Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a fresh clash
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton prior to the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a cross toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The previous occasion Garnacho faced Walker? During the youngster netted for United during their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
The winger key to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire rumour-mill focus amid a alleged £65m release clause for his possible January departure, the media positioning him for advancement from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable for a attacker who has a half-dozen strikes plus three helpers and remains pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his team occupy an difficult situation, experiencing a form flip: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive on successive wins, whereas Bournemouth have lost seven-one combined in their last two fixtures following an strong beginning to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss by Aston Villa however confronting a defensive unit lacking a goalless game for months may prove the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a left-field option for the Three Lions
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without having met him, I understand what he can provide,” commented the England manager. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a very traditional centre-forward role.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's quite plausible 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 striker has additional strikes compared to any English performer in the Premier League this term on six and remains keen to boost that count when Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of warmth to Fulham's inconsistent start. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club recently after five challenging years in north London, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank in the absence of the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has scored one goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon is also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who provided 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches feature three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine goals this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have built a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
5. Time for Isak to produce for Liverpool
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies on the day as they fell to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The manager's squad require a prolonged upturn to muscle into the championship chase from their current spot, along with a major boost in performance, and the possibility arises with seven of their following ten Premier League matches versus sides presently in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a defeat on their own turf on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's performance when facing long balls and quick transitions that is under the spotlight. The moment has come for Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The big-money forward has been absent for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second start in quick succession in continental competition win abroad. The striker came back off the bench during Sweden's defeat to Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber against Slovenia to secure his fitness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking on Tuesday would have ruled him out. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
