Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to dinking a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation focus amid a alleged £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected from a winger with six finishes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined over their last two matches following an strong start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a backline without a goalless game for months could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker role.” Earning the final 42 caps several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and is eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club last year following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures include three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the league this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's team must have a consistent improvement to enter the league contest from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing long balls and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
