Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster scored for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus due to a alleged ÂŁ65m escape clause for a potential January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a winger who has six finishes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games over their past two matches after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a goalless game for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he can sustain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and remains eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from this position, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility arises as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against clubs currently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is clear from 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 display against long balls and fast breaks that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The ÂŁ125m striker has been absent in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
