Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster scored for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill focus following a reported £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a winger who has six goals plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an difficult position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their last two games after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he could offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he can sustain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English footballer in England's top division this campaign having six and is keen to add to that count when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently following five tough years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's side need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing teams at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
