Premier League: ten key points to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m buyout clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a attacker with six finishes and three setups and is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an tricky situation, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two fixtures following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit lacking a goalless game in the league since the start of the season could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker an outside choice for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the international break although the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he can give me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite conventional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes compared to any English footballer in England's top division this season on six and will be keen to increase that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's team need a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against aerial passes and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month following a muscle issue while his second start over a short period in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking during the game would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
