Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a attacker who has six goals and three assists and is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, experiencing a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their past two matches following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit without a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a surprise choice for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes over every other English performer in the top flight this term with six and remains eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back required as assist provider and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the league so far. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's side must have a consistent improvement to enter the title race from this position, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
