Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill treatment due to a alleged £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a attacker who has six goals plus three assists and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their past two fixtures following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he can sustain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and remains anxious to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five difficult years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games include three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine goals in the league so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their following ten league games against sides currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a groin problem during his second start in four days in continental competition triumph in Germany. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
