Premier division: 10 things to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another battle
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes and three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky spot, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their previous two matches after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a shutout for months might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field option for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” stated the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he can sustain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and is keen to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year after five tough years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four games feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the league so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from here, along with a major boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent for his club in a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
