Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo vital to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined in their past two games following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit lacking a shutout since August might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can provide,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional striker role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has additional strikes over every other English footballer in the Premier League this season on six and will be eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, as well as a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played for his club in a month following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in Europe victory in Germany. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday might have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
