Premier division: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another encounter
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column attention amid a claimed £65m buyout clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a wide player with six goals and three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate over their past 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 by Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a goalless game for months could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for England
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I know what he is able to give me,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the final 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes compared to any English player in England's top division this term with six and is keen to add to that total as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores in the league this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's side need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from this position, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin injury while his second start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
