Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus following a reported £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a wide player with six goals and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team are in an difficult position, experiencing a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their previous two matches after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for England
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he could offer me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the top flight this campaign with six and will be eager to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes this season to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem when making his second start in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
