Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m release clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a wide player who has six goals and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two games after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally compared to any English performer in the top flight this term with six and is keen to increase that count as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team recently after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four games include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten league games versus clubs currently in the lower half in the league. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured at club level in a month following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
