Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker set for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch might be in store when the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is adapting well with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his skills in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a perfect low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a cross to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the entire gossip column treatment due to a alleged £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the tabloids setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. It is predictable from a wide player with six goals and three helpers who is delightful to watch. Still, his side are in an difficult situation, experiencing a role reversal: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one over two games over their past two matches following an strong opening to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa but taking on a backline lacking a clean sheet in the league since the start of the season could be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise choice for the Three Lions
It seemed notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton attacker celebrates 35 soon. “Even without being familiar with him, I am aware what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] as a very orthodox No 9 role.” Having won the final 42 international appearances back in 2018, there is every chance that Welbeck could be on the plane to the World Cup if he can maintain his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English performer in England's top division this term having six and remains anxious to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's uneven start. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team last year following five difficult years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, operating on the left flank due to the injury of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? Having scored twice, he's also their joint-top scorer in the league together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker in the last term, has bagged one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four fixtures feature three from the leading five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals this season this season. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
The occasion for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. The coach's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the league contest from their current spot, plus a dramatic upturn in results, and the possibility emerges as seven from their following ten league games versus sides currently in the lower half in the league. The risk is clear from Nottingham Forest, the single club to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and counterattacks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level in a month following a muscle issue during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in Europe triumph abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match against Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup playoffs. A caution in that match would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient