Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a attacker with six goals plus three setups who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an tricky position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their previous two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit lacking a goalless game since August could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Earning the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign on six and will be anxious to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back required as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven start. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes this season this season. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's team require a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven of their next 10 league games against sides presently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and quick transitions that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent for his club over four weeks following a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
