Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention amid a claimed £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a winger with six finishes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their past two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a shutout since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term on six and is keen to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from their current spot, along with a significant boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against clubs currently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against direct play and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
