Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and is delightful to watch. Still, his team occupy an difficult position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their previous two games after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he can give me,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English footballer in England's top division this campaign on six and remains eager to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back required as assist provider and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five difficult years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, operating on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's team require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match might have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
