Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a new encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet with Chelsea following his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a ideal grounded ball. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the speed at which circumstances change. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column focus due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 combined in their last two fixtures following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defence lacking a goalless game for months could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The striker a left-field option for the Three Lions
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Despite not being familiar with him, I know what he could provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally than any other English player in the Premier League this term having six and is keen to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year after five difficult years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied 10 assists last season. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three among the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to deliver for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The manager's side must have a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, as well as a major upturn in results, and a chance emerges with seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures against sides at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not featured in domestic action over four weeks having sustained a muscle issue while his second start over a short period in the Champions League win in Germany. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the upcoming World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match could have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient