English top flight: 10 things to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former netted for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a winger who has six goals and three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their last two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could give me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and will be keen to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side last year after five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches versus clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
