Premier division: 10 things to keep an eye on this round of fixtures


Walker faces Garnacho ready for another battle

Another northwest showdown might be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved moving onto his right before lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus HĂžjlund, was a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the former netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.

Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)


Antoine Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation focus following a alleged ÂŁ65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the media setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected from a winger with six goals and three helpers and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an awkward situation, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined over their previous two fixtures following an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi MartĂ­nez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa yet taking on a backline without a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal tonic.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock


Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the national team

It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional No 9 role.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be on the plane for the World Cup provided he can sustain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes over every other English player in the Premier League this campaign with six and is eager to boost that count when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock


The full-back required as creator and scorer

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some warmth to Fulham's bumpy opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side last year after five tough years in north London, is now a regular starter, operating on the left side with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. RaĂșl JimĂ©nez, their leading man last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.

Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM


5. Time for Isak to produce for Liverpool

The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, along with a major improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven of their upcoming ten league games facing sides presently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver in a Liverpool shirt. The ÂŁ125m striker has not played at club level over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared as a substitute in the Swedish loss by Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's meaningless match versus Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient

Brian Nguyen
Brian Nguyen

A professional blackjack strategist with over a decade of experience in casino gaming and mathematical analysis.