Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster scored for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a reported £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their past two matches after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I know what he could give me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this term on six and will be eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four games feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's team need a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
