Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh encounter
Another northwest showdown may be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the international break. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield before dinking a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? During the Argentine netted for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
The winger vital to ending Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment amid a reported £65m escape clause for his possible winter exit, the gossip columns positioning him for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. This is to be expected from a wide player who has six finishes and three helpers and is delightful to watch. Still, his team find themselves in an awkward situation, experiencing a body swap: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate over their previous two matches after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defence that hasn't kept a shutout in the league since the start of the season may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Despite not having met him, I am aware what he could offer me,” said the England manager. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite traditional No 9 position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup if he is able to maintain his scoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes than any other English footballer in the top flight this season with six and will be anxious to increase that tally when Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's inconsistent start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side recently after five tough years with Spurs, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? Having scored twice, he is their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their top scorer in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league to date. Trouble awaits for the club that have earned a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in 10 games. The coach's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, along with a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself with seven from their following ten league games facing clubs presently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield to the title holders in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and quick transitions that remains in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks following a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in quick succession in continental competition triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back as a substitute in Sweden's loss by Switzerland but sat out the midweek dead rubber versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
