Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation focus due to a alleged £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their last two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit without a shutout since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside choice for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” commented the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this term on six and is keen to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals this season this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's team need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing sides at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against long balls and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured for his club over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
