Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus due to a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable from a winger who has six finishes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their previous two fixtures after an strong start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to give me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he can maintain his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in the top flight this season on six and is keen to increase that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back needed as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's team require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against teams currently in the lower half in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks having sustained a groin problem when making his second start in four days in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
