Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well in west London after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation focus following a reported £65m escape clause for a potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined in their previous two fixtures after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defence lacking a shutout since August might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this term on six and remains eager to boost that total when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years in north London, has become a consistent pick, driving down the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. Fulham's next four matches feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season so far. A threat emerges for the club that have built a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a major upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their next 10 league games facing sides at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
