Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another battle
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable from a attacker who has six goals plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side find themselves in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games over their past two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit without a shutout for months could be the best solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I am aware what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in England's top division this season with six and remains keen to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his boyhood club recently following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. Fulham's following four matches include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season this season. Trouble awaits for a side that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's team must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from this position, as well as a major improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing long balls and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a groin injury during his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish defeat against Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
