Premier division: ten key points to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new battle
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column attention following a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an tricky situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their previous two games after an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season having six and will be anxious to increase that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five tough years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four matches feature three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's squad must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing sides presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second start over a short period in the Champions League win in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
