Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
Walker faces Garnacho set for another encounter
Another northwest showdown could be in the offing when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger is finding his feet in west London after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities versus Wolverhampton prior to the international break. His assist for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration and a flawless along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right prior to lofting a delivery across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine netted for United in the cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to stopping Cherries' decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill attention following a claimed £65m release clause for his potential mid-season move, the gossip columns setting him up for promotion out of the Premier League's average tier. It is understandable from a wide player with a half-dozen strikes plus three setups and remains delightful to watch. Still, his side occupy an difficult spot, experiencing a role reversal: it is the struggling side West Ham who enter with consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth are down seven to one combined in their previous two fixtures after an impressive start to the season. Semenyo had his effort saved from the spot by Emi Martínez during the four-nil loss to Aston Villa yet facing a backline lacking a goalless game since August might be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday three o'clock
3. Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton attacker turns 35 next week. “Without even having met him, I know what he is able to provide,” stated the England boss. “He might act as a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very traditional centre-forward position.” Gaining the final 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck could be selected to the World Cup provided he can sustain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim additional strikes compared to any English footballer in the top flight this term with six and remains anxious to boost that total when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon crucial as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of positivity to Fulham's bumpy start. The 25-year-old, who returned to his youth team recently following five difficult years with Spurs, is now a regular starter, driving down the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman this season as well as Harry Wilson. The Mexican striker, their top scorer the previous campaign, has scored once while Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also having to step up as a creator replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups last season. The Cottagers' following four games take in three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed just nine strikes this season to date. Danger looms for a team that have earned a standing for consistency in the middle.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to deliver for the Merseyside club
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal against Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they succumbed to loss number seven over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad must have a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a significant upturn in results, and opportunity arises with seven out of their following ten league games against clubs presently in the lower half in the standings. The risk is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display against long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to deliver wearing red. The expensive signing has not featured for his club in a month following a groin injury when making his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in continental competition win at Eintracht Frankfurt. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss against Switzerland but sat out the midweek inconsequential game with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for the World Cup knockout rounds. A booking in that match could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
