Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a alleged ÂŁ65m buyout clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a attacker who has six finishes plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his side are in an difficult situation, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two games following an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline without a goalless game since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and remains anxious to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's team require a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus teams at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club over four weeks following a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
