Premier division: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his talents against Wolves prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the media preparing him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable from a winger who has six finishes and three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky position, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit lacking a shutout since August could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The striker an outside shout for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 next week. “Without even being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this season with six and is eager to boost that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games take in three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a side that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from this position, plus a significant boost in performance, and opportunity arises with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the bottom ten of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient