Premier division: 10 things to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when Burnley's 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 Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a wide player who has six goals plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their past two matches after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this term on six and remains eager to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures feature three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league so far. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges with seven from their following ten league games versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent at club level for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
