Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus following a claimed £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a winger who has six goals and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team occupy an tricky spot, experiencing a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their previous two fixtures following an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he can provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes over every other English performer in England's top division this term on six and remains anxious to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side recently after five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four matches include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from here, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches versus clubs at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action for a month following a groin problem while his second start in quick succession in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
