Premier division: ten highlights to keep an eye on this matchday
1. Garnacho and Walker poised for another clash
A Manchester reunion could be in store as the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man is finding his feet at Stamford Bridge after his close-season transfer from Old Trafford and demonstrated his skills versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His key pass for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto involved cutting inside before chipping a ball across the goalmouth. His joyous moment with Neto, echoing his prior celebration with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The last time Garnacho faced Walker? Back when the youngster netted for United in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday afternoon half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
2. Semenyo key to ending Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the full rumour-mill treatment following a reported £65m release clause for his possible mid-season move, the media preparing him for promotion out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is understandable for a wide player with six goals and three helpers and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side find themselves in an tricky spot, having engaged in a body swap: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter on consecutive triumphs, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one combined over their past two fixtures after an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in their four-nil loss to Aston Villa however facing a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game for months could be the best tonic.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside choice for England
It proved interesting to listen to Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the national team window even though the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I understand what he could give me,” said the England manager. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker role.” Having won the last of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck might be selected for the World Cup if he manages to sustain his scoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal attacker boasts more goals over every other English performer in the top flight this season having six and remains keen to increase that total as Brighton host Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3pm
Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and scorer
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has provided a degree of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who returned to his former side last year following five tough years with Spurs, has become a regular starter, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their top goalscorer in the league alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man last season, has scored one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is out for the long term because of a hamstring operation. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who provided ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games feature three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have let in just nine goals in the Premier League this season. Trouble awaits for the club that have built a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham against Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
5. Time for The striker to produce for the Reds
The dispute regarding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings in that game as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from this position, plus a significant improvement in form, and a chance presents itself as seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against sides presently in the bottom ten in the league. The danger is clear from Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a home league defeat to the title holders last season, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's showing versus long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up in a Liverpool shirt. The big-money forward has not featured for his club for a month having sustained a groin injury while his second start over a short period in Europe win abroad. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but was rested the subsequent inconsequential game with Slovenia to secure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A caution in that match might have made him ineligible. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
