Premier League: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for another battle
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet with Chelsea following his off-season signing from Manchester United and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The previous occasion Garnacho encountered Walker? During the former found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention due to a claimed £65m escape clause for a potential winter exit, the tabloids positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is to be expected for a wide player who has six finishes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side are in an awkward position, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their previous two games after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa but facing a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside option for the national team
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break although the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Despite not knowing him, I know what he can offer me,” said the England coach. “He can be a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals over every other English player in the top flight this campaign with six and remains keen to add to that total as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
The full-back required as assist provider and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side recently following five challenging years at Tottenham, has become a regular starter, operating on the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he remains their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four fixtures include three among the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine scores in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a side that have earned a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side need a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from here, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself as seven from their following ten Premier League matches facing clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and quick transitions that will be under scrutiny. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club in a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
