Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a alleged £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the media positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player with six goals plus three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate in their last two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he can continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English player in the top flight this term having six and will be keen to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven from their following ten Premier League matches versus teams at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent for his club in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient