Premier division: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new clash
A Manchester reunion could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a ball toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus due to a reported £65m release clause for a prospective January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a attacker who has six finishes plus three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their last two games following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defence lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the national team
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I know what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals compared to any English player in the top flight this campaign on six and is keen to boost that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games feature three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for the club that have earned a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team must have a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from their current spot, as well as a significant upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven from their next 10 league games facing sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin injury while his second start over a short period in continental competition victory abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
