English top flight: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before lofting a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a winger with six finishes plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an tricky position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two matches after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker position.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this term with six and will be keen to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for The striker to produce for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against teams currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
