Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention following a alleged £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their previous two matches following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside 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 although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I understand what he is able to provide,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes than any other English performer in the top flight this campaign having six and remains keen to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side recently after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the league to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a significant upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against clubs presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played at club level for a month following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient