Premier division: ten key points to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster scored for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a winger who has six finishes and three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an difficult position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined over their last two games after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline lacking a shutout since August could be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a surprise option for the national team
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could give me,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally compared to any English performer in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back required as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team recently following five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played at club level over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue during his second start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
