Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column attention due to a claimed £65m release clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three setups who is joyous to watch. Still, his side occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two matches following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker a left-field choice for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this campaign with six and remains keen to increase that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three of the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's squad need a prolonged upturn to enter the championship chase from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches facing teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem when making his second start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient