Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another battle
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column focus amid a alleged ÂŁ65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player with six finishes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult position, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their previous two games following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game since August might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this season on six and will be eager to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four matches include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus long balls and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a groin problem while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
