Premier League: 10 things to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their last two matches after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker role.” Earning the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can continue his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally over every other English performer in England's top division this season with six and is keen to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's team require a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
