Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and displayed his skills against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster found the net for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full transfer speculation treatment following a claimed £65m buyout clause for a prospective January departure, the tabloids positioning him for graduation out of the Premier League's average tier. It is to be expected for a attacker with six finishes plus three helpers who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult position, having undergone a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their previous two games after an impressive start to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet taking on a defence lacking a shutout for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker an outside choice for England
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break despite the fact that the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker role.” Gaining the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he can continue his scoring exploits. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts a greater tally compared to any English player in the top flight this campaign on six and is eager to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. Fulham's following four fixtures feature three of the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals in the league this season. Danger looms for a side that have built a reputation for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's team require a sustained recovery to force their way into the title race from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises as seven of their upcoming ten Premier League matches against clubs currently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against aerial passes and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action for a month following a groin problem during his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested the subsequent dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his readiness for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card during the game could have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
