Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m buyout clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a winger who has six finishes and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their previous two matches after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally over every other English performer in the Premier League this season with six and is eager to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four matches take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the league this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action in a month after picking up a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start over a short period in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
