Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is adapting well with Chelsea after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his talents versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his previous celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the pace with which things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho faced Walker? When the youngster found the net for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the full rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m escape clause for a possible mid-season move, the media setting him up for advancement out of the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a attacker with a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and is joyous to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an difficult position, having undergone a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 combined in their past two matches after an impressive opening to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a backline lacking a goalless game for months may prove the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even having met him, I know what he can give me,” said the England coach. “He can be a back-up for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward position.” Having won the final 42 England games back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad to the World Cup assuming he can maintain his scoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts additional strikes over every other English footballer in the top flight this season on six and will be eager to increase that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team recently following five tough years with Spurs, is now a consistent pick, pushing forward on the left flank due to the injury of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he remains their top goalscorer this season alongside Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer last season, has bagged once whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists last season. The Cottagers' following four fixtures include three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine strikes in the Premier League to date. Danger looms for a side that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side require a sustained recovery to force their way into the league contest from this position, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance presents itself as seven of their following ten league games against sides currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The risk is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to deliver a home league defeat to Liverpool last season, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has not played in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin injury during his second consecutive start over a short period in the Champions League triumph abroad. He reappeared off the bench during Sweden's reverse against Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
