Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to lofting a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for his possible mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable for a wide player who has six goals and three assists and remains joyous to watch. However, his side are in an tricky position, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their last two matches after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit without a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” stated the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can sustain his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally than any other English player in the top flight this season having six and remains keen to boost that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his youth team last year after five challenging years in north London, has become a regular starter, operating on the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus sides presently in the bottom half of the table. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
