Premier division: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two fixtures following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a goalless game since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he can continue his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and will be keen to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four matches include three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the league so far. Danger looms for a team that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from their current spot, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
