Premier League: ten key points to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete gossip column focus following a claimed £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable for a wide player with six finishes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he can give me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals over every other English performer in the Premier League this season on six and remains eager to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's next four games feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season this season. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten league games facing sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
