Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine scored for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column focus following a alleged £65m buyout clause for his potential January departure, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player with six finishes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their last two fixtures after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit without a clean sheet since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside option for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this term on six and is eager to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side recently after five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's squad need a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven from their following ten league games against sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured for his club in a month following a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in the Champions League victory in Germany. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
