Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation attention following a alleged £65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their last two matches after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a goalless game for months might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can provide,” stated the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign with six and remains anxious to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition victory abroad. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
