Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m release clause for a possible mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, his team are in an awkward spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games over their previous two fixtures following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a backline lacking a goalless game since August may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his goalscoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season with six and is keen to add to that count when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his former side recently after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed merely nine goals this season so far. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to enter the league contest from this position, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself as seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has not featured for his club in a month following a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient