Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a attacker with six goals and three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their previous two matches after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he could offer me,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and remains anxious to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four games feature three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second start in quick succession in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
