Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for another clash
Another northwest showdown may be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and showcased his abilities against Wolves before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed shifting infield prior to chipping a delivery toward the far post. His goal reaction with Neto, echoing his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster scored for United in the cup final win over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus due to a claimed £65m buyout clause for a possible mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. This is predictable from a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three helpers and remains joyous to watch. Still, his team occupy an tricky situation, having engaged in a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined in their last two games following an impressive opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in their heavy loss by Aston Villa however taking on a defensive unit lacking a clean sheet for months may prove the best remedy.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
The striker a left-field choice for England
It seemed intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton forward celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I know what he could give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox centre-forward role.” Earning the final 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be in the squad for the World Cup if he can sustain his scoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal forward boasts a greater tally than any other English footballer in the Premier League this term having six and will be eager to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his youth team recently after five difficult years with Spurs, has emerged as a regular starter, driving down the left side in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man in the last term, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out for an extended period because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon needing to deliver in a creative role in place of Robinson, who provided ten helpers last season. Fulham's following four games take in three from the top five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league to date. Trouble awaits for a team that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
The moment for Isak to produce for the Reds
The controversy regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they lost to loss number seven in 10 games. The manager's team require a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, along with a significant upturn in results, and a chance arises with seven from their following ten Premier League matches versus sides currently in the bottom half in the standings. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a loss at Anfield to Liverpool last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance versus direct play and counterattacks that remains under the spotlight. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played in domestic action in a month following a groin problem while his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested the midweek inconsequential game versus Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match might have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
