Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another encounter
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one combined over their last two matches after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet facing a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game since August may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season on six and remains eager to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's next four fixtures include three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine scores in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven from their next 10 Premier League matches against teams presently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second start in four days in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient