Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker set for another encounter
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his talents in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a perfect grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to lofting a cross across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a testament of how quickly situations evolve. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
2. Semenyo key to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire rumour-mill attention due to a alleged £65m release clause for a potential mid-season move, the media preparing him for promotion from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a attacker who has six goals plus three setups who is delightful to watch. However, his team find themselves in an difficult spot, having engaged in a form flip: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who come in on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate in their past two matches following an impressive beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss by Aston Villa but confronting a defence that hasn't kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season may prove the ideal remedy.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” stated the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite conventional striker position.” Gaining the final 42 England games in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup provided he manages to maintain his goalscoring feats. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts more goals than any other English performer in the top flight this term on six and is anxious to add to that total as Brighton host Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon required as creator and goalscorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered a degree of comfort to Fulham's bumpy opening. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team last year following five challenging years in north London, has become a consistent pick, operating on the left flank with the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their top goalscorer in the Premier League as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last time round. The Cottagers' following four fixtures take in three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded merely nine goals in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for a team that have built a reputation for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Isak to produce for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings on the day as they fell to loss number seven in 10 games. Arne Slot's team need a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and a chance emerges as seven from their next 10 top-flight fixtures versus teams at the moment in the bottom half of the table. The threat is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a defeat on their own turf to the title holders the previous campaign, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and fast breaks that remains under the spotlight. It is time for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has been absent in domestic action for a month having sustained a groin injury when making his second start in four days in continental competition victory in Germany. Isak returned as a substitute in the Swedish loss against Switzerland but missed the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for next year's World Cup playoffs. A booking during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
