Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment following a alleged £65m release clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a wide player with six finishes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an tricky position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined over their previous two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a goalless game for months could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for England
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he can provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this term having six and will be anxious to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for The striker to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against teams presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second start over a short period in Europe win in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
