Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new clash
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation focus due to a reported £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their last two fixtures after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” commented the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this season with six and is eager to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back needed as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores this season to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a major boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing clubs currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent for his club in a month after picking up a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
