Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger vital to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected for a wide player who has six goals and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their last two games following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he can give me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally over every other English player in the top flight this term with six and remains eager to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four games include three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven out of their next 10 league games against teams presently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
