Premier League: ten key points to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus following a reported £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected from a attacker with six finishes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. However, his side are in an difficult position, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games in their past two games following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a goalless game since August might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this term having six and will be eager to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team last year after five tough years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league so far. Danger looms for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second start in four days in the Champions League victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient