Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his potential winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an difficult position, experiencing a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one combined in their last two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a backline lacking a clean sheet since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he can give me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals over every other English performer in England's top division this term with six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team recently after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against teams currently in the lower half of the table. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
