Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a wide player with six goals plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an awkward position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their previous two matches following an promising start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit lacking a goalless game since August could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the national team
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this term having six and will be eager to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back crucial as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the lower half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
