Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another encounter
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable for a winger who has six finishes and three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their past two matches after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for the national team
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this season having six and is keen to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four games take in three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from their current spot, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their following ten Premier League matches versus teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
