Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation treatment following a reported £65m buyout clause for his prospective winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected from a wide player with six finishes and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an tricky spot, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two matches after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August could be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton attacker reaches 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can give me,” stated the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this term with six and is eager to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's team need a sustained recovery to enter the title race from here, plus a significant upturn in results, and the possibility arises with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action over four weeks following a groin problem when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
