Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new battle
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Manchester United and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto combined rapid acceleration with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before chipping a delivery across the goalmouth. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his previous embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho encountered Walker? When the Argentine netted for United during their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill focus amid a reported £65m escape clause for his possible January departure, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three assists who is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an difficult position, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with successive wins, while Bournemouth are down seven to one over two games over their past two games following 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 that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I know what he could give me,” said the England coach. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] in a quite conventional centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup if he is able to sustain his scoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally compared to any English performer in the Premier League this season with six and will be keen to boost that total when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of warmth to Fulham's uneven opening. The former Tottenham man, who returned to his former side recently after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer the previous campaign, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a surgical procedure. Sessegnon is also having to step up as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' following four matches take in three from the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from here, as well as a significant improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their following ten Premier League matches versus clubs currently in the lower half of the table. The danger is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The £125m striker has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start over a short period in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned from the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. A caution on Tuesday would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
