Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh encounter
A Mancunian rematch may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The attacker is adapting well in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto required shifting infield before dinking a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? When the youngster found the net for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the complete rumour-mill attention due to a reported £65m release clause for a possible winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is understandable for a attacker who has six goals and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an tricky situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven to one on aggregate in their last two fixtures after an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline without a clean sheet since August may prove the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a surprise shout for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Even without knowing him, I know what he is able to give me,” stated the England manager. “He could serve as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a quite traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 England games in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck may be in the squad for the World Cup assuming he can maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this season with six and is eager to add to that tally when Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and goalscorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The 25-year-old, who came back to his former side recently following five challenging years in north London, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four matches feature three from the top five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the Premier League so far. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The occasion for Alexander Isak to perform for the Reds
The controversy about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's side require a consistent improvement to muscle into the championship chase from here, along with a dramatic boost in performance, and the possibility emerges as seven from their upcoming ten Premier League matches against sides currently in the lower half in the standings. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a defeat on their own turf to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing against long balls and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to show up wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured at club level in a month after picking up a groin injury while his second consecutive start in four days in continental competition triumph abroad. The striker came back off the bench in the Swedish defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match against Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
