Premier League: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column attention following a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, his team find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate over their last two fixtures following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defence without a clean sheet since August could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he is able to offer me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English performer in the top flight this term on six and remains anxious to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures take in three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad must have a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the bottom half in the league. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action for a month following a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe victory in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
