Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new battle
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment due to a alleged £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he can give me,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox striker position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes than any other English player in the top flight this campaign with six and will be anxious to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side recently following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a major upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself as seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures facing clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action in a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
