Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a wide player with six finishes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an awkward spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their past two games after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a goalless game since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in the top flight this season on six and is keen to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season so far. Danger looms for a team that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus teams presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
