Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment following a alleged £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, his side are in an tricky situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate over their previous two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however taking on a defence that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is eager to increase that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who returned to his former side last year following five difficult years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season alongside 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 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the title race from here, plus a significant improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven from their upcoming ten league games against sides at the moment in the lower half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe win in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
