Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention following a alleged £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field option for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can maintain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign with six and remains keen to boost that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven out of their upcoming ten league games against teams presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League win in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
