Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former 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)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their last two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I know what he is able to give me,” said the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the top flight this term on six and will be eager to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from here, along with a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven of their next 10 league games against clubs presently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
