Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the former scored for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a attacker with six finishes plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their previous two matches following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a shutout since August might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” said the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this term having six and remains anxious to increase that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club recently following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's team require a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, along with a major boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures against teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing long balls and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe win abroad. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
