Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus following a reported £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a winger with six goals plus three setups who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their previous two games after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year following five difficult years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven of their following ten league games versus clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played for his club for a month after picking up a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient