Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their previous two fixtures following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a defence without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside option for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he could give me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this season on six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and quick transitions that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
