Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games in their previous two games after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline lacking a shutout for months may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field choice for the national team
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he could offer me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this term having six and remains keen to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently following five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four games take in three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to enter the title race from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
