Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new clash
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete gossip column focus amid a alleged £65m buyout clause for a possible winter exit, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is predictable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is delightful to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down 7-1 over two games over their past two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a backline lacking a goalless game for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise shout for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox No 9 position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goal-getting performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the Premier League this campaign on six and is eager to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his boyhood club recently after five tough years in north London, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores in the league to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool
The debate regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's team need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance emerges as seven of their next 10 top-flight fixtures against clubs presently in the lower half in the league. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, however it's not just Liverpool's showing against long balls and counterattacks that remains under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The £125m striker has not featured in domestic action for a month after picking up a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League win in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish reverse to Switzerland but missed the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
