Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another battle
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column focus following a alleged £65m escape clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a attacker with six finishes and three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his side occupy an difficult situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their last two matches after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he can give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and remains eager to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently after five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four matches feature three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine strikes in the league this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from here, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action over four weeks following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
