Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column attention amid a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a wide player who has six goals and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. However, his team find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their previous two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English player in England's top division this season on six and will be eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured at club level over four weeks following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
