Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes and three setups and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their previous two games following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a shutout since August may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes over every other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and will be keen to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team recently following five tough years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's team require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
