Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate over their previous two matches following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game since August could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he can sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in the top flight this term on six and remains eager to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display against long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin problem during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
