Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a wide player with six goals plus three setups and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their previous two matches after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes over every other English performer in the Premier League this campaign having six and remains keen to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures feature three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the league this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten league games against sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured at club level for a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient