Premier division: ten key points to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the former found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable for a wide player who has six goals and three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an difficult situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games over their last two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside option for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes over every other English performer in England's top division this campaign having six and remains anxious to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back required as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently after five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four matches take in three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season so far. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's side need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus sides presently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe win abroad. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient