Premier division: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected for a attacker with six finishes plus three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Still, his side are in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their previous two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but taking on a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the international break although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup if he manages to continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English player in England's top division this season having six and remains keen to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year after five difficult years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four fixtures take in three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's side require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a significant boost in performance, and a chance presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the bottom ten of the table. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
