Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment due to a reported £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the media positioning him for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side find themselves in an awkward spot, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one combined in their last two games after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the perfect tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
3. Welbeck a surprise shout for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I know what he can give me,” stated the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes compared to any English performer in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to boost that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The full-back needed as creator and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side last year following five difficult years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups last season. Fulham's next four games include three from the leading five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the league to date. Danger looms for a team that have developed a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's team need a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from this position, plus a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches versus teams presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against direct play and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action for a month following a muscle issue while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed Tuesday's inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
