Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before dinking a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention following a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a attacker with six finishes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their last two games after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker position.” Having won the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English player in England's top division this term having six and remains keen to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back needed as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four games include three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a major upturn in results, and the possibility arises as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
