Premier League: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m release clause for his possible winter exit, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected from a winger with six goals plus three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky position, having undergone a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their past two matches after an strong start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa but taking on a defence without a goalless game since August might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for England
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he can continue his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim more goals over every other English performer in the Premier League this campaign on six and is keen to boost that tally when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently following five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three of the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league so far. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The manager's squad need a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from here, plus a significant improvement in form, and opportunity arises as seven out of their next 10 league games versus clubs currently in the bottom half of the table. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured at club level for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
