Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man has started to settle in west London following his summer move from Manchester United and demonstrated his talents versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, echoing his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the speed at which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the Argentine found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
The winger key to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for his potential winter exit, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's middle class. It is to be expected from a winger with six finishes plus three assists and is pleasurable to watch. However, his side find themselves in an tricky position, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their last two games after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout since August could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker an outside choice for the national team
It proved intriguing to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he could give me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very orthodox No 9 role.” Earning the last of his 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup assuming he is able to maintain his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals over every other English player in England's top division this season having six and remains anxious to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as assist provider and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side recently after five difficult years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, pushing forward on the left side due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon having to step up in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten helpers last season. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine scores in the league so far. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The occasion for The striker to perform for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's side need a sustained recovery to enter the league contest from here, along with a significant boost in performance, and opportunity presents itself with seven from their next 10 league games versus clubs at the moment in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing long balls and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action in a month having sustained a groin injury during his second start over a short period in continental competition win in Germany. He reappeared from the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's inconsequential game against Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
