English top flight: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the former found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their previous two fixtures following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker an outside shout for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” stated the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this term having six and will be eager to boost that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year after five difficult years in north London, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four matches take in three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself as seven out of their following ten league games against teams at the moment in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has been absent at club level in a month following a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient