Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists who is joyous to watch. However, his side are in an tricky spot, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their last two matches following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field option for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals compared to any English performer in the top flight this term with six and is anxious to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five difficult years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a consistent improvement to enter the title race from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches against clubs presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
