Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well in west London after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a cross to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger vital to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m escape clause for a possible winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable from a wide player with six goals plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their past two fixtures following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout since August might be the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a surprise option for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without having met him, I know what he can provide,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this season with six and is eager to boost that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side last year following five difficult years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's upcoming four matches include three from the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league so far. Danger looms for a team that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches facing clubs presently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing versus long balls and counterattacks that is in focus. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month after picking up a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
