Premier League: ten key points to keep an eye on this weekend
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet in west London after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column focus amid a alleged £65m escape clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has six goals plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate over their past two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but facing a defence lacking a clean sheet for months could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he can offer me,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes compared to any English performer in the Premier League this season with six and remains keen to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, 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 with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games feature three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's team must have a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against clubs presently in the bottom half in the league. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to secure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
