Premier League: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column focus due to a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger with six goals plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit without a shutout for months may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he could give me,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes over every other English player in the Premier League this term with six and will be keen to boost that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's team must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from their current spot, along with a major upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played for his club in a month after picking up a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
