Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former scored for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column treatment due to a alleged £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an difficult position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games in their past two matches after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit without a clean sheet since August might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign with six and remains anxious to increase that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven of their following ten league games against sides currently in the lower half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient