Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill attention following a reported £65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a attacker with six finishes plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult position, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined over their past two matches following an promising opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline lacking a goalless game for months may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 caps several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English player in England's top division this season with six and remains eager to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his former side last year after five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. Fulham's following four matches take in three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league so far. Danger looms for a team that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing teams presently in the lower half in the league. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against direct play and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played at club level in a month after picking up a groin problem during his second start over a short period in Europe triumph in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A caution in that match could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
