Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus following a reported £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an difficult position, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their previous two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence without a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise choice for the national team
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he can give me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English player in England's top division this term with six and is anxious to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes this season this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against teams presently in the lower half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
