Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho set for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a cross to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the pace with which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill treatment due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a winger who has six goals and three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult position, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one combined in their last two fixtures following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit without a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I understand what he can give me,” stated the England boss. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals than any other English footballer in the Premier League this term having six and remains eager to increase that total when Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently following five tough years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute in a creative role in place of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's side need a prolonged upturn to muscle into the league contest from here, plus a significant boost in performance, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures facing teams at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and fast breaks that remains in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not featured for his club over four weeks following a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution during the game would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
