Premier division: ten key points to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a wide player with six finishes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their past two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 role.” Having won the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally over every other English player in the top flight this season on six and remains keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side recently after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures feature three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, plus a major upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured at club level for a month following a groin injury during his second start in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
