Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column treatment following a reported £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the media positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups who is delightful to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field option for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and will be anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four fixtures feature three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level in a month following a muscle issue while his second start over a short period in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
