Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to chipping a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus due to a reported £65m buyout clause for a prospective winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an difficult situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their past two games after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional striker position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally over every other English performer in the top flight this season on six and will be anxious to increase that count as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team recently following five challenging years in north London, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four games take in three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores this season to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from here, as well as a significant boost in performance, and the possibility arises as seven of their following ten Premier League matches facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that remains in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second start over a short period in Europe win abroad. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
