Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this matchday
Garnacho versus Walker set for another clash
A Mancunian rematch might be on the cards when the Clarets' Kyle Walker confronts Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The winger has started to settle at Stamford Bridge following his summer move from Old Trafford and demonstrated his abilities in the Wolves match before the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto combined blistering pace with a perfect low cross. His contribution for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a delivery toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, replicating his earlier hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a indication of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the youngster found the net for United in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.
Burnley versus Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (start times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full rumour-mill attention amid a reported £65m buyout clause for his prospective mid-season move, the media preparing him for advancement from the Premier League's average tier. This is understandable for a winger with six finishes and three setups and remains delightful to watch. Nonetheless, Bournemouth are in an awkward spot, having engaged in a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in on back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost seven-one on aggregate over their last two fixtures after an promising beginning to the campaign. Semenyo had his effort saved on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the four-nil loss by Aston Villa yet facing a defensive unit without a shutout for months may prove the ideal solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside shout for England
It proved intriguing to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion throughout the national team window although the Brighton striker reaches 35 next week. “Even without being familiar with him, I know what he is able to provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] as a quite orthodox striker position.” Earning the last of his 42 international appearances several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck might be on the plane to the World Cup provided he can continue his goal-getting performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this season on six and will be eager to boost that tally when Brighton entertain Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as playmaker and finisher
The Ryan Sessegnon tale has offered some comfort to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who returned to his youth team recently after five tough years with Spurs, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he is their leading marksman this season alongside Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for the long term because of hamstring surgery. Sessegnon is also having to step up as a creator instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' following four matches feature three of the best five and Crystal Palace, who have allowed only nine scores in the Premier League to date. A threat emerges for a side that have developed a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday 3pm
5. Time for Isak to produce for the Reds
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to their seventh loss in 10 games. Arne Slot's side must have a consistent improvement to force their way into the title race from their current spot, along with a significant boost in performance, and the possibility emerges with seven out of their next 10 Premier League matches against teams at the moment in the bottom ten in the league. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the sole side to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool the previous campaign, but it is not only Liverpool's performance against direct play and fast breaks that is in focus. It is time for Alexander Isak to deliver for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent in domestic action over four weeks after picking up a groin problem during his second appearance in the lineup over a short period in the Champions League win abroad. Isak returned as a substitute in Sweden's defeat by Switzerland but missed the subsequent dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his fitness for the upcoming World Cup playoffs. A yellow card on Tuesday could have suspended him. He might be short of|lacking|deficient
