Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their previous two fixtures after an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence that hasn't kept a shutout for months may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” said the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can maintain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this season having six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures take in three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to perform for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's side must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from here, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against sides at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus long balls and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month following a groin problem while his second start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
