Premier League: ten key points to look out for this round of fixtures


Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new encounter

A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a ball across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)


Antoine Semenyo key to halting Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column treatment amid a reported ÂŁ65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward spot, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their last two matches following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi MartĂ­nez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a defence without a shutout in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock


Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions

It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English player in England's top division this campaign having six and will be anxious to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM


4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and goalscorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team recently after five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the league this season. Trouble awaits for a team that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock


5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool

The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from this position, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against sides at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing direct play and quick transitions that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent for his club over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue during his second start in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient

Eric Olson
Eric Olson

A seasoned home renovation expert with over 15 years of experience in DIY projects and sustainable living.