Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before dinking a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus due to a claimed £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected for a wide player who has six goals and three assists and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one combined over their last two fixtures after an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton striker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he could give me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this term having six and remains keen to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team require a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus teams presently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
