Premier division: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player with six goals plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an tricky situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their previous two games after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game for months could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field option for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this season on six and is keen to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team recently after five difficult years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four games take in three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient