Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation focus due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an difficult situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their previous two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this campaign having six and is anxious to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side recently following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's next four games include three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against clubs currently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display against long balls and counterattacks that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
