Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their previous two matches after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and is eager to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four games include three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores this season this season. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures versus sides currently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against direct play and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
