Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation focus due to a claimed £65m escape clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable for a attacker who has six finishes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate over their past two fixtures after an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit lacking a goalless game for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field shout for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he is able to provide,” said the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional striker role.” Having won the final 42 caps several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign with six and is eager to add to that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon required as playmaker and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team recently after five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their leading marksman this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three of the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the league so far. A threat emerges for the club that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from this position, plus a major upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that will be under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action in a month following a groin problem when making his second consecutive start in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday could have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
