Premier League: ten highlights to look out for this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for a new clash
A Mancunian rematch may be in the offing when the Clarets' Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The attacker has started to settle in west London following his off-season signing from the Red Devils and showcased his abilities versus Wolverhampton before the national team interval. His assist for Pedro Neto mixed rapid acceleration with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside before chipping a ball to the back post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his prior hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a indication of the pace with which circumstances change. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? During the youngster netted for United during their cup final win against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to halting Bournemouth's slide
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete rumour-mill attention amid a claimed £65m escape clause for his prospective mid-season move, the gossip columns preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's middle class. That is understandable for a winger with a half-dozen strikes and three setups and is joyous to watch. Still, Bournemouth occupy an difficult situation, having undergone a form flip: now it's the struggling side West Ham who come in with consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth are down seven to one on aggregate in their past two games after an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa however confronting a backline that hasn't kept a shutout since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck an outside option for the Three Lions
It proved notable to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck on more than one occasion during the international break even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he could give me,” stated the England manager. “He might act as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] as a quite traditional striker role.” Earning the final 42 caps in 2018, it's quite plausible that Welbeck could be on the plane for the World Cup assuming he is able to continue his goalscoring feats. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker has a greater tally over every other English footballer in England's top division this campaign having six and is eager to add to that count as Brighton welcome Brentford in Saturday's match.
Brighton against Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has brought a measure of comfort to Fulham's inconsistent start. The former Tottenham man, who came back to his former side last year after five difficult years in north London, has become a first-team fixture, driving down the left flank in the absence of the injured Antonee Robinson. The issue? On two goals, he remains their leading marksman in the league together with Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their leading man in the last term, has bagged a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured for an extended period owing to a surgical procedure. Sessegnon must also needing to deliver as an assist provider replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' upcoming four games include three of the best five as well as Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine strikes this season this season. Danger looms for the club that have developed a reputation for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
The moment for The striker to produce for the Reds
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort versus Manchester City did not camouflage Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. The coach's squad require a sustained recovery to force their way into the championship chase from their current spot, plus a major improvement in form, and a chance arises with seven of their upcoming ten top-flight fixtures facing sides presently in the bottom half in the league. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a home league defeat on the champions last season, however it's not just Liverpool's performance versus long balls and counterattacks that is under the spotlight. It is time that Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has been absent in domestic action in a month after picking up a groin problem while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in continental competition triumph in Germany. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match against Slovenia to ensure his availability for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A yellow card on Tuesday would have ruled him out. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
