Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before lofting a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a wide player with six goals and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their last two games after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline without a clean sheet for months may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I know what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English player in the top flight this campaign having six and remains anxious to boost that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals this season so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's side must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten league games facing teams at the moment in the lower half of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display against long balls and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
