English top flight: ten key points to look out for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an awkward position, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate over their last two games following an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however facing a defence without a goalless game since August might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field shout for the national team
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox centre-forward position.” Earning the final 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he can maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this campaign having six and is keen to increase that count when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a major upturn in results, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing clubs at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that will be in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not featured for his club for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
