Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention due to a alleged £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a winger who has six finishes and three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their past two games following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a clean sheet for months could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four matches include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven of their following ten Premier League matches against teams currently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level in a month following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
