English top flight: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an difficult position, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their last two games following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally compared to any English performer in England's top division this season having six and will be keen to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing teams currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
