Premier division: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation treatment amid a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is predictable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their previous two fixtures after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a defence lacking a clean sheet since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker position.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and is keen to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five difficult years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches feature three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the league to date. Danger looms for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team need a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not played for his club in a month after picking up a groin problem during his second start over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
