Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the former netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an tricky position, having undergone a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet facing a defence lacking a clean sheet for months may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field option for England
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English player in the top flight this season on six and is eager to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back required as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four matches include three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league to date. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from their current spot, as well as a dramatic improvement in form, and a chance emerges as seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month following a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
