Premier League: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new battle
A Mancunian rematch 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 after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to chipping a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the Argentine scored for United in the Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential mid-season move, the media preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a winger with six goals plus three helpers who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an awkward situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one over two games over their last two fixtures following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a backline without a clean sheet since August might be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field option for England
It seemed intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I understand what he could offer me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup if he is able to maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term on six and remains keen to boost that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back required as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's bumpy start. The left-sided player, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five challenging years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four games feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a side that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from their current spot, along with a major boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing teams presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance versus aerial passes and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin problem when making his second start in quick succession in the Champions League win abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
