Premier division: ten key points to look out for this weekend


Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash

A Manchester reunion could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to dinking a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)


2. Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's decline

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. It is understandable for a winger with six finishes and three assists and is delightful to watch. Still, his team occupy an tricky situation, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their last two matches following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a clean sheet since August may prove the best remedy.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM


Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions

It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 next week. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he can maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals over every other English player in the top flight this campaign having six and will be anxious to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm


The full-back needed as playmaker and finisher

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four games take in three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.

Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock


The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's team need a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from here, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven out of their following ten league games versus sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient

Ashley Skinner
Ashley Skinner

Maya is a tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.