Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new battle
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to chipping a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the former found the net for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation focus due to a claimed £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a attacker with six finishes plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his side find themselves in an difficult situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined in their previous two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a backline without a goalless game since August could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he is able to provide,” stated the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he manages to continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the top flight this campaign with six and is keen to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club recently following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's side must have a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility arises as seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent at club level for a month following a groin injury while his second start over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
