Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged ÂŁ65m buyout clause for a possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a winger with six finishes and three setups and remains joyous to watch. However, his team find themselves in an difficult situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their last two games following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi MartĂnez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a goalless game for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise shout for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I know what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes over every other English player in the top flight this season on six and will be keen to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club recently after five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility arises with seven from their upcoming ten league games against sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played at club level for a month after picking up a groin problem during his second start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
