Premier division: 10 things to look out for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho poised for a fresh clash
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right prior to dinking a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire transfer speculation focus amid a claimed ÂŁ65m escape clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected for a winger who has six finishes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their previous two matches after an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi MartĂnez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a backline that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside choice for the national team
It seemed notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he can provide,” commented the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward position.” Earning the last of his 42 England games back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker can claim a greater tally than any other English performer in the top flight this campaign on six and remains keen to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted once while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last time round. Fulham's next four games include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to muscle into the title race from here, plus a significant improvement in form, and the possibility emerges as seven from their following ten Premier League matches against sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and counterattacks that is under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The ÂŁ125m striker has been absent at club level over four weeks following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe victory at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
