Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the former found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation attention following a reported £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a winger who has six finishes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their past two fixtures following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit lacking a goalless game since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
The striker an outside option for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this season with six and remains eager to increase that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the league so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's team require a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches versus sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and counterattacks that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in continental competition triumph in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
