Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the media setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is to be expected from a wide player who has six goals and three helpers and is delightful to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games in their last two matches after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English player in the top flight this term on six and is anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four games include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for a side that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's squad need a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from this position, plus a major upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus clubs currently in the lower half of the table. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against aerial passes and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured at club level over four weeks following a muscle issue while his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A booking on Tuesday would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient