Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a wide player who has six goals and three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky position, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their last two games after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit without a shutout for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes than any other English performer in England's top division this season with six and remains keen to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus direct play and fast breaks that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks following a groin problem during his second start in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
