Premier division: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus following a claimed £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a attacker with six goals plus three setups and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an awkward spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their last two fixtures after an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a clean sheet for months might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Having won the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim additional strikes than any other English player in the top flight this season on six and is keen to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from here, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility arises as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
