Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their past two fixtures following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals over every other English player in England's top division this term having six and is anxious to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club recently following five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten league games facing sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against long balls and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent for his club for a month following a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
