Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill focus due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two matches after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally over every other English performer in England's top division this term on six and remains keen to increase that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the league to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from here, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility arises as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
