Premier division: 10 things to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger who has six goals plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, his side find themselves in an difficult position, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their last two matches following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence without a shutout for months could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this season with six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures feature three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores this season this season. Danger looms for a team that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for The striker to produce for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their following ten league games versus teams currently in the lower half in the league. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against long balls and fast breaks that remains in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played at club level over four weeks following a groin problem while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
