Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a wide player who has six goals and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit without a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker position.” Having won the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes over every other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and remains anxious to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently following five difficult years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have earned a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that will be in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
