Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation attention due to a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their last two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for the national team
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this season with six and will be eager to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against teams presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
