Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English player in the Premier League this term with six and remains keen to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's side need a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten league games facing sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury during his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win abroad. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
