Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His assist for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required moving onto his right before dinking a ball toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster scored for United during their cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire gossip column attention amid a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a winger who has six finishes and three setups and is delightful to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: now it's the struggling side West Ham who arrive with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven-one combined over their last two games after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss to Aston Villa however facing a backline that hasn't kept a goalless game since August could be the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck an outside shout for the Three Lions
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the national team window even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could provide,” said the England coach. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a very traditional No 9 position.” Having won the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goal-getting exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term on six and is keen to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back required as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently after five tough years in north London, has emerged as a regular starter, operating on the left with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their leading man in the last term, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. The Cottagers' next four matches take in three among the top five as well as Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for the club that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for Alexander Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies during the match as they lost to a seventh defeat in ten matches. Arne Slot's side need a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from here, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and the possibility arises with seven from their next 10 Premier League matches facing sides currently in the lower half of the table. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The expensive signing has not featured in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench in the Swedish loss to Switzerland but was rested the midweek dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A caution during the game would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
