Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an awkward position, having undergone a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their last two matches after an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defence that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional striker position.” Earning the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals over every other English player in the Premier League this campaign having six and is eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team recently following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores in the league this season. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's side need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against sides at the moment in the lower half in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and quick transitions that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin injury when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League triumph abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
