English top flight: ten key points to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation focus amid a claimed £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a winger with six goals plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. However, his team are in an awkward situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their last two matches after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a goalless game since August might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I understand what he is able to provide,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Earning the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally compared to any English performer in the top flight this term with six and is keen to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five tough years in north London, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's team must have a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from their current spot, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their next 10 league games facing sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action in a month following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
