Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill attention due to a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an difficult position, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined over their last two matches after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup if he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is keen to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year after five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures against teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second start over a short period in continental competition victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
