English top flight: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the former netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation focus following a reported £65m release clause for a possible mid-season move, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their last two matches after an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional striker position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally over every other English footballer in England's top division this campaign with six and remains eager to boost that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five challenging years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four matches take in three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition win abroad. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
