Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable for a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an awkward position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their past two fixtures after an strong start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English performer in the Premier League this season on six and remains keen to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team recently following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four matches include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played at club level for a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
