Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch could be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well in west London after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his abilities in the Wolves match prior to the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before lofting a cross toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the former netted for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to halting Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire rumour-mill focus amid a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's middle class. This is understandable for a winger with six goals and three setups and remains joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an awkward situation, experiencing a form flip: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate over their past two matches following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa yet confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game for months could be the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even having met him, I am aware what he is able to provide,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he can sustain his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward can claim more goals compared to any English player in England's top division this season on six and will be keen to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his boyhood club last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left side due to the injury of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who registered 10 assists last time round. The Cottagers' next four games include three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine scores in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a side that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to perform for Liverpool
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from here, along with a significant upturn in results, and opportunity emerges with seven of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's display against direct play and quick transitions that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin injury during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday could have made him ineligible. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
