Premier League: ten key points to watch for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment amid a claimed £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an awkward spot, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their last two matches after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox striker role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals over every other English performer in England's top division this campaign having six and remains keen to boost that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four matches feature three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a significant upturn in results, and the possibility arises as seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing sides presently in the lower half in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against long balls and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe victory in Germany. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
