Premier League: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an awkward spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their previous two games after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field option for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” commented the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English footballer in the Premier League this term on six and is eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four fixtures feature three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for The striker to perform for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat in 10 games. The manager's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the championship chase from here, plus a major upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven out of their next 10 league games versus sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent for his club in a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe triumph in Germany. He reappeared from the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
