Premier League: ten key points to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. However, his side are in an difficult position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their past two games following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a defence lacking a clean sheet for months may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and is keen to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently after five tough years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's team must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, along with a significant upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten league games versus teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
