Premier division: 10 things to watch for this round of fixtures


Walker faces Garnacho poised for another battle

A Manchester reunion might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from the Red Devils and demonstrated his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.

Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (start times GMT)


The winger crucial to halting Cherries' slump

Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill attention following a reported £65m buyout clause for his potential mid-season move, the tabloids preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. That is predictable from a winger with six goals and three setups and remains joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an tricky situation, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 on aggregate over their last two matches following an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa however confronting a defence without a clean sheet for months might be the ideal solution.

Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock


3. Welbeck a surprise shout for England

It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I know what he is able to give me,” said the England manager. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 international appearances in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he can continue his goal-getting feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term on six and remains keen to boost that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.

Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock


The full-back needed as creator and finisher

The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups last season. Fulham's upcoming four games take in three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine scores in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.

Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm


5. Time for Isak to perform for the Merseyside club

The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they lost to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from here, plus a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven from their upcoming ten league games versus sides currently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus aerial passes and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action in a month after picking up a muscle issue during his second consecutive start in quick succession in Europe victory in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A yellow card during the game might have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient

Derrick Graham
Derrick Graham

A seasoned sports analyst with over a decade of experience in betting strategies and odds analysis, passionate about helping bettors make informed decisions.