Premier League: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to chipping a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill focus amid a alleged ÂŁ65m buyout clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a winger who has six finishes plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games over their past two matches following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂnez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet since August could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he could give me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this campaign on six and remains anxious to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five tough years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from here, plus a major upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven from their following ten league games versus clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that will be in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The ÂŁ125m striker has not played for his club for a month following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
