Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games in their last two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but taking on a backline without a clean sheet for months might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field option for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he could give me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English footballer in England's top division this term on six and remains eager to boost that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for The striker to perform for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their following ten league games facing sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing long balls and fast breaks that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club over four weeks following a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
