Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill focus following a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a attacker with six goals plus three setups and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their past two games following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit without a shutout since August could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he could offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in the top flight this term with six and will be anxious to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four games include three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their following ten league games facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action for a month following a groin injury when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
