Premier League: ten key points to watch for this weekend

Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle

Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right prior to lofting a ball across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.

Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)

Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline

Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus following a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their previous two fixtures following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit lacking a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect remedy.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM

The striker an outside option for the national team

It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals over every other English footballer in the Premier League this campaign having six and will be anxious to boost that count as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.

Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM

4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for the club that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM

5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Merseyside club

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's team must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from this position, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and a chance presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing clubs presently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action in a month following a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient