Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for another encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column focus amid a reported £65m release clause for his potential January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. However, his side are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two matches following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defence without a goalless game for months might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he can provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this term with six and is eager to boost that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side recently after five challenging years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven from their next 10 league games against sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has been absent at club level for a month after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient