Premier division: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate in their last two games after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a backline without a shutout for months could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term having six and will be keen to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five difficult years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks following a groin problem while his second start over a short period in continental competition win abroad. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
