Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has six goals plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate over their past two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he could provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English footballer in England's top division this term with six and will be anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side need a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance emerges as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
