Premier division: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a new clash
A Manchester reunion may be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet in west London following his summer move from the Red Devils and showcased his skills versus Wolverhampton before the fixture pause. His key pass for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a flawless grounded ball. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside before lofting a delivery to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a reminder of how quickly things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? When the former netted for United in their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo vital to ending Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill treatment following a reported £65m escape clause for a prospective winter exit, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is to be expected for a attacker who has six goals plus three assists and remains delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth occupy an tricky spot, having undergone a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their previous two matches following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline without a shutout since August may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window even though the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” commented the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional centre-forward position.” Having won the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck may be selected for the World Cup assuming he can continue his goalscoring exploits. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally than any other English player in England's top division this term on six and will be anxious to increase that tally when Brighton host Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
The full-back needed as playmaker and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his boyhood club recently following five challenging years in north London, has emerged as a consistent pick, operating on the left side in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable until 2026 owing to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last season. Fulham's upcoming four fixtures feature three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season so far. A threat emerges for the club that have built a name for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to deliver for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they succumbed to their seventh loss in ten matches. The coach's side must have a prolonged upturn to muscle into the title race from here, as well as a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility emerges as seven out of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures versus clubs at the moment in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and counterattacks that will be under scrutiny. It is time that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a groin injury during his second start in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. Isak returned from the bench during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed Tuesday's meaningless match with Slovenia to secure his fitness for the World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match might have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
