Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill focus amid a reported £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a attacker who has six finishes and three helpers and is joyous to watch. However, his team find themselves in an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their past two matches after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a backline without a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker an outside option for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he manages to maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English player in England's top division this season on six and will be eager to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club last year following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's team require a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, along with a major upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured for his club in a month following a groin injury while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League win in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
