Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh clash
A Manchester reunion might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to chipping a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a reported £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the media positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable from a attacker with six goals and three helpers and is delightful to watch. However, his side are in an difficult situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven-one over two games over their past two games after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break although the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term on six and will be keen to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back needed as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club last year after five challenging years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four games take in three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's squad must have a sustained recovery to enter the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their next 10 league games against teams at the moment in the lower half in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned as a substitute during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card in that match would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
