Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected from a wide player with six finishes and three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a goalless game since August could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker position.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English performer in the top flight this term having six and remains eager to add to that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back required as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year after 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 remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's upcoming four games include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league so far. Danger looms for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent for his club for a month following a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
