Premier League: ten key points to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation treatment following a alleged £65m escape clause for a prospective mid-season move, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games in their past two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit without a shutout for months might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this season having six and is keen to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four games feature three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from this position, along with a major boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven of their upcoming ten league games against clubs at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
