Premier division: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his abilities against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a attacker with six goals plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate over their past two fixtures following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he can maintain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English player in the top flight this season on six and is keen to add to that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games feature three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores this season this season. A threat emerges for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second start in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
