Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine scored for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected for a winger with six goals plus three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit without a goalless game since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field choice for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes over every other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and will be anxious to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year after five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four games include three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not played at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
