Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column attention following a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective winter exit, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a wide player who has six goals and three assists who is delightful to watch. However, his side occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their last two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a goalless game for months could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he can provide,” said the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can continue his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally compared to any English player in England's top division this season having six and will be anxious to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club recently following five difficult years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's side need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus clubs at the moment in the lower half in the league. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured for his club in a month following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
