Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from the Red Devils and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto blended electric speed with a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former found the net for United in their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full gossip column treatment following a reported £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the gossip columns preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable for a winger who has six finishes plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an difficult situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their last two matches following an strong start to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit without a clean sheet for months might be the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It was interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton striker turns 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I know what he can provide,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup provided he is able to sustain his goal-getting exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim additional strikes than any other English performer in England's top division this campaign on six and is eager to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year after five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The issue? With two goals, he is their joint-top scorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has bagged once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also needing to deliver as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine scores this season this season. A threat emerges for a team that have developed a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they fell to their seventh loss in ten matches. The manager's team require a consistent improvement to enter the championship chase from their current spot, along with a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their upcoming ten league games against clubs currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's display versus direct play and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League victory in Germany. Isak returned off the bench during Sweden's reverse to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match could have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
