Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another battle
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus following a reported £65m escape clause for his potential January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team are in an awkward situation, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their last two fixtures after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I know what he could give me,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this campaign with six and will be eager to add to that count as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team recently following five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches take in three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven from their next 10 league games facing clubs at the moment in the lower half of the table. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second start in quick succession in continental competition victory abroad. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
