Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable from a wide player with six goals plus three assists who is joyous to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their previous two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence lacking a goalless game for months could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this season with six and is anxious to increase that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a major boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and counterattacks that will be in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
