Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a wide player with six finishes plus three assists who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their last two games after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally over every other English player in England's top division this term having six and will be keen to boost that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently after five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games include three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from here, as well as a significant upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten league games facing sides presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League triumph in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
