Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a wide player with six finishes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their last two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a shutout for months may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker position.” Earning the final 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he can continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this term with six and is keen to boost that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. Fulham's following four games include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the league to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges with seven of their upcoming ten league games against sides currently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display against direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action in a month following a groin problem during his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph abroad. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient