Premier division: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Walker faces Garnacho ready for a new clash
Another northwest showdown might be in store as Burnley's Kyle Walker confronts the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho in Lancashire. The wide man is adapting well at Stamford Bridge following his close-season transfer from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match before the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto blended electric speed and a flawless grounded ball. His build-up for Malo Gusto required shifting infield prior to chipping a delivery to the back post. His celebration with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a indication of the pace with which things transform. The last time Garnacho encountered Walker? Back when the former scored for United during their Wembley triumph against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12:30 PM (all times GMT)
2. Semenyo crucial to halting Bournemouth's slump
Antoine Semenyo is getting the entire gossip column attention amid a reported £65m release clause for a prospective mid-season move, the tabloids positioning him for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is understandable from a winger who has six goals plus three setups who is pleasurable to watch. However, his side are in an tricky spot, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who come in with back-to-back victories, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten 7-1 on aggregate in their last two games following an promising beginning to the season. Semenyo was denied from the spot by Emi Martínez during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa however taking on a defence without a goalless game for months may prove the perfect remedy.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon 3:00 PM
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for the national team
It seemed interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel name-drop Danny Welbeck multiple times during the fixture pause although the Brighton striker celebrates 35 next week. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to offer me,” said the England coach. “He could serve as a stand-in for Harry [Kane] playing a quite orthodox striker position.” Earning the most recent of his 42 international appearances back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck may be on the plane to the World Cup provided he manages to continue his goal-getting feats. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim a greater tally compared to any English player in the Premier League this term on six and is eager to increase that total as Brighton welcome Brentford this weekend.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon 3pm
4. Sessegnon needed as creator and finisher
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has provided some positivity to Fulham's uneven opening. The left-sided player, who rejoined his youth team last year following five tough years in north London, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left with the injured Antonee Robinson. The concern? Having scored twice, he remains their joint-top scorer this season as well as Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their leading man last season, has scored a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also being required to contribute in a creative role instead of Robinson, who registered ten helpers in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four matches feature three among the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in merely nine goals in the Premier League so far. Danger looms for the club that have built a name for consistency in the middle.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The dispute surrounding Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike in the match with Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's shortcomings during the match as they fell to loss number seven in ten matches. The coach's side must have a consistent improvement to muscle into the league contest from this position, along with a major improvement in form, and opportunity presents itself with seven of their following ten top-flight fixtures against sides at the moment in the bottom half in the standings. The threat is clear posed by Nottingham Forest, the only team to hand a defeat on their own turf to Liverpool last season, however it's not just Liverpool's display against long balls and fast breaks that will be under scrutiny. It is time for Alexander Isak to show up for Liverpool. The £125m striker has not played for his club over four weeks having sustained a groin injury while his second appearance in the lineup in four days in Europe win at Eintracht Frankfurt. The striker came back from the bench during Sweden's reverse by Switzerland but was rested Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to guarantee his readiness for next year's World Cup qualifiers. A booking in that match would have ruled him out. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
