Premier League: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new battle
A Manchester reunion might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus due to a claimed ÂŁ65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable from a winger who has six goals and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their past two matches following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet facing a defence lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. âDespite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he can give me,â commented the England manager. âHe can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker position.â Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season on six and will be keen to increase that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team recently after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four fixtures take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's squad need a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance against long balls and counterattacks that will be in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
