Premier League: ten key points to look out for this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column attention following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential January departure, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an awkward spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two matches following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit lacking a goalless game since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this season on six and will be keen to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league to date. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team require a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their following ten Premier League matches against clubs presently in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
