Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Manchester United and demonstrated his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed blistering pace and a flawless low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a reminder of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire transfer speculation attention due to a reported £65m buyout clause for his possible winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is predictable for a attacker with six finishes and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an tricky position, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth are down seven-one on aggregate over their past two games after an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a defence lacking a goalless game for months could be the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The striker an outside shout for England
It proved notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he is able to offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very conventional striker role.” Earning the most recent of his 42 England games several years ago, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be selected for the World Cup if he manages to continue his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts more goals compared to any English performer in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to increase that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has offered some comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team last year following five challenging years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left flank with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer this season together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has netted one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as a creator replacing Robinson, who registered ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four fixtures feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals this season to date. A threat emerges for a team that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to a seventh defeat in ten matches. The coach's squad need a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from here, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance emerges as seven out of their following ten league games versus teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance against direct play and counterattacks that will be under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin injury when making his second start over a short period in Europe win in Germany. Isak returned from the bench in the Swedish reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
