Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes and three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their last two matches after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a shutout for months may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he can give me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this term on six and remains keen to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four games take in three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a significant upturn in results, and opportunity emerges as seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against teams presently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem during his second start in four days in continental competition win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient