Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column treatment amid a alleged £65m release clause for a potential January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes and three assists who is delightful to watch. However, his team occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their previous two games following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
3. Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker reaches 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he can give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in the Premier League this campaign on six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year after five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has scored once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three of the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a team that have built a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's side require a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from this position, along with a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven out of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs presently in the lower half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat on the champions the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
