Premier League: 10 things to watch for this matchday


Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash

Another northwest showdown may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)


2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus amid a alleged £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an awkward spot, experiencing a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their previous two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a defence without a goalless game for months could be the perfect tonic.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm


The striker a left-field option for the national team

It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in England's top division this campaign having six and will be keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm


4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four games feature three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock


The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club

The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's team need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, as well as a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is clear 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 performance against direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second start over a short period in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient

Kelly Hill
Kelly Hill

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