Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective winter exit, the media setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a wide player who has six goals plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his team are in an awkward position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their last two games following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a backline without a clean sheet since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he can sustain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals over every other English player in England's top division this campaign on six and remains keen to boost that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, along with a major upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their upcoming ten league games facing sides at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display against aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
