Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column focus following a claimed £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an awkward position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their last two matches following an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I know what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional striker role.” Gaining the final 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes than any other English player in the Premier League this term having six and will be anxious to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year after five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a significant boost in performance, and the possibility arises as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against clubs currently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured for his club in a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second start in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
