Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill focus due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their past two games after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit without a goalless game since August may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a surprise choice for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he can give me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup if he can maintain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English footballer in England's top division this season having six and remains eager to add to that count when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently following five challenging years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three of the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures versus clubs presently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month having sustained a groin problem during his second start in four days in Europe victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card in that match would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
