Premier division: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before dinking a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two fixtures after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he manages to continue his goal-getting exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and is keen to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team recently after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, as well as a major upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven of their upcoming ten league games facing sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
