Premier League: ten key points to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is delightful to watch. However, his team are in an difficult position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their last two games following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defence without a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he can give me,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season on six and will be anxious to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven out of their upcoming ten league games against clubs at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
