English top flight: 10 things to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an difficult spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate in their last two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for England
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he can continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this term with six and will be eager to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club in a month having sustained a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in continental competition win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
