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


1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter

A Mancunian rematch may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)


2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, his team are in an tricky spot, having undergone a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one on aggregate in their previous two games following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but taking on a defence lacking a shutout for months might be the ideal remedy.

Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm


The striker an outside option for England

It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break although the Brighton striker reaches 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 role.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this term on six and is keen to increase that total when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM


Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer

The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's following four games include three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock


The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Merseyside club

The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's squad need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility emerges with seven of their upcoming ten league games facing teams currently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing direct play and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue during his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game against Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient

Brandon Fry
Brandon Fry

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in trend forecasting and market analysis across European markets.