Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a flawless low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment following a claimed £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes and three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an awkward situation, having engaged in a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games over their past two matches after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I understand what he can offer me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and remains anxious to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five tough years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and opportunity arises as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against clubs presently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a home league defeat on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition victory in Germany. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
