Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man has started to settle with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his talents against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete transfer speculation focus amid a reported £65m buyout clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a winger with six finishes and three assists and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 combined in their past two matches after an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but facing a backline lacking a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he manages to maintain his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this campaign on six and is keen to add to that count as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some warmth to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who came back to his youth team recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches include three among the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for The striker to deliver for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The coach's squad require a consistent improvement to muscle into the title race from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a loss at Anfield to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display when facing long balls and counterattacks that will be in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action for a month after picking up a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition win in Germany. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested the subsequent meaningless match with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
