Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch might be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The attacker is finding his feet in west London after his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto combined electric speed with a perfect along-the-deck delivery. His contribution for Malo Gusto involved shifting infield prior to lofting a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, replicating his prior embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United in the Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
The winger key to stopping Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation attention due to a alleged £65m buyout clause for a prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. That is to be expected for a wide player with six goals and three setups and is pleasurable to watch. Still, his team are in an difficult position, experiencing a role reversal: it is the relegation battlers West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth are down 7-1 on aggregate over their previous two games following an strong start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the spot by Emi Martínez in the heavy loss to Aston Villa but facing a backline that hasn't kept a shutout for months might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Danny Welbeck a surprise choice for England
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause despite the fact that the Brighton forward turns 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I know what he is able to give me,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very conventional No 9 position.” Having won the final 42 caps in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he manages to maintain his goalscoring exploits. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal forward has more goals than any other English player in the top flight this season with six and will be eager to boost that total as Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The full-back crucial as assist provider and scorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought a degree of warmth to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his youth team last year after five challenging years at Tottenham, is now a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their top goalscorer in the league as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their primary attacker last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for an extended period owing to a hamstring operation. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute as an assist provider instead of Robinson, who supplied ten setups in the previous campaign. Fulham's following four matches include three among the top five and Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
The moment for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven over ten fixtures. The coach's side require a prolonged upturn to enter the title race from this position, as well as a significant boost in performance, and a chance emerges as seven out of their next 10 league games facing sides presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is evident posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing aerial passes and quick transitions that remains in focus. The moment has come that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The big-money forward has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup in four days in the Champions League win abroad. The striker came back as a substitute during Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent meaningless match versus Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A caution during the game would have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
