Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus following a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate over their previous two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a backline without a clean sheet for months could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he can provide,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes over every other English footballer in the top flight this campaign with six and remains anxious to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four matches include three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance emerges with seven out of their next 10 league games facing teams currently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured for his club over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
