Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a winger who has six goals plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their last two matches following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker position.” Earning the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and remains keen to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four games feature three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second start in four days in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
