Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh battle
A Manchester reunion could be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his talents versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a cross toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? When the youngster found the net for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation focus following a alleged £65m release clause for his potential January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation out of the Premier League's middle class. This is predictable for a wide player who has six finishes and three setups who is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an tricky spot, experiencing a body swap: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined over their past two games after an impressive beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa yet facing a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It was notable to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the international break even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I know what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional No 9 role.” Having won the last of his 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup provided he can maintain his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts additional strikes compared to any English player in the Premier League this term having six and remains eager to increase that tally as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
The full-back needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches take in three from the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine scores in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in 10 games. Arne Slot's squad need a consistent improvement to enter the title race from here, along with a major improvement in form, and the possibility presents itself with seven from their following ten top-flight fixtures versus teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club in a month having sustained a muscle issue while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
