Premier division: ten key points to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the former netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his potential winter exit, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a attacker who has six goals and three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky spot, experiencing a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their previous two games after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defence without a clean sheet since August might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and remains keen to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
