anxious to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year following five difficult years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven out of their next 10 league games versus teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks following a groin problem during his second start over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
