English top flight: 10 things to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their last two matches following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English performer in England's top division this season with six and will be keen to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's next four games take in three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month following a groin problem during his second start in quick succession in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
