Premier League: ten key points to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a wide player with six goals and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games in their past two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a clean sheet for months might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this campaign with six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team recently after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With 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 one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance arises as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against clubs at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League win in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
