Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a winger who has six goals and three setups and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games in their last two games after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a shutout since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to sustain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term on six and is anxious to increase that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches include three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a side that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side require a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus direct play and quick transitions that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second start in four days in Europe win in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
