Premier League: ten highlights to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker poised for a fresh battle
Another northwest showdown might be on the cards as Burnley's Kyle Walker lines up against the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The winger has started to settle with Chelsea after his off-season signing from Manchester United and displayed his talents in the Wolves match prior to the fixture pause. His setup for Pedro Neto mixed electric speed and a flawless low cross. His creation for Malo Gusto entailed moving onto his right before dinking a ball toward the far post. His joyous moment with Neto, mirroring his earlier embrace with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, was a reminder of how quickly things transform. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? During the youngster found the net for United in their Wembley triumph over Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday afternoon 12.30pm (all times GMT)
Antoine Semenyo key to stopping Bournemouth's decline
Antoine Semenyo is getting the full gossip column attention amid a claimed £65m release clause for his prospective January departure, the tabloids setting him up for promotion from the Premier League's average tier. That is understandable from a wide player who has a half-dozen strikes and three assists and is pleasurable to watch. Nonetheless, his side occupy an tricky position, experiencing a body swap: it is the struggling side West Ham who arrive with back-to-back victories, while Bournemouth have lost 7-1 over two games over their last two fixtures after an strong opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez during the heavy loss to Aston Villa but confronting a defensive unit that hasn't kept a goalless game for months might be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth against West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Danny Welbeck a surprise option for the Three Lions
It was notable to listen to Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck repeatedly throughout the national team window despite the fact that the Brighton striker celebrates 35 soon. “Without even knowing him, I understand what he could provide,” said the England boss. “He might act as a back-up for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker position.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 international appearances several years ago, it's entirely possible that Welbeck might be selected to the World Cup assuming he can continue his goalscoring performances. The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker boasts a greater tally over every other English player in England's top division this campaign having six and will be anxious to add to that tally as Brighton entertain Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday three o'clock
Ryan Sessegnon needed as creator and goalscorer
The narrative around Ryan Sessegnon has brought some warmth to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The former Tottenham man, who rejoined his youth team recently following five difficult years with Spurs, is now a first-team fixture, pushing forward on the left side with the sidelined Antonee Robinson. The worry? With two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has bagged one goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is injured until 2026 due to a surgical procedure. Additionally, Sessegnon being required to contribute as a creator replacing Robinson, who supplied ten helpers last time round. The Cottagers' next four fixtures take in three among the best five and Crystal Palace, who have conceded just nine goals in the league this season. A threat emerges for the club that have earned a standing for mid-table stability.
Fulham versus Sunderland, Saturday three o'clock
The occasion for Alexander Isak to produce for Liverpool
The controversy surrounding Virgil van Dijk's disallowed goal versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they lost to their seventh loss in 10 games. The manager's team require a sustained recovery to enter the title race from here, along with a dramatic improvement in form, and opportunity emerges with seven out of their following ten top-flight fixtures against clubs currently in the bottom ten of the table. The risk is evident from Nottingham Forest, the single club to inflict a home league defeat to the title holders last season, but it is not only Liverpool's showing when facing direct play and quick transitions that remains under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform for Liverpool. The big-money forward has been absent for his club over four weeks after picking up a muscle issue when making his second consecutive start in quick succession in continental competition victory abroad. Isak returned off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but sat out Tuesday's dead rubber with Slovenia to ensure his availability for the World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card on Tuesday would have suspended him. The striker could be short of|lacking|deficient
