Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an tricky position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their last two games following an promising opening to the campaign. 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 clean sheet since August could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker an outside shout for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” stated the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this season with six and remains keen to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back needed as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league so far. A threat emerges for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against clubs presently in the lower half in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second start over a short period in the Champions League win in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
