Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected from a winger with six goals plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Still, his team occupy an difficult spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their past two matches following an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a goalless game since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and will be keen to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently following five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals this season so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against teams currently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
