English top flight: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment following a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team occupy an awkward spot, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two games following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he can give me,” commented the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals compared to any English performer in the Premier League this season with six and will be eager to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from this position, plus a significant upturn in results, and a chance emerges as seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the lower half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second start over a short period in Europe victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
