Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column treatment amid a claimed £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a wide player with six finishes and three helpers and remains delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an difficult situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games over their past two fixtures after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a goalless game since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally over every other English performer in England's top division this season with six and is eager to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's side require a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club in a month following a groin problem during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
