Premier League: ten highlights to keep an eye on this round of fixtures
1. Garnacho and Walker ready for another clash
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards as the Clarets' Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho on Burnley's turf. The wide man is finding his feet with Chelsea after his summer move from the Red Devils and displayed his skills in the Wolves match prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended blistering pace with a ideal along-the-deck delivery. His build-up for Malo Gusto required cutting inside prior to dinking a ball to the back post. His goal reaction with Neto, mirroring his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, served as a testament of the speed at which situations evolve. The most recent instance Garnacho took on Walker? When the Argentine found the net for United during their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley vs Chelsea, Saturday half past twelve (kick-offs GMT)
Antoine Semenyo crucial to halting Cherries' slide
Antoine Semenyo is receiving the entire transfer speculation focus following a claimed £65m release clause for his potential winter exit, the gossip columns setting him up for graduation from the Premier League's mid-table ranks. It is to be expected from a wide player with six goals plus three setups who is delightful to watch. However, Bournemouth are in an difficult spot, having engaged in a role reversal: now it's the bottom-half team West Ham who enter with successive wins, while Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one over two games over their past two games following an promising opening to the campaign. Semenyo was denied from the penalty spot by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa but confronting a backline that hasn't kept a clean sheet since August could be the perfect solution.
Bournemouth vs West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck an outside shout for the national team
It was interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel mention Danny Welbeck multiple times throughout the fixture pause although the Brighton forward turns 35 in the coming days. “Without even knowing him, I am aware what he can provide,” said the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] playing a very orthodox striker role.” Gaining the most recent of his 42 caps back in 2018, it's entirely possible that Welbeck could be in the squad for the World Cup if he is able to sustain his goalscoring performances. Once of Manchester United and Arsenal attacker has more goals than any other English performer in the Premier League this season having six and remains keen to add to that count when Brighton welcome Brentford on Saturday.
Brighton versus Brentford, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
4. Sessegnon required as assist provider and finisher
Sessegnon's story has offered a degree of positivity to Fulham's inconsistent beginning. The 25-year-old, who rejoined his former side last year following five difficult years in north London, is now a regular starter, pushing forward on the left flank in the absence of the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? On two goals, he's also their leading marksman in the league as well as Harry Wilson. Raúl Jiménez, their primary attacker the previous campaign, has netted a single goal while Rodrigo Muniz is out until 2026 due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role replacing Robinson, who provided ten setups in the previous campaign. The Cottagers' next four games include three from the best five plus Crystal Palace, who have let in only nine strikes in the Premier League this season. Danger looms for a side that have developed a standing for solidity in the central positions.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for Alexander Isak to deliver for the Merseyside club
The debate surrounding Virgil van Dijk's chalked-off effort against Manchester City could not hide Liverpool's deficiencies in that game as they fell to their seventh loss over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's squad require a sustained recovery to enter the title race from this position, plus a major boost in performance, and a chance arises with seven out of their next 10 league games against teams currently in the bottom ten in the standings. The threat is obvious from Nottingham Forest, the only team to inflict a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, yet it isn't solely Liverpool's display when facing aerial passes and fast breaks that is under the spotlight. Now is the occasion that Alexander Isak to perform wearing red. The expensive signing has been absent at club level for a month following a muscle issue when making his second start in quick succession in Europe victory abroad. He reappeared off the bench in Sweden's loss to Switzerland but missed the midweek dead rubber against Slovenia to guarantee his fitness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game might have made him ineligible. He might be short of|lacking|deficient