Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the former found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill focus following a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the media positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their last two fixtures after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English player in the top flight this campaign having six and is keen to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's team must have a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, plus a significant upturn in results, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures versus sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level for a month after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start in four days in Europe win in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
