Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former scored for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column attention amid a alleged £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult spot, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their last two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a defence without a shutout for months might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term with six and is anxious to boost that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games take in three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance arises as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus clubs currently in the lower half in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent for his club in a month having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League win in Germany. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
