Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before chipping a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment due to a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable for a attacker with six finishes plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their past two matches after an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a defensive unit that hasn't kept a shutout since August may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term with six and will be eager to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from here, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven of their next 10 league games facing teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured for his club in a month having sustained a groin injury during his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but sat out the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
