Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former scored for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the complete transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m escape clause for his potential winter exit, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a wide player who has six goals plus three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their past two fixtures following an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defence without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward reaches 35 soon. “Despite not being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English footballer in the top flight this campaign on six and remains eager to boost that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his boyhood club recently following five challenging years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their leading marksman in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three among the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance arises as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not featured at club level for a month having sustained a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in the Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in the Swedish defeat by Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
