Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation treatment due to a alleged £65m escape clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an difficult situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their past two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign having six and will be keen to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team recently after five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's team must have a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, plus a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's display against aerial passes and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
