Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups who is joyous to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their last two fixtures following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a defence without a goalless game since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field shout for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox striker role.” Gaining the final 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can continue his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English player in the top flight this season with six and remains anxious to increase that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's following four games include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores this season so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven out of their following ten Premier League matches facing teams at the moment in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not played in domestic action in a month following a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
