Premier division: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new battle
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill focus following a reported £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a winger who has six finishes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined in their previous two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a goalless game since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could give me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals over every other English footballer in England's top division this season with six and will be anxious to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four games feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a significant improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven of their following ten league games versus sides presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
