Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a attacker with six finishes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two games after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I understand what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals over every other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and is anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided some positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from their current spot, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven of their following ten league games facing teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level for a month following a muscle issue during his second start over a short period in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
