Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable for a attacker who has six finishes and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an awkward position, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their last two games following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a shutout for months could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for England
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he could offer me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and remains anxious to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their following ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the lower half in the league. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
