Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for another battle
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column focus following a alleged £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the media setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a wide player who has six finishes and three assists and is joyous to watch. However, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their previous two fixtures following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline without a clean sheet since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has additional strikes over every other English performer in England's top division this season with six and is anxious to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year after five difficult years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator in place of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures include three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine scores in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's team must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity emerges with seven of their next 10 league games versus teams currently in the bottom ten in the league. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played for his club in a month following a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
