Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Manchester reunion may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield before chipping a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former found the net for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation treatment amid a alleged £65m escape clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an awkward situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games in their previous two matches after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a shutout for months could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I understand what he could give me,” stated the England coach. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals than any other English player in the Premier League this season on six and will be anxious to increase that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer in the last term, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten league games against sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe victory in Germany. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
