Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho set for a new battle
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible winter exit, the media positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a attacker with six goals plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an difficult situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their last two games following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It was intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in England's top division this term with six and remains keen to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season to date. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their next 10 league games facing sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
