Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a winger with six goals and three assists who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their previous two matches following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game for months may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he could offer me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English performer in the Premier League this campaign with six and will be keen to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three among the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's side require a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from here, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their next 10 league games versus clubs at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury during his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
