Premier division: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his abilities against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a wide player with six goals and three helpers who is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth find themselves in an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined over their previous two fixtures after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a defence without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I know what he can give me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he can sustain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and will be eager to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad must have a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from their current spot, along with a major boost in performance, and a chance emerges with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing teams currently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury during his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
