Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for another clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his skills against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation attention amid a alleged £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the media preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an awkward spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who come in with successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate in their previous two matches after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a clean sheet for months might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he could give me,” stated the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional No 9 position.” Gaining the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English player in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has provided some comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five challenging years with Spurs, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's side need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, as well as a major upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures facing teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem while his second start over a short period in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A booking on Tuesday might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
