Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to dinking a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the Argentine scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment due to a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. This is predictable for a winger who has six finishes and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth find themselves in an difficult situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one over two games in their previous two matches following an promising start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout since August could be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field option for England
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he can give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign with six and will be eager to increase that count as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a first-team fixture, driving down the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores this season so far. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from here, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance presents itself with seven of their following ten league games against sides currently in the lower half in the league. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing against long balls and quick transitions that is in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has not played at club level over four weeks following a groin injury during his second start in four days in the Champions League triumph abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his availability for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card in that match might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
