Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column attention following a reported £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger who has six finishes plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate over their previous two fixtures after an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he is able to offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup provided he can continue his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this season on six and is anxious to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, as well as a significant boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League win in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
