Premier League: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion might be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete gossip column attention following a alleged £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their last two matches following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defence without a goalless game for months might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he can give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can continue his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes than any other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and will be eager to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four games include three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes this season to date. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's team must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, plus a significant upturn in results, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing long balls and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club for a month following a groin injury during his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
