Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player with six goals plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their past two matches after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a backline without a shutout since August may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and remains eager to boost that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year after five tough years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four games include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores this season so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility arises as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides presently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
