English top flight: 10 things to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus following a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their last two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet for months could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals compared to any English performer in the top flight this season with six and remains keen to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year following five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's following four matches include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven from their next 10 league games facing clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action in a month following a groin problem while his second start over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
