Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a new encounter
Another northwest showdown could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from Manchester United and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment amid a alleged £65m release clause for a potential winter exit, the media positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected for a winger who has six goals plus three assists who is pleasurable to watch. However, Bournemouth find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their previous two matches after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa however taking on a defence lacking a clean sheet for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” commented the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals compared to any English player in the top flight this campaign with six and remains eager to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently after five tough years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four games feature three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season so far. Danger looms for a side that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. Arne Slot's squad need a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, as well as a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures against teams at the moment in the lower half in the standings. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains under scrutiny. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club for a month after picking up a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in Europe win abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber versus Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution on Tuesday might have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
