Premier division: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m release clause for his potential January departure, the media setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an awkward situation, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined over their previous two fixtures after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout since August may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this season on six and remains keen to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team last year following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores this season this season. Danger looms for a side that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from here, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity arises with seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing clubs currently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured at club level for a month having sustained a groin injury during his second start over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
