Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention following a reported £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected from a winger who has six goals plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their last two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence without a shutout since August may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English footballer in the top flight this season with six and is keen to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five tough years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the lower half in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured for his club in a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
