Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the former netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus due to a alleged £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable for a winger with six goals plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward position, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined in their past two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this term on six and will be anxious to increase that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side last year after five tough years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, operating on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games include three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the league this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from here, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
