Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full gossip column attention following a claimed £65m release clause for a possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable for a winger with six finishes and three helpers and is joyous 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 arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their previous two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit without a shutout since August may prove the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the national team
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he could offer me,” said the England boss. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his scoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally compared to any English performer in England's top division this term with six and will be eager to add to that tally as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy opening. The left-sided player, who came back to his youth team recently after five tough years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four matches take in three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine goals in the Premier League to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion 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 inferiority on the day as they lost to their seventh loss in ten matches. Arne Slot's side must have a sustained recovery to muscle into the championship chase from here, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven from their following ten Premier League matches against sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second consecutive start in four days in Europe triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient