Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment following a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a winger who has six goals plus three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined over their past two fixtures following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a backline lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes over every other English player in England's top division this term with six and is eager to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's team require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity emerges as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
