Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for a new clash
Another northwest showdown could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (all times GMT)
The winger key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full transfer speculation attention following a claimed £65m escape clause for a possible January departure, the tabloids preparing him for graduation from the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a wide player who has six finishes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team find themselves in an awkward spot, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven-one combined in their previous two games following an strong beginning to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season might be the ideal tonic.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
The striker a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he can offer me,” said the England boss. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the last of his 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he is able to maintain his scoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts additional strikes compared to any English performer in the Premier League this campaign having six and will be eager to add to that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered a measure of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year after five tough years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, operating on the left due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period because of hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider in place of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. Fulham's following four games take in three of the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine strikes in the Premier League this season. A threat emerges for the club that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority in that game as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The manager's squad must have a sustained recovery to enter the title race from here, as well as a significant boost in performance, and opportunity emerges as seven out of their following ten Premier League matches against teams currently in the bottom half in the standings. The danger is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League triumph in Germany. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's loss by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
