Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes and three assists and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their last two fixtures after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defence without a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field shout for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign having six and is anxious to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a major upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
