Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective winter exit, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a winger who has six finishes and three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined in their previous two fixtures after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a backline without a goalless game since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker an outside choice for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the international break despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 role.” Gaining the final 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup assuming he manages to sustain his scoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has a greater tally over every other English performer in England's top division this campaign with six and remains anxious to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back required as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided some warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his boyhood club last year following five tough years at Tottenham, is now a consistent pick, driving down the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also having to step up as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four games take in three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, plus a major upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven of their next 10 Premier League matches against sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a loss at Anfield on the champions the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against long balls and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent at club level for a month after picking up a groin injury during his second start in four days in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared from the bench in the Swedish reverse by Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game would have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
