Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an difficult situation, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their past two games following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit without a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes over every other English performer in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to boost that count as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the league so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy 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 fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's team require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action in a month following a muscle issue while his second start in four days in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
