Premier League: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation treatment due to a reported £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a winger who has six finishes plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side occupy an awkward position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 over two games in their previous two games following an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline lacking a clean sheet since August might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup if he can sustain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this term with six and remains anxious to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his former side last year after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker in the last term, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a side that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for The striker to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a major upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing teams currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action for a month following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match might have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
