Premier division: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a alleged £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes and three assists who is joyous to watch. However, his side occupy an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their previous two games after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside option for England
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he is able to offer me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term on six and is eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus teams at the moment in the lower half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against aerial passes and quick transitions that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
