Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill attention amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a winger with six goals and three setups who is delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their previous two matches after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence without a shutout since August may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he can sustain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this term on six and remains anxious to boost that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's squad must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent for his club for a month following a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
