Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their last two games after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to give me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker role.” Earning the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in England's top division this term with six and will be eager to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year after five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four games feature three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against sides at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
